They also got the math wrong, because 30mm is more than double 12.7. But most of our allies call it 12.7mm and I suspect this reporter is from Europe in the first place.
So. IF I as an American solder out in the desert get ambushed with the crew I tell my buddy “damn! Get up on that Twelve Point Seven! instead of “get on the Fifty!”......
I agree with the others (7.62, and even the 5.65.... and for the others that are 1” and larger) but not for the 50.
I think there is too much heritage to throw away for that one.