i think a change would do us some good... no point indulging in
tunnel vision over the m16... it has served us well and its time to
move on.
i really didn't like the m16 when i was in the service... its
seriously TOO LONG! your experience with the carbine probably left
u with a much better impression of the m16 and its variants.
i hated having to lug that sickening weapon out to field. and as a
SecCom, my load isn't very light... i have to take care of my map,
my NVG, misc equipment in a SecCom bag, a signal set, a rather
awkward headset (which nobody places around his head 
) and the LAD and
its awkward wire attachments strung all over my weapon. AND I
TRUDGE! i don't have the luxury of an amoured vehicle like you
just imagine all that weight PLUS the old MILES set when u go for
ATEC... eh... no fun...
the SAR21, with its integrated LAD is a welcomed innovation to me.
u don't have the awkward weight pressing down on your barrel when u
fire, u don't have to worry about the stoopid thing and all its
sickening attachments getting caught in the vegetation and getting
lost out field, and all that nonsense.
an AA sized batt really doesn't weigh a lot... considering that i
always had around 10 in my SBO alone as spares for my signal set
and some 9v batteries when on ATEC. i wouldn't mind carrying a bit
more weight if i can keep my mind off the apprehension of losing
flimsily attached equipment. (one AA battery as opposed to losing 1
LAD take your pick
)
and its shorter length makes it A LOT easier to handle... it
doesn't get caught in vegetation that much cos u can hold it close
to your body when u bash and the barrel won't stick out too much, u
can sling it while carrying stuff with both hands and it won't dig
in the dirt or get caught onto foliage that much.
PLASTIC means u won't have to worry about cleaning it too much too
can u imagine
carrying an old m16 out field for 3-5 days and having to de-rust it
when u return to camp 
(don't even mention the SAW... we used to cuss non stop about the
lousy rust protection...)
so i think as forward looking soldiers, we ought to keep an open
mind... if everyone was too sentimental, we'ld still be lugging Lee
Enfield 303
