Some others have also brought up this issue: http://defense-and-freedom.blogspot.com/2010/06/small-arms-calibre-discusson-tony.html (and links) http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/08/a-summary-of-infantry-rifle-caliber-discussions-and-relevant-wound-ballistics/ http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/TuesdayLandmarkBHaysParks.pdf http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/WednesdayLandmarkBAnthonyWilliams.pdf
Solomon, the article points out that NATO followed the US after it unilaterally adopted 5.56 and 7.62.
And since the US and UK (and others) are all fighting in the same situation, the same issues are bound to arise. There has been a great deal of equipment standardisation between allies due to this conflict highlighting what works and what doesn't and seeing the kit of others in action.
And what Asian nations are currently in combat situations? And from that list, who is using 5.56 and against what enemy.
As the article points out, 5.56 is good in some situations, it's just that it isn't the one faced a lot of the time in Afghanistan.
A very interesting piece. But kind of irrelevant discussion-wise for the UK since, as the article points out, NATO will follow the USA.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't you think the debate would be going on in Europe? We do occasionally shoot things too.
i can't be sure but i believe the US followed NATO to the 5.56
ReplyDeletethe reason i'm surprised is because i wasn't aware that any nations outside of the US were concerned with the performance of the 5.56.
no Asian nation is talking about it.
Some others have also brought up this issue:
ReplyDeletehttp://defense-and-freedom.blogspot.com/2010/06/small-arms-calibre-discusson-tony.html (and links)
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/08/a-summary-of-infantry-rifle-caliber-discussions-and-relevant-wound-ballistics/
http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/TuesdayLandmarkBHaysParks.pdf
http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/WednesdayLandmarkBAnthonyWilliams.pdf
Also, check out the breakout sessions at this conference (small arms):
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/2010armament.html
Solomon, the article points out that NATO followed the US after it unilaterally adopted 5.56 and 7.62.
ReplyDeleteAnd since the US and UK (and others) are all fighting in the same situation, the same issues are bound to arise. There has been a great deal of equipment standardisation between allies due to this conflict highlighting what works and what doesn't and seeing the kit of others in action.
And what Asian nations are currently in combat situations? And from that list, who is using 5.56 and against what enemy.
As the article points out, 5.56 is good in some situations, it's just that it isn't the one faced a lot of the time in Afghanistan.