In today's world, technology is constantly changing and evolving, and at the forefront of technological innovation is the United States Army. The US military has made great strides in satellites, GPS, aerospace engineering, marine exploration and, of course, weaponry. In recent years a major gun manufacturer named Heckler and Koch began designing and testing a new rifle that would send the military standard M4 into retirement. The proposed weapon is the H&K XM8. This rifle is more versatile, more reliable and designed to better suit the soldiers who carry it than the military standard M4 and for this reason the XM8 will help save lives. The XM8 is one of the most versatile weapons ever created. The That's not all, the XM8 is also capable of under-barrel accessories such as the XM320 40mm grenade launcher and the XM26 modular light rifle system that can be added in the field without tools. The XM8 allows these kicks to be swapped; the standard multi-position folding version, an optional butt cap for portability, or a sniper stock with an adjustable cheek rest (Military Gear Spotlight: XM-8 rifle). By allowing for different kicks, the XM8 is able to offer maximum comfort and performance for various situations. Feeling uncomfortable in a stressful situation is distracting, just like having a rock stuck in your shoe or a piece of food stuck between your teeth, only now the weapon that is your first line of protection is what distracts you and puts your life in danger. The % 40sessionmgr113&vid=7&hid=112>."LEAVE THE TRIGGER GROUP ALONE." PS: Monthly preventative maintenance. October 2005: 18. Web. 14 May 14.< http://ezproxy.wnc.edu:2312/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=e8a16477-59f6-4978- 98b2- f7773ede5fcb%40sessionmgr113&vid=12&hid=112 >." Military." XM8 light carbine. Np, nd Web. May 10, 2014. “Military Equipment Spotlight: XM-8 Rifle.” Military Equipment Spotlight: XM-8 Rifle. Np, nd Web. 10 May 2014. “U.S. Army OICW Program Review.” Np, nd Web. 05 May 2014. .