Carl, I suggest Lind's comments on the weakness of officer leadership are germane to this discussion.

This psychological need for all this equipment "just in case" would normally be levelled at non-combat experienced leaders. Surely this is no longer the case in Afghanistan with both the yanks and the Brits?

Quote Originally Posted by carl View Post
From the article you linked to comes this statement:

"The body armor and winning the war are mutually incompatible. If we can’t contemplate giving that up, at least as a day in, day out piece of equipment, then we need to contemplate simply giving up on fighting wars. Of course, ultimately that means our national extinction."

That strikes me as pretty profound statement.