There is a need for the military to do something. The newer short barreled weapons takes a round that was just ok at best to the realm of being a poor performer.
I've talked to people who have the experience and since Somolia there has been grumbling of the newer rifles performance. IMHO the M-16 was and still is a far from a great combat weapon. The 6.5 swede or something in that vein would be the proper choice for a new round IMHO.