Yep. It was supposed to replace the M1 Garand, M1/2 Carbine, the BAR and the M3 Grease Gun. All it did eventually, IMO, was replace the M1 Garand with a higher capacity magazine, after most had the select fire option restricted.

It was too big (and fired a full power cartridge rather than an intermediate one) to replace the Carbine for support personnel and crew served weapons personnel. It could replace the BAR in a beefed up version (the M15, which was never really accepted and was equaled in performance by a standard M14 with a pistol grip for more controlability), And it was too big and too powerful to replace the M3 subgun for close quarters combat.

IMHO, Vietnam basically killed the M14 rifle. It was just too big and too unwieldy for jungle fighting. The wood stocks had to be replaced with fiberglass because the heat and humidity had negative effects on them. And the rate of fire in the semi-auto mode wasn't ideal. If instead of Vietnam, the US military had been in combat in a European environment or even a desert environment where the  M14's capabilities were better suited, I think the M14 would have lasted longer as standard issue than it did. Just my 2 cents.

On balance, the M14 is and was a good rifle and pleasant to shoot, especially in semi auto. It was just wrong for the war we got into.YMMV.

Harvey