[jpsb]

Paradyn change in infantry tactics during Vietnam War, Fire power vrs marksmanship. Fire power keeps the bad guys heads down so you can flank (ground or air) and kill them. The tactics worked well in Vietnam with a not professional infantry.

In Aftganistand it appears we need to return to the older infantry tactic of hitting what you shoot at. Which makes my old M14 a very good weapon to use. Does not put out the fire power the M16 does but it is very accurate at 500-600 yards maybe even 900 yards.

[centurion316]

I take your point, and its a good one. The vast majority of engagements still occur at ranges of about 150-300 meters, so current 5.56mm rifles are more than adequate for that role. Designated marksmen and snipers need a different weapon, the 7.62 accurized and with match grade ammunition fills that role.

I believe that most infantrymen serving in Afghanistan would say that weight is their biggest problem. They have even more kit to carry than we did in Vietnam.