[BushMeister]

Why would someone assume that the U.S. armed forces are not going to see real battlefield engagements going forward? Just because we are now primarily engaging in urban warfare, in which we are primarily responding to attacks, this will not always be the case.

M-4s, properly lubed, should get us through near-term CQB situations. As far as a "next generation" replacement, the OICW seems to be far from perfect. It is heavy, bulky, and armed with a 10" barrel firing 5.56mm that will greatly reduce range, accuracy and terminal ballistic performance. The OICW's 20mm top-exploding projectile has yet to prove its utility, particularly in urban CQB.

[AngryJawa]

Silly question:

Why is it that we don't add / mix in a few dedicated M14 (or equal)and 12 ga. shotgun carriers amongst the M4's and SAW's within a platoon?

Seems to me that it would help expand long range and close-in capabilities.