From CGI's Bullwinkle:

The AK could use about 4 more inches on the barrel for more velocity and it would have less of a muzzle flash. An integral scope mounting rail would help. the sheet metal action cover is too flimsy. The long magazine makes it difficult to get close to the ground when necessary. Nothing can beat it for reliability.

It is difficult but not impossible to get close to the ground with the magazine. I do not want to be close to the enemy and my poorer eye site is helped with a low power scope. A mounted laser site or dot site would help immensely for close work and the power of the AK47 round is much more powerful than other sub machine guns. The M-4 with its shorter barrel has lost a lot of its power. (what little it had) The ranges in the deserts of the mid-East are too far for the .223 to be accurate or effective. In the past the military was taught to hit a target at 600 yards with the M-1. You could even range your target using the width of the front sight against the target.) This, or the M-14 would be a more effective weapon in Afghanistan. First the military needs to be taught marksmanship.

I must add. The best weapon is the one in your hand at the time needed.