Bill,
I've put time behind the M-16A1 and put down what I hit.
I did also have the pleasure of being issued a M-21 and it was like stepping up to a real rifle!
Each platoon still had a M-67 90mm for anti-armor/bunker busting too.
But not a single shotgun.
I've taken hit's from 7.62x39 and 7.62nato.
That hit from the FAL got me a 100% medical discharge and a limp.
I too think that are troops should have access to at minimum of 2-shotguns per squad.
That and a Designated-Marksman Rifle(semi-auto 7.62)to accuire and destroy soft targets at ranges outside the capabilities of the 5.56mm.
With sidearms,if it has come to the point you need to draw a handgun(not some "sneak&peak")a better platform for the 9mm would be in order or better yet,just issue the 45acp(it aint broke so why was it fixed?)
With the world climate NATO is about as important as SEATO,so just make platforms in calibers like we did with the Garand.
If we make it,we issue it and then other countries will buy it and issue it.
Mike
