Who'll stop the rain?

12 Oct 07

From a friend just returned from the AUSA Show in DC. Yes another indication of the wrong direction in which Western military thinking is currently directed:

"... just returned from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibit in DC.

On display was an 'Advanced Combat Helmet,' which includes a ' mandibular-protection' feature. It protects the soldier's lower jaw while still allowing him to shoot from prone. It also features a visor that replaces goggles.

Seasoned NCOs who saw the helmet all commented positively its frightening/intimidating look. Conversely, O5/O6 staff officers were horrified that the helmet's look was 'too intimidating!' They were concernedthat it might frighten people and went on to point out that it would never be adopted, just for that reason.

It became rapidly apparent to me that NCOs universally understood the concept of winning the fight, while staff officers understood only PR, accounting, and 'career-management.'"

Comment: "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most quicklypick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened."

Churchill

/John