Want to kill waste in the military? Think small stuff.

pic courtesy of Soldier Systems.

The above knife is featured at shot show and covered by Soldier Systems blog.  Nothing against the knife but according to Soldier Systems, this designer, custom knife has an NSN number.

They also state that they haven't been able to keep up with orders for them.

That has me wondering...we're so focused on high tech, cutting edge weapon systems and damning them for cost over runs (mostly caused by an inept procurement system) that we've ignored the many tin plated, ooh gee whiz I like that knife so lets order from supply mess that our logistics system has become.

Not picking on the knife shown.  It might be fabulous and the units ordering it might actually have a need for it...but the truth of the matter is obvious.  There is waste in the military but you should look at the small stuff instead of the large.

Vickers slings for Marines?  Really?  A custom sling?  Is that really necessary?  Is that being frugal?  Serpa holsters?  Really?  Say that out loud Marine Corps!  Is the Army doing it and if not should we?  Is it something we need that's unique to our amphibious mission?

IAR...otherwise known as the M-27.  The Army, SOCOM and foreign militarises haven't bought into the concept.  Is it really the way to go?

Experimentation should happen before products are bought.  If they can't be justified then they should be canned.

We've got to do better.