Sir, This is truly one of those debates without end. It’s like arguing over the merits of a 63 Corvette and a 2014 model. Yes, I would rather have the 63 but the 2014 is a far superior automobile.
I usually agree with anything Gen Scales writes but I must disagree with this article.
I’ve spent many years carrying the M16 and M4 carbine. I enlisted in 1974 and retired in 2008. Upon retirement, I was asked to go with the Marine Brigade into Afghanistan and spent the next four years as the Training Advisor to the Commanding General, Regional Command South West.
The M16 I carried in 1974 is NOT the M16A4 carried today as the Service Rifle for the USMC. As the Division Gunner, Infantry Weapons Officer, 2nd Marine Division, my job was to advise the Commanding General on training and employment of Infantry Weapons. I can say with complete confidence; I have not seen a single report of a M16A4 Service Rifle failure in Combat! Nor is there ANY evidence that the 5.56 does not meet the requirements of the Ground Combat Forces.
Weapons Systems are replaced when and if deficiencies are uncovered or a superior system capability is developed and a need identified.
Although much talk, amongst gun enthusiast, indicate that the 5.56 does not meet the capabilities required by the Combat Ground Forces, I have seen no evidence this is true. I’m not saying that a larger caliber projectile would not surpass the wounding/killing capability of the 5.56. What I am saying is that neither the US Army or the Marines show any data that indicates the 5.56 is not meeting the requirements of the Ground Combat Element.
There is absolutely no comparison in the M16A4/M4 and the AK series weapons. I’ve spent six years training Iraqi and Afghan Soldiers, armed with all variations of the AK systems. I’ve never met a single Iraqi Solder, Afghan Soldier and certainty no American who would give up their M16A4/M4 for a AK series weapon. Anyone who says they would prefer an AK over the M16A4 has never participated in a comparison shoot-off on a live fire range. My Marines would do this demonstration routinely and the results were laughable. The only area that an AK could even compete is reliability. Yes, the AK is very reliable but no more so than the M16A4.
Ok guys; my 2 Cents!
Terry L Walker
Marine Gunner
CWO5
USMC Retired
Please read #48 and comment if you feel like it.