It was corrected by issuing cleaning kits and instructions to the troops for regular maintenance , chrome lining the barrel, and limiting the fully auto M16 to only a 3 round burst, and semi-auto of course. I can't comment on the M4 because I know nothing about it, other than the reports like this. But I can see where continuous high rates of fire can cause malfunctions and jams, combined with a dusty environment.
Is the M4 fully automatic, or is limited to 3 round bursts?
If fully auto, what is the cyclic rate of fire?
What is the "average"(if there's any such thing) distance of target acquisition and engagement in rural areas?
Is the M4 adequate for long distance shooting?
The M16 replaced the M14 because of the environment of Viet Nam. It was lighter, and more suited to jungle fighting environments. Afghanistan isn't Viet Nam because it has open terrain, just to mention one.
Different environmental factors may justify the rethinking of the requirements of a battle rifle for Afghanistan perhaps better suited to open terrain, dry and a dusty environment.
Unfortunately, I cannot offer a solution, other than to issue proven battle rifles like the M14 to counter malfunction issues. And I'm not sure that would be suitable for the troopies because the M14 weighs 9.5 pounds(or close to it) and the M4 weighs considerably less(the M16 weighed 6.5lbs).
But what I can say is that if the malfunction problems persist, there is no better demoralizing factor than a jammed gun in the middle of a firefight. God Bless our American Troops.
