If one were to audit the non military agencies that requested and received weapons, I wonder how many have gone out the back door and can no longer be accounted?
Back in the 80s, there was lots and lots of “military surplus” ammo on the market, especially in towns with military bases.
Not much mil stuff now, but there are many offerings for “government contract over runs” ammo offered these days if you look.
Likely it was/is stuff that “fell off the truck”.
Out the back door to ?
Drug cartels?
Islamic countries?
Maybe it just a money laundering scam?