08-26-2014, 11:47 AM
LRRPF52 Wrote:The real problem will be for whatever poor allies we have that end up with surplus ACU's. It's like fluorescent grey. There had to be somebody working for the enemy in the adoption of that colossal abortion of a pattern.
Multicam was already around then, and proved to be better than high vis grey, but they went with hi vis grey anyway.
When you factor in the costs of gear, multiple sets of uniforms per soldier, it can get out of hand quickly.
1,105,301 Active, National Guard, and Reserve soldiers...
x 4 issue uniforms @ $60 per set of trousers and blouse = $66,318,060
IOTV body armor cover in new camo pattern, $385 per for just half the force = $425,540,885
ACH helmet covers = $5,000,000
Patrol Caps = $17,000,000
MC Gore tex ECWS jackets = $149,000,000
MC Gore tex ECWCS pants = $82,500,000
MC Poncho = $33,000,000
MC Poncho Liner = $33,000,000
MC Molle Vest = $81,500,000
MC Canteen Molle Pouches = $66,000,000
MC M4/M16 mag pouches = $120,000,000
MC Utility Pouches = $33,500,000
MC SAW Pouches = $40,400,000
MC Compass/First Aid/Grenade pouches = $20,000,000
Looks like we hit over a billion so far easily, and I haven't even thrown in rucksacks or assault packs yet. This would be phased in over several years, not overnight.
LR52:
However. The uniforms are purchased by the Joe's unless they are in SF or the Rangers.
And, the other stuff is issued and returned to be re-issued.
And, unless something has changed, some of these items are probably not issued to someone who isn't Combat Arms.
I believe we are at the end of the capabilities of a kinetic energy weapon unless something very dramatic happens in terms of propellant. A propellant that takes up half the space, gives twice the velocity with half the pressure. Then you will see a new carbine / rifle.
LR55