Army Unit Gets New Weapons

[Defender]

I read in a recent issue of Military Times newspaper that a brigade in the 101st just got the new replacements for the M-4 and M-249.  The XM7 is the Army’s replacement for the M4 while the XM250 will replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Both new weapons are chambered in 6.8mm.  Both sound like awesome weapons.

[1gewehr]

Rifles costing 3 times as much as the M4/M16, and ammo costing 4 times as much as 5.56mm M855.  And we're seeing ammo shortages now as woke military budgets get spent on climate and diversity.  All to achieve better armor penetration and range.  Basically, recreating performance of the .30-06 AP.

[Wheelgunner]

Given the ballistics, I can understand the value of the XM250 as compared to a 249.  It's harder for me to understand moving regular infantry units from a 6.5 lbs M4 over to the 10 lbs XM7 - and even more so an Air Assault unit like the 101st.  Like with a macinegun, a fire team or designated marksman is one thing, but the whole unit?

Light infantry actually has an important role, and when you're on a patrol, extra weight is the enemy.