How much longer is the m16 going to be the standard issue battle rifle for the US Army?

Answer 1

The USA is still experimenting with new infantry rifles. The M-16 assault rifle, although originally purchased for and by the USAF in the early 1960's, was accepted by the USA, then the USMC for original use in Vietnam. The .223 cartridge (5.56mm NATO) was originally a hunting cartridge used for varmits (ground squirrels, coyotes, bobcats (before Bobcats were designated a game animal), etc.). The standard USA cartridge had always been 40 caliber or larger in the 19th century (1800's), with 45-70 being the standard. In the 1890's the USA transitioned to 30 caliber (30-40 Krag); from 1898 thru the Vietnam War USA cartridges remained standard at 30 caliber (30-06 Springfield, 30-06 M-1 Garand, .308 (7.62mm NATO) M-14 service rifle). The varmit cartridge in .223 (a .22 caliber bullet) was adopted for "jungle warfare" usage in Vietnam for two reasons: 1. Smaller cartridges allowed MORE cartridges to be carried by the infantryman. Hence, more firepower. 2. Smaller cartridges, such as the .223 (5.56mm) allowed a FASTER rate of fire with easier control for the rifleman. The trade-off was, the varmit cartridge (.223) didn't have the longer flight (range) of a .30 caliber bullet (M-14 rifle) nor the hitting power of a .30 caliber bullet. But the USA and everybody else (civilians, police, marines, air force, etc.) wanted that fast rate of fire that was easily controlled...thus the smaller calibers have become a favorite in the "shooting world." But this post Vietnam generation of shooters (military, law enforcement, civilians, etc.) have forgotten the original reason for the M-16..."jungle warfare"...SPRAY and PRAY. Originally, the USA catergorized the M-16 as a jungle rifle for issue to US troops in Vietnam ONLY, US troops stationed in the United States, South Korea, Germany (Europe) retained the M-14 service rifle (.308/7.62mm NATO) as general issue; until around 1970, when the M-16 phased in to replace it. The full automatic (rock in roll) craze took effect, and everybody had to have it. Now they're finding in Iraq/Afghanistan/etc. that the .223 doesn't have the knock down that the .30 caliber bullets have. Why should they be discovering that now? The M-16 was a "jungle warfare" rifle issued for combat in Vietnam...Grandfathers have forgotten to tell their grandsons that! The Vietnam War, fought with M-16 assault rifle was the FIRST TIME (and it appears the last time, since they've been modified to short round bursts since Vietnam) in world history that an army was fielded in which every single fighting man (soldiers and marines) were armed with a FULLY AUTOMATIC rifle.

Answer 2

It could be for several years to come. There is no marked replacement date, and rumours about the HK416 being adopted as a replacement are unsubstantiated entirely.