The M4 rifle platform was developed back in the Vietnam jungle fighting days. It allows for moderate range shooting and carrying a lot more .223 cal ammunition by soldiers versus the AK-47 style platforms based on the heavier 7.62mm ammunition.
As reported here, there are questions in Afganistan whether the M4 platform is still the right one for longer range fire fights.
If you compare ballistics curves for the .223 and 7.62, you can see a greater falloff at longer range for the .223 cal bullet. But in many ways, the M4 rifle is far superior to the AK-47, especially at the shorter ranges. And the optics used on the M4 platform are really advanced.
It will be interesting to watch how the US Military adapts to the different terrain and environment of Afganistan.
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