Tech. Sgt. Kyle Luthman shoots an M4 carbine during the 3rd Annual Andrew Sullens State Marksmanship Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, March 11, 2016. Air National Guard photo/Tech. Sgt. Amber Williams
Business Insider: The Marines have their eyes on a new rifle, but the Army says it's forging ahead with a totally new, next-generation weapon
* The Army and Marine Corps have both been working on new small-arms programs for years.
* The Marine Corps will distribute the M27 more widely, but the Army says it's moving ahead with plans for a new rifle.
* The Army is also bringing its modernization programs under one roof to streamline development.
The Army and the Marine Corps have both been looking for new small arms, and while the Marines have decided to give the M27 to a wider portion of the force, the Army says it will forge ahead with the development of a totally new, next-generation rifle.
The Army ditched plans for a interim replacement for the M16/M4 platform in November, announcing that it would direct funds dedicated to that effort to the development of the Next Generation Squad Weapon, which will be the permanent replacement for the current rifle platform.
The program will now proceed in two phases, senior Army officers told a Senate Armed Services subcommittee this week. Lt. Gen. John Murray, Army deputy chief of staff, G-8, said the first step will be acquiring the 7.62 mm Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle.
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WNU Editor: This has been ongoing for years. But if I was to go into battle, even though it is heavier, I would stick with the platform that uses 7.62 rounds.
