Most Special Forces groups such as SAS, Marine Force Recon, SEALs, Green Berets, Israeli special forces, etc. jumped on the AR-15 for it's customability, i mean you can do anything with that thing,
The USAF adopted the AR15/M16 first to replace theM1/M2/M3 carbine series, USASF followed them issuing limited numbers to ODA advisory teams in Vietnam, by all accounts SF was not impressed with the M16 until the bugs were worked out mid to late 1960's.
As far Recon as late as 1969 still fielding teams with M3's and M14's and Marine Rifle Companies also fought adopting the M16.
The SEALS did not adopt the M16 readily favoring instead the Stoner 63 LMG/Rifle System.
Most Commonwealth troops (Aussies, Kiwi's etc) first adopted the M16 in a carbine role when it was adopted the main battle rifle being the L1A1 Brits too.
the M4 is for more close quarters combat and is prefered by some troops in Iraq and Afghanistan because of urban and house to house fighting.
The M4 is pretty much maligned in A'stan do to the increased distances on engagement.
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