choose for the average US footsoldier and why?
longarm - G36. I think the .223 is good for all but long ranges where the squad level weapons (or arty, air support) could take over. Prefer the gas operating system to the AR direct blowback and the XM8 isn't in service yet. 7.62 would probably be too much for the average soldier.
sidearm - USP or USP compact if they wanted to keep the requirement for manual safety lever. If AP is a requirement, probably 9mm would be fine still. Otherwise, I feel that .40 offers a decent step up in power, while still being small enough for medium sized hands. I think the USP would be superior to the M9 in almost every way. Don't feel that the 1911 would be good for the avg. GI.
cheers
longarm - G36. I think the .223 is good for all but long ranges where the squad level weapons (or arty, air support) could take over. Prefer the gas operating system to the AR direct blowback and the XM8 isn't in service yet. 7.62 would probably be too much for the average soldier.
sidearm - USP or USP compact if they wanted to keep the requirement for manual safety lever. If AP is a requirement, probably 9mm would be fine still. Otherwise, I feel that .40 offers a decent step up in power, while still being small enough for medium sized hands. I think the USP would be superior to the M9 in almost every way. Don't feel that the 1911 would be good for the avg. GI.
cheers