Army picks SIG to produce Next Generation Squad Weapon

[Alpha-17]

How is this an improvement on that? At best, this would mimic that, assuming 240s and SAWs disappear at the same time this is fielded.IMG_6569.jpeg

It actually is a substantial improvement. WWII logistics included the necessity to provide the same cartridge in 3-4 types of packing (boxed/Springfield clipped, Garand clipped, and belted), as well as two others for large scale use, right down to the squad level. Once this program is successful, it should result in one cartridge in 2-3 types of packing (boxed/clipped, and belted), and then 9mm for pistol use at the infantry squad level. For POGs, 5.56 would be needed, but small arms expenditure wouldn't be as high. Even if non-Infantry guys in combat units like Medics will likely stick with their M4s, they aren't going to be the guys doing mag dumps, so we're still not the same level as WWII/Korea-era squads with M1 Garands, M1 Carbines, BARs, 1919s, Thompsons, and Grease Guns all down at the platoon all throwing lead.

So we would have the same number of calibers, but in a far more streamlined ratio with reduced packaging requirements.. That seems to me to be a substantial improvement, and not too dissimilar from what we have now/have had.