15Oct04

Comments on the current state of our military bureaucracy, from a friend in the system:

"I just returned from a large base in MO. The meeting there was to discuss protection from chemical and biological weapons. As you know, the US military no longer stocks offensive chemical or biological weapons, but defense against this stuff is still a great concern.

I was stunned at the difference between people who purport to patronize this mysterious, futuristic "warfighter" about whom we've all heard (but never seen) and those who are actually participating in genuine fighting, right now. I met at least twenty dancing marionettes from different 'support groups,' Navy and Army, who incessantly gushed about how there were planning the next generation of wonder gear. There were testing, and testing, and evaluating , then testing some more. The only conclusion of which they seem capable was that we need more tests!

Between briefings, I talked with just as many true Warriors who desperately wanted working gear, in the field, now, and they didn't care where it came from or who took credit for it! Most had been deployed to the Mideast at least once (10th Mountain, 101st, USMC, MEI, and some NAG units) and were about to go over for their second or third time. They pleaded with this collection of 'planners,' insisting that we do not have five to seven years to wait for the next generation of wonder gear. They openly asked why we can't use what is commercially available now, but outside DOD. Case in point: currently deployed NBC detection equipment does not enjoy the confidence of anyone. Special Operations Command, et al thumb their collective noses at the current directive to stay within the DOD system. 'Regular' service units, unfortunately, are stuck.

The Army is hopelessly enthralled with the 'joint programs' concept that procures everything for all branches. Interminable delays in actually fielding new equipment seems to escape the notice, much less the concern, of 'planners.' Marines take the biggest beating as they have the fewest budget dollars and hence the least influence.

'Planners' want the new XML-8 rifle in 6.8 mm, with an integral, proximity-fused grenade launcher. Warriors want Cor-Bon DPX ammunition for existing M16s/M-4s, now.

'Planners' want yet another new pistol, this one with rails, lasers, adjustable grips, ad nauseum. Warriors want magazines that actually work in existing M-9 pistols, now.

This is the way it must have been during the Vietnam Campaign in the 1960's , eh?"

Comment: If we can't aggressively field working equipment now, when do we think, in our wildest fantasies, we will ever be able to. Flexibility, daring, audacity, and the ability and willingness to more forward swiftly marks a victorious army. Stilted, uninspired armies, lead by those more interesting in keeping their jobs than doing their jobs, ever flounder, no matter how big or self-assured.

/John