[Felix The Assassin]

Originally posted by wellard: "Aviation regiments have complained of being forced to fly dangerous missions over Iraq with outdated night-vision goggles and old missile-avoidance systems.

How do I address this 'politically'? Pilots are the Posh soldiers of the Army! They seem to think everything new is designed, and issued strictly for them. The new NVGs are for the 'Grunts' They are monocular, leaving one eye with normal vision. The Engineers have another new style, binocular type, which can adjust from normal observation to detail of reading a fine print. Pilots have the (OMG 5 yr old) 11 series modified. These allow them both night and normal vision, and attach to their really cool flight helmets. But lack the ability of super fine adjustment. One would think if a pilot needs to read with NVGs, something of a more serious nature might need his attention. Missile avoidance, I can not comment about.

Stories of troops' families purchasing body armor because the military didn't provide them with adequate equipment have been included in recent presidential debates.

Yes, and I don't want to talk about who did not vote yes for this. However, soldiers *SHOOTERS* received their RFI (Rapid Fielding Issue) prior to deaprture from Kuwait. Some soldiers, mainly NON-COMBATANTS *NON-SHOOTERS* did not receive IBA until later, these soldeirs were in positions OUT OF HARMS way, and used the 2nd gen flak vest. I believe currently all soldiers in theather have IBA at this time.

[ 10-17-2004, 11:21 PM: Message edited by: Felix The Assassin ]