CONUS T2K Infantry Team Weapons

[schnickelfritz]

Something occured to me in that perhaps it may be beneficial to have a rifleman or two per infatry squad for CONUS campaigns equipped with a semi or full auto long rifle, like a M1 Garand or M14. My thought is that in rural areas where people actually know how to shoot well and learned on a 30 caliber class rifle (.30-06, .308, .300 Win Mag, etc), an infantry squad equipped soley with .223/5.56 weapons may be at a disadvantage. I've read stories over the years of the Soviets being at such a disadvantage versus Afghans using Lee Enfields in the 80's.

I would think that having a couple of guys who could shoot well (marksman or sharpshooter rated, not snipers) may give you an advantage over certain types of oposition (New American forces especially) and be at less of a disadvantage versus marauders/hostiles with hunting rifles.

With rare exception, I would think fire discipline would be a way of life except in dire emergencies in 2000 AD for infantrymen.

M1 garands to this day are still available due to their reliability and the sheer numbers produced and can be had in both .30-06 and .308/7.62N. M14's would be nicer (more due to magazine capacity, ease of scope fitment, and the whole Garand *PING* ejection than any full auto capability), but may not be as available at times, depending on the area.

Any thoughts?