They couldn't keep the Mk-48 machine gun firing without ammo bearers on hand. When it ran dry in combat the gunner had to stop and laboriously reload. When that happened the enemy got pretty arrogant about shooting you.
If you're Bill Gates you solve problems like that by having a couple-three good ol' country boys around. You let them kumshaw some old ammo cans, parts of a junked MOLLE system, and a few other odds and ends of scrap metal. Quicker than you can say "lemme use your welder," you have the "Ironman Pack Ammunition System."
It works, so the Army gives the lads a ceremony and a little attaboy award.
Then, a few hours later, unless thngs have changed since my day, some shave-ass second looie notices the rustic inventors and tells them their fingernails are ragged and sideburns a quarter-inch over regulation and shape up or ship out.
The lieutenant's career will prosper and, in due course, he will be the Army's general in charge of small-arms design.
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