Unfortunately, the United States Military, like the rest of government, is riddled with bureaucracy and waste. Among other things, I order parts for C-130’s and you would be shocked at how the simplest thing could cost thousands of dollars. There is so much that can be done to limit waste and allow more funds for more equipment.
“...There is so much that can be done to limit waste and allow more funds for more equipment...”
Yeah. By the time anything the government purchases meets all the inane regulations for pollution, etc., etc., it costs 10 - 15 times more than it should.
Take a simple ball point pen. The packaging, ink and all parts have to be manufactured to meet strict EPA rules and government ‘specs’. The 39 cent BIC you would buy turns into a $9.00 Skillcraft. Go figure.
(These figures are for illustration, but hopefully you get my drift.)