After a day of running around and controlling the rifle with one hand part of the time, the appeal of short carbines becomes compelling. Optics negate the reduction of the iron sight radius. Muzzle velocity does drop some but not enough to make a difference up close. Pity these aren’t importable to the US and restricted when manufactured domestically.
The full amount of gear worn is enough to make a small 5.56mm rifle a desirable alternative to the 7.62 MBR — and this guy’s kit doesn’t even include armor!