[MikefromOhio]

I think most grunts would happily hump a couple extra pounds if means having an effective weapon.

Our Troops aren't doing very many marches in Iraq, however, that might matter more in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan.

[EricT.]

Our Troops aren't doing very many marches in Iraq, however, that might matter more in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan.

Thank you for your input. I will always take the word of someone who has first hand experience over armchair theoriticians like myself.

My own experience was on a Pacific island during Desert Storm, guarding a weapons facility. I was issued the M14, then that was replaced by the M16A1. I personally preferred the M14, but maybe because it didn't feel like shooting a BB gun. That darn M16 was such a girlie-gun.