[Jeff Higgins]

I don't think there has ever been a period during my lifetime that some sort of program(s) similar to these were not being conducted. It very much seems to be an ongoing state of affairs.

I first saw caseless ammunition demonstrated probably 40 years ago. I'm not sure it will ever come to fruition. The stuff is just too fragile in too many different ways, from the obvious handling issues to weather and temperature related issues. The brass (or steel) case is just some remarkably robust architecture, able to withstand the kind of abuse to which ammunition is subject on the battlefield. Caseless ammo just cannot match it.