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"The XM8 would cost less and operate far longer without being lubricated or cleaned than the M4 could, Heckler & Koch promised." We heard that shit about the M-16 when it first came out too. Then the Army changed the specs so that the barrels didn't have a chrome lining and changed the powder used in the ammo. Guess what? US soldiers died because the rifle that was fielded wasn't as designed originally, nor as tested. We should learn a lesson from that one. Further, NO foreign procurement on this one. Made and manufactured here in the USA. 100% of it. We just cannot afford to be beholden to another government for our primary weapons.
I own an AR and know several guys who have carried the M-16 and M-4 in Iraq. Keep it clean and it works fine. And yes there is a place for heavier arms like 7.62 caliber. One size does not fit all.
Personally, I'd say let's test field a change in the upper with a 6.5mm round and a different gas system. Try it before we buy in quantity.

The site of manufacture is important. I agree with that. But the country of origin for the design or company is less important in my book.

All the Marine Corps’ M16A4s are made by FN, a Belgian company, in South Carolina.

To me, the most important factor is that our troops get the best weapon available.

That hasn’t happened since our GIs went to war with M1 Garands in 1942.

Made and manufactured here in the USA. 100% of it. We just cannot afford to be beholden to another government for our primary weapons.

HK and FN both have subsidiaries in the US. The guns will be made in the US.