Fort Benning AMU, Fort Bragg, USMC, and US Navy SEALs all do R&D on rifles and loads. They have selected different rifles, but all settled on RL-15 for the 7.62x51mm.
MuleDeer didn't name the Army binocular he disliked, but I assume he is talking about the Steiner 8x30 Miliary Marine. I happen to like it for its intended purpose. It is light, and because it does not require refocusing for various ranges, it is easy to lift out of a pocket and use with one hand for a quick look by a platoon leader. The Steiner 7x50 is used for more serious observation by infantry and armor.
The hippies didn't invent the term "appropriate technology".
