Modern Soldier Based Weapons
XM8

	Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt Overall length: 838 mm in basic configuration, butt extended Barrel length: 318 mm in basic configuration; also 229 mm in Compact and 508 mm in Sharpshooter and SAW versions Weight: 2.659 kg empty in basic configuration Rate of fire: ~ 750 rounds per minute Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (STANAG) or 100-rounds double drum in Automatic Rifle/SAW role Modern Firearms

They say this thing will be the next replacement for the M16. If you watch the movies you get the impression this is a well thought out design. The best way in my opinion to tell if a design is well thought out is to look at long term operation and how easy it is going to be to keep the mechanism working even under duress. This system makes replacing parts a snap. If two weapons are damaged in different areas, odds are they can be assembled into one working rifle. There is more here. This system has already been combat tested in a limited capacity and will be standard issue in about 2006

XM29

	The XM-29 is a combination weapon, which has the 20mm semi-automatic, magazine fed grenade launcher as its primary part, and the 5.56mm compact assault rifle as its secondary part. Both parts are assembled into the single one-man portable unit, with the addition of the target acquisition / fire control system (TA/FCS), which is an essential part of the whole system. The XM-29 will become an integral part of the future Land Warrior system, capable of communicating with the other parts of this system, including the tactical computers and helmet-mounted displays. Modern Firearms

This is the one after that. The military is testing explosive rounds that will allow soldiers to program where the round will explode.  Call me crazy, but the optic site on this gun looks way to far back. It seems to me the site should be moved toward the front of the weapon a bit. Read more here, here, and here. This thing is basically a source programmable, light weight, precision, sniper grenade launcher with a range of half a mile. The user / soldier will be able to program the range at witch the projectile is to explode, program it to explode on impact, or set it to detonate just beyond a window, or thin wall. Look for these to hit a battlefield near you in 2008

What's Next?
It won't be long before our soldiers look like the Borg, oh, and are part of a collective. That thing is called the Future Force Warrior System (FFW).

FFW is designed to provide ten-fold increase in lethality and survivability of the infantry platoon. Such dramatic increase will be achieved by enhanced situational awareness, precise and effective firepower and netted communications, far better than current standards for tactical communications. Individual dismounted soldiers will get direct access to network-centric information and access any relevant service required and made available for their mission. Another key issue resulting from this process, is to lighten the soldier’s load. From over 100 pounds currently carried by combat soldiers, to around 45 pounds. Defense Update

FFW will be implemented in stages starting with the weapons above and systems already in place, like GPS guided mortar shells. Look for something sifi-ish by 2010.