Units with stupid weapon choices

[Wrana]

Originally Posted by Ynglaur

Rifles can be surprisingly well balanced when it comes to bayonets. Then newer M4 carbines aren't that great, especially when you throw on combat optics, laser sights, flashlights, etc., much less a grenade launcher (M203). But even the now-venerable M16 can have a good combination of blunt and edged attacks, and can be surprisingly nimble.

The problem in trenches in terms of hand-to-hand combat is definitely one of lack of space. I, too, think the Agarthans' use of short swords makes a lot of sense thematically.

Agree, at least in case of Russian ones!
Actually, long rifles of WWI were well balanced - but they WERE long. And this was an advantage in open field hand-to-hand, but disadvantage in trenches (and after advent of machineguns, the prime reason for their long barrels also lost its necessity - Russian/Soviet army made its primary rifle a shorter "cavalry" version by the time of WWII). Actually, I think that the change from needle bayonets to bladed ones may also be due to that fact rather than humanitarian reasons often quoted...