[SHOT 2024] Strike Industries Next Generation Squad Weapon Cable Management System

@Kinetics I am going to disagree.
First, the 1-8 smart LPVO basically justifies the 6.8x51mm. XM157 may be expensive but it’s what makes the difference between M14’s failure and possible success.

Second, with force on force on the menu, IR/ visible laser/light though still in place loose ground as the other guy are going to see them too. So night fighting will probably shift more passive. Using NVG and Thermal on the scope. Vortex stated they were working to make a thermal device module for XM157 as a future upgrade.
Legacy optics I don’t think are going away at least not yet it’s just that they will probably remain on M4A1. As the M4A1 weapon returns to its PDW role it should shift to smaller sight's, lighter smaller ancc and upgrades to make it better suited to Personal Defense.

Third, the Army’s stated aim seems to be following the same game plan here the Marines did with M27 establishing a common configuration of the rifles. Rather than the piecemeal approach of the past. Take the M27 for example it started as the IAR then that same configuration became the infantry rifle. A grip pod and a Acog with PEQ. Then with a LPVO in place of the Acog it became the M38 but once the Marines adopted the VCOG they basically standardized the configuration across the infantry rifle squad. From auto gunner to DMR the same scope, same accessories same everything. Basically a package deal.

White lights are a thing I will agree. And that may be part of what is going to come next. I just doubt a conventional PEQ will be sported on issued XM7 or XM250. Perhaps if the USMC joined in on NGSW okay, as they would likely be putting together their own pics of optic and accessories.

finally, yes. Yet then again look back to the turn of the millennium vs today. Back in 1999. The only Soldiers with optics on their rifles in the U.S. military were SOCOM. By 06 it was hard not to see an optic on a combat rifle.