What is going to replace the M16 assault rifle?

Answer 1

The US Army has jurisdiction over land warfare; when the USA decides, the public will know.

Currently, the century old argument(s) are still being fielded; large caliber verses small caliber, high velocity verses slower (but bigger bullets) velocity, accuracy verses spraying lots of bullets, etc.

These debates have been going on since the 45-70 Springfield was adapted in 1873, then replaced by the .30 caliber bullet fired from the 30-40 Krag in the 1890's.

These debates hit their apex during the Viet War when the Secretary of Defense (McNamara) switched to .22 caliber bullets REPLACING .30 caliber bullets for the whole free world (read NATO).

So as you can see, the US has gone from a 45 caliber RIFLE slug to a .22 (.223) caliber RIFLE slug. Now...they want to go back up again!

To throw a "monkey wrench" into the debate, the Germans have been experimenting (for a long time now) with CASELESS ammo. Caseless lessens the weight that infantrymen must deal with, plus adds firepower...plus a less of a drain on some precious metals...copper & brass. It's already happened with the tank gun ammunition. In Vietnam the M551 Sheridan light tank (officially designated the Armored Airborne Reconnaissance Assault Vehicle) fired completely caseless 152mm main gun ammo. Today's M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank fires semi-caseless 120mm main gun ammo (only the back cap pops out after firing). It's only a matter of time until technology catches up to small arms (the infantrymen's weapons).

Addendum: The US/NATO allies already had a 98% solution to their woes back in 1967; when the .308 cartridge (7.62mm NATO) was in general service. The .223 (5.56mm NATO) was ORIGINALLY intended to be for the "M16 Jungle Rifle"...to be used ONLY in the Vietnam War...then other similar hot spots as they developed. The M14 (for the US) would be retained by the rest of the services. But...somebody fell in love with the Mattel rifle/Black rifle/Toy rifle/Star Trek rifle...bottom line it was "futuristic" and that's what really won it over. Now...half a century later this young generation is thinking..."Gee, we need a bigger bullet!" In 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, this POINT was already argued over! Somebody is "re-inventing the wheel!" (An old Army saying, meaning; WASTING TIME!").

Learn from history, and quit repeating mistakes!