- During the tests for the new pistol in 1978, the Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP) drove the requirements to fit the Beretta M92 and constantly moved the goalposts to ensure that it "won" against the competitors from Colt, H&K and Sig.
- That same JSSAP pushed for the FN Minimi as the new Squad Automatic Weapon, even though the H&K 93 was a far better candidate in the tests.
- The army establishment has rigidly resisted any replacements to the M-16/M-4 family even though battlefield experience and the expressed desires of the troops in combat have made it clear that they need something better.
-Look at the goofy combat uniform choices made by the army teams; need any more proof that they aren't attached to the real world?
The main problem is that the army R&D and acquisition world is made up of civilians most of whom never actually served in uniform, much less combat. They have no attachment to the lives of the troops.
‘the army research, development, and engineering establishment always lets its preferences and prejudices drive acquisition.’
You could have stopped right there. They have a long and silly history of this.
What worries me is that our enemies have no such obligation and will make the better decision.