Oh, I know why they did it. I was on AD when they started fielding the M16A2 and the M249 SAW (yes, I'm that freaking old!!). I remember a test they did comparing units who were equipped with the M16A1s (82nd) vs ones with the M16A2s (USMC) in MOUT operations (room clearing, etc.). Despite the slower times iposted by units equipped with the A2s, the Army elected to adopt it anyway. I was also involved in testing various optics on M16A2s whose carrying handles were cut off and Weaver bases installed in the Spring of '85.
I remember when they implemented the old "Division 86" concept and when the "Light Infantry Divisions" (with heavier rucks) were being stood up. I was the unfortunate victim of the LWCM "concept" that took a Mortar Platoon from 3 x 81-mm Mortar Squads and an FDC Section that had 4 vehicles to a "Mortar Section" consisting of 2 NCOs, 2 Mortar "Teams" made up of 2 EMs and the M224 60-mm LWCM and all the other crap that came with them. Plus, we lost all our vehicles to boot!!
I hated jumping all that crap (I regularly jumped the bipod, both large and small baseplates, the sight, the aiming poles, TA-1 telephone, plus all the other crap that came in my Arctic Survival Ruck).
I just have never been able to comprehend the stupidity of the concept.
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