Innovation in military weapons and equipment is generally viewed as a positive factor that allows the soldier a higher probability of fighting, surviving, and winning. Ironically, however, it is often easier to adopt new multimillion-dollar weapons systems than it is to replace personal weapons or equipment. A simple example might be the US P-38 can opener, which was issued to GIs from World War II through the 1980s. This simple device worked and was small enough that a GI could wear it on the chain with his dog tags. Had the US Army tried to replace the P-38 can opener with something larger and more complex, it would have met stolid resistance from the troops. As it transpired, the P-38 met its demise not through innovation but through obsolescence. When US troops started receiving MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) in the 1980s, the small can opener was no longer necessary.
Download from (depositfiles.com) or (filesonic.com)
