Considerations on the Evolution of War

[stanc]

The biggest obstacle is changing calibers of the most prolific small arms, which are 5.56-based carbines and rifles currently in the system. The assumption is that such a change is necessary, which is one that I can't agree with.

However, the published CLAWS program goals indicate that the US Army is considering such a change. And PEO Soldier is quoted as wanting 800-meter engagement capability.

I still have yet to see someone openly state, then support how it makes sense for the following duty positions to be equipped with a weapon capable of 1000m+ effective range, with reduced basic load capacity, increased weight, and increased recoil:

* Platoon Leader
* Platoon Sergeant
* Platoon RTO
<snip>
* Everyone in the Company HQ, to include the CO, 1SG, Company RTO's, XO, Supply, Medics, drivers....do they all need 1000m capable rifles or carbines?

No. But, consider these questions:

Do the noted personnel need greater basic load than would be had with a GPC?

More importantly, should the decision on whether or not to equip infantry riflemen and machine gunners with GPC weapons be made on the basis of what caliber is best for the other duty positions you listed?

Nobody is going to offer an argument to equip all these guys with 6.5mm 1000m-capable weapons, because it's a really bad idea, yet that is what adopting a "GPC" means.

Not exactly. The GPC provides 1000-meter capability really only to the machine gunner. For the DM, it's maybe 800 meters, at best. And for riflemen, 600-800 meters, depending on who you ask.