Quote:
Originally Posted by cjhalbrooks
I am kind of surprised these are really going to be issued. With the draw down and budget cuts i wonder who will get fired of this bulk buy. There are tons of firearms that have been made for the military that are just too expensive to build, issue, and even use. The Army has created a firearm that shoots lasers, yet it cost too much to issue to soldiers. I wonder if this will be like every other new smart weapons system, as in soldiers will not be able to fire it at a range do to the cost of the round. I THINK that the round will cost to much for the government to truly issue this weapon system to soldiers who really truly needed it.
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$25.00 per round or call in an air strike.
Flying time for a 4-ship of vipers (F-16s) or Hornets (F-18s) is a tad pricier. Plus the air-to-air refueling to get them there. 3.5 hours flying time just to get the tanker in-country from Al Dhafra, UAE. Plus flying time, air refueling, and crew costs for Airborne AWACS radar coverage. FAC (forward air controllers) on the ground lazing the target and calling in the strike. I'm 100% w/ you on bloated over-extended military programs. But this one looks to be a real cost saver. And puts the weapon right in the hands of the rifleman so he can determine the fate of the battle instead of relying on good for nothing Air Force pilots!!!!!