Next Generation Squad Weapon: Lethality & Reliability are Paramount
.By Matt DiRisioMarch 19, 2022
Mcdevitt
Ukraine sets the scene, but Korea is the real guide. Lethality & reliability are paramount.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine puts the possibility of peer-level conflict front and center for the U.S. Army. But as the service develops the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) to replace current legacy systems – the M4 carbine and M249 squad automatic weapon – it’s Korea’s lessons of grueling, large-scale infantry combat that leaders must keep firmly in mind. At the bare minimum, the NGSW must increase lethality, reliability, and range over Army’s current small arms. The Army should also be careful, as it has a long history of developing potential replacements to their legacy small arms that never entered production.
Korea: a case study
26 November 1950: in the hills above Korea’s Chosin Reservoir, the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon of the 31st Regimental Combat Team was ambushed by large elements of the People’s Liberation Army, ordered across the Yalu River by Chairman Mao. A small contingent of Americans confronted hordes of Chinese soldiers in quilted khaki jackets firing Russian-made submachine guns. Every member of the platoon was killed or captured, and thus began the tragedy of Task Force Faith: the 31st Regimental Combat Team would be completely destroyed during its attempted withdrawal.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2022/03/19/next_generation_squad_weapon_lethality_and_reliability_are_paramount_822623.html
