Army picks SIG to produce Next Generation Squad Weapon

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Another company of the 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division received their XM7s this past Monday.

On the plus side, Acquisition Corps has delivered a new X-rifle with scope.

On the other -- still no battle doctrine change; no field manual; troops and NCOs have no hands-on or training materials at OSUT, Drill Sergeant and NCO Academy, Small Arms Master Gunner Course, or the USAMU; ranges may or may not be safe-suitable.

SIG scope software is ballistically-matched for the new hybrid steel-head brass case. There is no second ballistic set for conventional brass-case training and admin ammo.

on the optimistic side, training publications improved greatly around 2016 and 2019, compared to the materials we used for like 3 decades or more. But, you’re right, as usual, and publication/software/training support will be needed, and I don’t think enough consideration has gone into that, by the right people. It’s just not as shiny or fun.

I appreciate this post as I have zero experience on MGs beyond the flat range and have never discussed this topic with someone who does, though I know it exists.

Thanks; I’m glad you found it useful.

Fully agree, but that's too complex for much of the force. Much easier to buy something new and shiny by throwing around some buzz words.

For sure. The sort of high-fidelity training that the force would benefit most from just doesn’t brief as well as the sort of training or buying that isn’t as beneficial sometimes. We need a cultural change.