Change Appears Imminent For Marine Switch To M4 Carbine

Marine Corps leaders have recommended that infantrymen be universally equipped with the M4 carbine instead of the M16 rifle that has had that role since the Vietnam War, reports the Marine Corps Times.

The recommendation must still be approved by the commandant.

The Army has already implemented a similar shift.

Most infantrymen believed the M16A4 was too long and unwieldy for effective close-quarters battle in Iraq or vehicle-borne operations in Afghanistan. In general,...