Will this be the new pistol for the Army?

I prefer Captain Kirk's pistol . . .

I love the .45 especially my Colt Combat Commander 1911 A1 Series 80. I have the same pistol in a 9mm on the 45 frame. It is rare due to the fact Colt only made it a few years. For ranges up to 30 yards, I love the .45 but for carry, I prefer and use the Taurus Millienium 40 cal. I also like the Glocks and M&P in both 9 mm and .40 caliber. I have shot them at paper plates with good groupings up to 75 yards. I always try to own weapons that is standard Nato issue, hence I own a 9mm and a Rutger .223 Rancher which the manual states will also shoot the 5.56. As far as what the Military will use, I suggest no lower caliber than the .40 caliber. Let's face it, most pistols used in combat will be used at very close ranges so a .45 still would be perfect for the job. The berretta looks like a fine weapon and in .40 caliber I am sure it would perform well. But like SGT Jim Zajc says who knows? With this PC government they may want to issue .22 long rifle autos so the bullet won't do as much damage, lol

I don't understand the need for a safety.

PO2 Robert Cuminale For those who use and train with guns on a regular basis, there is no "need" for an external safety. For those who don't use them regularly, an external safety, is a precaution "worth the extra step."

Keep in mind that Pistols, as a class are treated as Defensive weapons (Secondary) in the US military. They are NOT primary nor Offensive weapons for most specialties beyond LEO types. Those who end up using them, in general, receive far too little training, in comparison to rifle users.

It's not that we couldn't field weapons without external safeties. It's that weapons without external safeties would be a liability for the "majority of the force."

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS - You may remember a discussion a while back on allowing recruiting personnel to carry a sidearm? Do you remember at least one Commissioned Officer said that he wouldn't issue a sidearm to any of his people because too many of them were on Paxil. I'm not sure a safety would do them any good.
I take training and safety seriously. The wife and I go to the range at least every two months whether we're here or in Emerald Isle. Flatwood outfitters is a good range the next time you're near Jacksonville.

PO2 Robert Cuminale I know. I'm speaking of the "force en masse" though, specifically in regards to this, not my personal opinion regarding the issue. What's good for the "micro" doesn't make sense for the "macro."

Great choice. I have all the M&P's in 40 cal. The wife likes her M&P Shield in 9mm. I was looking at the new M&P with the ports and other special designs the other day. At $900 it will be a while before I can buy one of those. I don't know anyone who has one yet so I can't borrow it and try it.
The shield is OK in Summer clothes but a light weight. Better than nothing though.
I tried a Beretta but I am unimpressed. I think I'll stick with my M&P's.
The 40 Cal. is a good weight round. Lighter and cheaper than a 45 Cal. and seems to be very effective. I've never gotten romantic about the 1911 probably because I remember it as being as heavy as a boat anchor and many of the service 1911's were worn out and needed to be replaced.

Now, now, SGT Bryon Sergent! New minds... fresh ideas!

I LOVE my striker-fire M&P .45 ACP. With a 6lb trigger pull, "ya gotta wanna" in order to put a round downrange. Rides cocked and locked and real safe!

my 1911 rides locked and cocked and has a safe and rides safe also. Keeps the Cherry(dumb) privates and officers(sorry) from the negligent discharges!!

To point, there was an officer that went to a clearing barrel I was around. He cleared leather, went to the barrel, pulled the slide back, looked in the chamber, dropped the slide, pulled the trigger, BLAM! in the barrel. well scarred the S$&t out of all of us. He then freaked out, pulled the slide to the rear, seen the round come out, dropped the slide, pulled the trigger, BLAM! well several of us at the same time DROP THE MAG OUT SIR! Really don't need a scared lower enlisted clearing leather and popping one off also!
NO DISRESPECT MEANT. That actually happened, I wasn't and NCO then.