Coffee Break: Armed Madhouse – The M7 Rifle: Another Dubious Defense Decision

The Army’s new M7 rifle and 6.8mm cartridge deliver greater range and armor penetration, but at the cost of heavier ammunition, reduced magazine capacity and increased soldier burden. The larger question is not whether the M7 is a better rifle, but whether optimizing some weapon capabilities improves the combat effectiveness of the infantry squad. The M7 offers a revealing case study in a recurring procurement problem: destructive simplification of requirements.