While the Air Force is often maligned for its reliance on technology, it is far from the only service to do so.  US Navy vessels boast some of the most advanced technology in the world on several fronts, and the US Army is no slacker either.  A recent report noted that Special Forces will soon be fielding the XM-25.

The XM-25 is a 25mm projectile rifle that uses a computed sight to determine the range to the target; it then programs the projectile to airburst above the target, killing the hidden enemy with shrapnel.  It is essentially an “indirect” fire, anti-defilade weapon — precisely the kind that would be very useful in firefights in Afghanistan.

The benefits (as well as challenges and costs) of this and other weapons are discussed at the Army Times.

No one wants their sons in combat.  But if they’re going to be there, they deserve the training and equipment to do their job.