As the U.S. Army transitions to the XM7 rifle under the Next Generation Squad Weapon program, Captain Braden Trent’s critical assessment raises concerns about its suitability for modern combat.
At a Glance
- Capt. Braden Trent criticizes the XM7 rifle as “tactically outdated” and unsuitable for modern combat
- Soldiers report issues with the XM7’s weight, magazine capacity, and durability
- The Army and SIG Sauer defend the XM7’s performance and reliability
- The XM7 features a 6.8mm round designed to penetrate advanced body armor
- The XM7 is set to replace the M4A1 in the Army’s arsenal
Officer’s Critique Sparks Debate
Captain Braden Trent, an active-duty Army infantry officer, has publicly criticized the XM7 rifle, calling it “tactically outdated” and unfit for standard infantry use. His critique stems from a months-long, independent evaluation involving more than 150 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team “Bastogne,” the first unit issued the XM7.
Their feedback, compiled in a 52-page report, revealed dissatisfaction with the rifle’s smaller 20-round magazine—significantly less than the M4A1’s 30 rounds—raising concerns over quicker ammunition depletion in combat. Soldiers also reported the XM7’s additional weight and bulk compromised maneuverability on long missions.
Watch a report: Is The Army’s XM7 Unfit For Service? – YouTube.
Questions Over Durability and Design
Beyond weight and capacity concerns, Trent’s report raised alarm over early barrel wear after firing approximately 2,000 rounds. Visible damage near the muzzle and gas block suggested potential long-term durability issues. The rifle’s charging handle was also criticized for requiring a full rearward pull, which could slow down reloading under pressure.
In one training scenario, Trent’s platoon reportedly expended their ammunition in just ten minutes of suppressive fire—fueling doubts about the XM7’s capacity for sustained engagement. He argued that the weapon may be better suited as a designated marksman rifle rather than as a frontline service weapon.
Army and Manufacturer Push Back
Despite the critique, the Army maintains strong support for the XM7. A spokesperson from the Program Executive Office Soldier described the weapon as offering “unmatched lethality,” emphasizing that soldier feedback is being used to refine its design and function.
SIG Sauer, the XM7’s manufacturer, also dismissed the criticisms. Jason St. John, senior director at SIG, called the allegations “patently false,” asserting that the rifle is “not only safe, but it performs at the highest levels” during military evaluations.
Technological Leap or Tactical Misstep?
The XM7 fires a powerful 6.8mm round, developed to pierce advanced enemy body armor and increase effective range—capabilities hailed as game-changing by Army planners. The rifle is a central part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program and is expected to replace the M4A1 across combat units in the coming years.
Still, the debate over its field readiness persists. The Marine Corps University has praised Trent’s report as a valuable contribution to military dialogue, highlighting the importance of balancing technological innovation with practical utility on the battlefield.
The Road Ahead
Capt. Trent has clarified that his intent is not to derail procurement, but to offer unclassified, constructive feedback to improve decision-making for Army leaders and soldiers alike. His findings underscore the complex intersection of design, logistics, and field application—especially when lives depend on each trigger pull.
As more data and soldier feedback emerge, the XM7’s fate will likely shape the broader future of infantry weaponry for a new era of warfare.
