May 28,2008: At the recent International Infantry & Joint Services Small Arms Systems Symposium, attended by senior U.S. infantry officers, as well as top executives from manufacturers of military rifles and accessories, there was a general call for a competition to see if the current M-4 (5.56mm) assault rifle was the best weapon for the job. SOCOM has already selected another 5.56mm weapon (SCAR) to replace its M-16s and M-4s. The president of Colt (a retired U.S. Marine Corps general), the manufacturer of the M-4, pointed out the lack of complaints from the troops, and high ratings in user surveys. But the consensus seemed to be for a comprehensive competition to settle the issue once and for all. Since September 11, 2001, there have been growing calls to reconsider the type of assault rifle, and ammo, used by American troops.