If only some would spend as much time figuring out how to rapidly defeat the Taliban as they would debating the utility of issue vs non-issue kit
I love the army, there are a lot of good things happening but there are some dinosaurs that need to disappear.
I was down in Fort Drum just last weekend, looking to buy a poncho so I don't have to try and fight someone for a blue rocket to write orders in and was amazed at the way the Americans procure kit.
The Bad = Americans buy all their own kit, everything from underwear, socks, combats, to pouches for there LB Vests
The Good = Because they are buying all their own gear the selection available is phenomenal. They have 10 different pairs of ballistic eyewear which are DOD approved, as for boots, they had 12 different models approved for wear, as for gloves at least a dozen different types. The Utility pouches could actually fit a belt of C9 ammo into them, under armour socks available for $5.95, they cost $30 dollars at sport check here.
Best of all the staff at both the quartermasters store and clothing were incredibly friendly and helpful, it was incredibly refreshing to get service like that and definitely a change from what I am accustomed too (Yah I will probably get a lot of flak for saying this but its the truth).
Yes, having to buy your own kit is a little bit of a pain in the rear but if done right, such as the way the Americans do it, I think it would alleviate many of the problems we currently experience with our supply system.
I would more then welcome buying my own gear if it meant I got everything for a reasonable price, I didn't have to deal with miserable people who seem to hate their job, and I got a wide ranging varied selection. I also believe personnel would take a larger interest in maintaining and looking after their kit as it was bought on their own dime, and it is in their interest to look after it.
One additional thing that really amazed me, you could buy rifle magazines, remember all those times on training courses spent looking for a lost rifle magazine, remember the MP reports, difficulty dealing with stores, this could all be alleviated by having the candidate go down and buy another one on his own dime.