Question about COTS equipment...

[Justaclerk]

This article (Army to Field New Pack for Afghan Ops (http://www.military.com/news/article/army-to-field-new-pack-for-afghan-ops.html?ESRC=dod.nl)) from Military.com sparked my curiousity particularly in light of the increase in force strength in A-stan in the coming months.

Here's the question: are commands (Big Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force) giving their subordinate leaders wide latitude in procuring COTS equipment ahead of deployments?

I don't think this is an issue within the Special Operations community, but may be a budget breaker (i.e. too much of a risk for management) for conventional forces.

[RGR.Montcalm]

This article (Army to Field New Pack for Afghan Ops (http://www.military.com/news/article/army-to-field-new-pack-for-afghan-ops.html?ESRC=dod.nl)) from Military.com sparked my curiousity particularly in light of the increase in force strength in A-stan in the coming months.

Here's the question: are commands (Big Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force) giving their subordinate leaders wide latitude in procuring COTS equipment ahead of deployments?

I don't think this is an issue within the Special Operations community, but may be a budget breaker (i.e. too much of a risk for management) for conventional forces.

Short answer- yes.

Units can do a Operational Needs Statement and run it up the flagpole. Sometimes it has to go to FORSCOM to get approved but many times the purse strings loosen...

[John6719]

A bit off subject, but related.

As I was going through organizing some of my military gear. I kept thinking "here's something I'll never use" and "this is worthless" and so on. About half the shit I'm issued serves no purpose, especially if the "train as you fight" mentality is used.

I have no idea how it is in SOCOM or Active Army, but in the Reserves, we go through RFI and get absolutely every piece of equipment that (somebody) thinks we may use, with ZERO regard to the AO that we will be working in. The worst part about it, we are EXPECTED to bring EVERYTHING with us. Sure, there is a certain amount of uniformity that must be adhered to, but seriously.

One thing that bugs the shit out of me is the MOLLE vest. The only time you need to wear that thing is if you need to carry around ammo, grenades, medpack, etc... The only time you need those things, we are REQUIRED to have on our OTV (whether that be in country or on the range). It is almost pointless to wear both (unless that's your thing, then go ahead. I just assume attach what I need to my OTV and be done with it) To me, the only reason to to be issued that vest is so some SGM (sorry RGR. Montcalm) can say (while in a Garrison environment) "the uniform will be weapon, Kevlar, pro-mask, and vest". Not that is serves any purpose (just like wearing our pro-mask) other than just more pedantic bullshit. I know I never wore either my (at the time) LBE or pro-mask when I was in country, don't know about the rest of you.

I wish they had a checklist of equipment that is available. Some stuff would be mandatory BASED ON AO THAT YOU WILL BE GOING TO and some optional. Then the troops themselves or their Team leads, Squad leads, or even PLT SGTs could go through and pick what optional equipment they want. As you train, you realize what is necessary and what isn't real quick. I think this would save the Army tons of money, but thats just MO.

Sorry bout the Rant.

[Hot Mess]

:rolleyes: There is so much reference to waste in that article. Why so much "research". LOL, just ask Ranger Battalion what they're using:rolleyes: Or maybe, I don't know...see what has already been produced on the open market and make minor changes if they are warranted. The Army..totally streamlined:rolleyes:

[John6719]

:rolleyes: There is so much reference to waste in that article. Why so much "research". LOL, just ask Ranger Battalion what they're using:rolleyes: Or maybe, I don't know...see what has already been produced on the open market and make minor changes if they are warranted. The Army..totally streamlined:rolleyes:

Exactly. If soldiers are willing to spend their money on it vs issued shit, it is probably pretty much G2G, but hey...that makes too much sense.