Apparently the Americans have been working on a new toy for quite sometime. They are scheduled to replace the M-16 with the OICW within the next two or four years. Are we falling behind? This weapon has the capability of a 20 mm (programable) delayed explosive round along with the standard 5.56 mm. Take a look at it, it's quite interesting.

http://popularmechanics.com/popmech/sci/9809STMIP.html

While the concept of a mobile 'grendier' operator is not new (a la M203) the idea of having everyone on the squad/section/platoon to have the option is excellent. The problems of the logistical battle load are complex as well. For every 6 round 20mm magazine you will carry, you lose the equivalent weight of 3 x 30 round 5.56mm magazines. Given that the standard battle load for most american infanteers is 6 mags 5.56 loaded and 120 rds on clips stored, this is a massive reduction in close combat capability for the option of 20mm HE (blast radius is less that 1.5 meters fatal to 5 meters fragmentation). Ever use the M40 'golf ball' grenades? It's less effective than that.

Just my .02 cents worth

Place your faith in the tools of war but be prepared, trained and motivated to close with and destroy the enemy with maximum force and aggression. Anything less and you will be defeated.