What is the most useless piece of military equipment you have ever seen or used?

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 08 May 2014 09:09:31 -0400

For me it would have to be the old M163 SP Vulcan Air Defense Artillery Gatling gun. It was supposed to be used to shoot down aircraft (jets), however after three long years of manning this piece of equipment I came to believe that the only way you could actually bring down an enemy fighter jet was if the pilot saw you firing at him and he crashed while laughing his ass off at you. Please, lets not have any comments about 2nd Lieutenants, that one is just a given. Just kidding, you butter bars know I love ya.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 9:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 09:38:14 -0400

Honestly the entire CBRN equipment issue. I have never used it unless going into a gas chamber.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 2:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 14:26:07 -0400

For me it would be the Land Warrior system. It was not to bad if you did not get it wet or dirty or bump it into anything or get it to hot or to cold lol so basically if you did not use it in the Army.

Response by SSG John Bacon made May 8 at 2014 4:06 PM

SSG John Bacon — Thu, 08 May 2014 16:06:24 -0400

MTS or Material Tracking System, Computer system to be put into vehicles to do real time tracking of assets and communication to OPS or where ever you have the base station. We had version 1 that cost the tax payers about 28K per unit and we had 14 units plus the base station that had a VRC with it too. These things were not to be used while deployed they were only for CONUS and were not cross compatible with the BFT's. The only time we ever took them out in 9 years that we had them was to do Inventories. They were replaced by version 2 which the only part we kept from version 1 was the GPS dish. Every other component was replaced with a new version, but the system still cannot be used while deployed. WTF? Can anyone say Fraud waste and abuse?

Response by SFC Stephen P. made May 8 at 2014 4:06 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Thu, 08 May 2014 16:06:37 -0400

While my only use was preventive maintenance, I would have to say the M231 firing port weapon.

Just barely beats out the Bradley's swim seal (only experience was when we removed them... it was an awful smell).

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 4:10 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 16:10:45 -0400

CPL Brown -

Fallopian Tubes the FNGs (mechanics, etc) are frequently assigned to find.

In my experience they cause nothing but trouble in field clinics/hospitals.

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SSG James Shepherd made May 9 at 2014 1:32 PM

SSG James Shepherd — Fri, 09 May 2014 13:32:47 -0400

DNS AN/PSQ-18A. A laser sight for an M203? Really? A pinpoint sight for an area fire weapon? Maybe I was just using the damn thing wrong but all it ever was to me is something on my hand receipt that I kept locked away.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 9 at 2014 3:34 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 09 May 2014 15:34:12 -0400

But seriously the, Y cable that connected the original non-icom SINCGARS to the KY-57. We went through these like water at a cost of $300 a pop because the pins bent so easily.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 9 at 2014 3:34 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 09 May 2014 15:34:57 -0400

the doorknob on my recruiter's office

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 7:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 May 2014 19:27:40 -0400

The Load Bearing Vest (LBV)! I've never used an LBV because we strap everything directly to our IBA (body armor), including ammo pouches, canteen, first aid kit, and everything else. What's the LBV even good for? It's skimpy and you can't put plates in it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 12:07 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 00:07:04 -0400

K9P lubricant.

Also, I was sent to CSS for and ID10-T form when I arrived from Tech School.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 11:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 23:40:51 -0500

Knee and Elbow pads

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 2 at 2015 12:11 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:11:21 -0500

SPC Charles Brown, the M40A1 106mm Recoilless Rifle mounted on a quarter ton jeep. These things were direct fire anti tank weapons. If you could see the tank, the tank could see you! Had a .50 cal spotter round, but if you pinged a tank, it was basically over for the 106 crew! The back blast went forever also. Fired this thing a few times. Tremendous concussion. Wonder how long it took the Army to ditch these things?!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 12:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:37:36 -0500

- Everything I was given at RFI. If it was so damn important that we have it, we should've had it before we left.

- Mickey Mouse boots in Basra.

- CHATS (Counterintelligence Human Intelligence Analytical Tool Set, a laptop w/ extra software we didn't use and loaded Windows XP on so we could really use them).

- F-35

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Jan 2 at 2015 1:02 AM

SGT Justin Singleton — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:02:15 -0500

While this may sound odd, a canteen. Once we got in country, I never used my canteen. We always had bottles of water in our trucks (convoy escort) or gatorade, etc. I have no idea what happened to my canteen, but it wasn't with me on a single mission.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 1:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:04:58 -0500

For me it was the "level 7" portion of the ECWCS (Extended Cold Weather Clothing System). AKA the marshmallow suit. It was issued to me as part of RFI prior to my Afghanistan deployment and I honestly can't think of a single scenario where that level of cold protection would be needed. Your certainly not going to wear it outside the wire unless you're doing a foot patrol in freakin' Antarctica.

ECWCS (Extended Cold Weather Clothing System), Generation III NSN's -ArmyProperty.com

"Based on layering systemscurrently utilized by mountaineering professionals and designed by theU.S. Army, GEN III ECWCS changes the way the American Soldier can fight. Technically advanced proprietary materials and textileconstruction combine with advanced garment design to allow the soldierto comfortably operate and sustain combat operations in extremeconditions, extending the ability to take the fight to the enemy."

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Jan 2 at 2015 1:09 AM

SGT Steve Oakes — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:09:24 -0500

CPL Brown I respectfully disagree. The Vulcan was an excellent weapon system, just not at what it was designated for. I heard stories of what that thing did in Viet-Nam. The V.C. and NVA would run like hell after just hearing it firing in the distance!
You are right about the jets though. I locked on to a F-16 once during REFORGER 90. The turret went nuts trying to put in the lead angle. Damn thing nearly threw me out of the seat!

My vote is for the TADDS. Target, Aquision, Data, Display, System. Rarely worked and required a brave? crew in a Gamma Goat to sit out in the open with a Radar dish sticking up in the air.

Response by SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee made Jan 2 at 2015 1:58 AM

SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:58:12 -0500

The M901 Improved TOW vehicle. There was nothing improved about it. It was a M113A2 chassis with a heavy "hammer head" turret mounted on top. It had trouble keeping up with the M113A3 and M1s. The worst part about it was the foot long handle mounted in a difficult place to reach for the manual hydraulic pump. Manually erect the TOW launcher was a battle drill that was roundly hated by all.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jan 2 at 2015 12:44 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 12:44:15 -0500

The ash trays in Blackhawks.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 1:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:03:27 -0500

CPL,
I seen that Vulcan Cannon work on a base during one of my deployments to bad we didn't have them in Afghanistan.
But to the equipment I don't like its the Etool.

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Jan 2 at 2015 1:41 PM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:41:31 -0500

The toilet paper in the MRE.

Response by SFC John Rivera made Jan 2 at 2015 2:11 PM

SFC John Rivera — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 14:11:10 -0500

In Alaska we were issued a leather "survival" strap to be boiled and eaten in an emergency. We we were also issued a water proof match case, i guess no one told the Army the Zippo had been invented. Two items every one lost and had to pay for to clear CIF. We also had cross country skis as part of are MTOE.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jan 2 at 2015 2:50 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 14:50:49 -0500

I find useless items that are issued to a soldier, that have a purpose, but the chain of command (unit / command specific) does not want soldiers to use.

Examples: Fleece jacket, a certain hat, an authorized boot to name a few.

I get it that someone made the call for not wearing it. Then lets not issue the items.

As far as half the stuff from CIF that was issued to me and I'll never use, I have it on the "Will Never Use Duffel Bag" (WNUDB) for when I have to clear.

The WNUDB is the most useful piece of military equipment I have:)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 12:26 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:26:52 -0500

PRC-150 Radios... they part of the whole equipment issue with the MATV, but were never used. MBITR and 115G/F were the ones used.

Response by SSG Joe Stone made Jan 3 at 2015 11:47 AM

SSG Joe Stone — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 11:47:27 -0500

The shelter half and that crappy rubberized rain gear they used to issue.

Response by SGT John Rice made Jan 3 at 2015 12:48 PM

SGT John Rice — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 12:48:26 -0500

The most useless piece of equipment that I used? That is easy, it was the
Loran Satellite Navigational Unit that they issued us for use in the desert. It never could tell us where we were much less how to get to where we were supposed to be. Got us lost 3 times before we packed it away and used our trusty compasses.

Response by SGT Charles Vernier made Jan 3 at 2015 3:56 PM

SGT Charles Vernier — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 15:56:07 -0500

I would say my shelter half the most unused piece of equipment I ever had issued to me.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Jan 4 at 2015 1:51 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:51:46 -0500

Let's see:

1.) brown-and-snuggy issue underwear for men. After Basic, I set all mine on fire.
2.) the handkerchief -- wtf am I going to do with that? I certainly wouldn't blow my nose with that burlap.
3.) MILES gear -- never worked properly except when I was the one being shot at.
4.) The military towel -- I could cover half my erse with it *IF* I had the leading edge covering my nethers up front.
5.) Bear suit half -- I think it was the top that I was issued at CIF? Where was the bottom? OH RIGHT, I had to go buy it on my own dime.
6.) LBV (the vest) -- utter crap, left mine in my wall locker and got an LBE (the suspenders). The LBE was excellent because in the field, I'd just ditch the suspenders and use my MILES gear harness instead.
7.) Berets for non-SF/Abn/Ranger -- thanks a lot, bro.
8.) Reflective belt, nuff said.
9.) MOPP suit -- was this thing actually supposed to stop bio and chem weapons?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 4:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 04:22:25 -0500

Lets see... Every month I inventory stuff that nobody in the company has ever used

Field phone(We turned in the wire a few years ago, but had to keep the phones)
KOI-8 Tape reader(I don't remember the S6 giving me a paper fill)
Test Set Electrical(What does it test???)
CPOF--used it while on staff. You spend 6 hrs developing a pasteboard that could have been done in 2 minutes with a pen, or you could just text the info to higher headquarters in 30 seconds.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 3:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 03:42:23 -0400

The little pads that go inside the ACU Pants and Top. Good idea, wrong time for it.

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made Apr 28 at 2015 11:27 PM

SPC Michael Frugoli — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:27:27 -0400

M 548

If this thing ever worked i drove it, even on a mission or two... then had to be towed back.... Horrible

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 11:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:31:47 -0400

LBV: I say this because with the IOTV there is no need for it. Its pointless. The IOTV wont work properly unless you have it really loose over it. The IOTV has plenty of places to place all the gear you would need so it is kind of pointless to put something over the top of all the useable space.

Thats just my two cents. I really do hate those things when it comes to having the IOTV on though.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Apr 28 at 2015 11:31 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:31:49 -0400

The Danner boots they issued with the Muilticam

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 11:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:34:05 -0400

ACUs. The only camouflage that only works in rock quarries and I don't see us fighting all future wars in rock quarries.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 28 at 2015 11:39 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:39:11 -0400

This wonderful piece of industrial garbage (PIG). The venerable M163 SP Vulcan Weapons system, we were expected to shoot down modern aircraft with a 6 barreled 20 mm electrically primed Gatling gun. I was never convinced that no matter how proficient I became at firing this thing that I could ever bring down a jet with it. The only way this could happen was if the pilot died laughing while I was shooting at him. Yeah it ran good, and fired well, but actually hitting a fast moving target that was a wish, that I doubt, would ever have come true.

C.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 11:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:59:01 -0400

Reflective belts.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 28 at 2015 11:59 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:59:05 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver, I vote for the M40A1 106mm Recoilless Rifle mounted on a quarter ton jeep. These things were direct fire anti tank weapons. If you could see the tank, the tank could see you! Had a .50 cal spotter round, but if you pinged a tank, it was basically over for the 106 crew! The back blast went forever also. Fired this thing a few times. Tremendous concussion. Wonder how long it took the Army to ditch these things?!
LTC Stephen F., what did you think about this hunk of junk (although it was a direct fire weapon)?

Response by SPC Jeff Paulsen made Apr 29 at 2015 12:06 AM

SPC Jeff Paulsen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 00:06:12 -0400

Commander in Chief

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 1:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 01:32:45 -0400

Knee and elbow pads that go inside of the ACU's

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 8:31 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:31:05 -0400

The BVD brown military skivvies...

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Apr 29 at 2015 8:41 AM

LTC Scott O'Neil — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:41:50 -0400

The M-28 or M-29 Davy Crockett Weapon System(s) was a tactical nuclear recoilless gun (smoothbore) for firing the M-388 nuclear projectile that was deployed by the United States during the Cold War. Named after American soldier, congressman, and folk hero Davy Crockett, it was one of the smallest nuclear weapon systems ever built.

The crew was often well within the blast radius if the weapon were to be fired.

The Davy Crockett recoilless spigot gun was developed in the late 1950s for use against Soviet armor and troops if war broke out in Europe. Davy Crockett Sections were assigned to USAREUR (United States Army Europe) armor and mechanized and non-mechanized infantry battalions. During alerts to the Inner German border in the Fulda Gap the Davy Crocketts accompanied their battalions. All V Corps (including 3rd Armored Division) combat maneuver battalions had preassigned positions in the Fulda Gap. These were known as GDP (General Defense Plan) positions. The Davy Crockett sections were included in these defensive deployment plans. In addition to the Davy Crocketts (e.g., assigned to the 3rd Armored Division), V Corps had nuclear artillery rounds and Atomic Demolition Mines, and these were also targeted on the Fulda Gap.

The M-388 round used a version of the W54 warhead, a very small sub-kiloton fission device. The Mk-54 weighed about 51 lb (23 kg), with a yield equivalent to somewhere between 10 or 20 tons of TNT— very close to the minimum practical size and yield for a fission warhead. The only selectable feature with either versions of the Davy Crockett (M28 & M29) was the height-of-burst dial on the warhead. Post-Davy Crockett versions of the W54 nuclear device apparently had a selectable yield feature (see below for Hi/Lo Switch and Launching Piston references.) The complete round weighed 76 lb (34.5 kg). It was 31 in. (78.7 cm) long with a diameter of 11 in. (28 cm) at its widest point; a subcaliber piston at the back of the shell was inserted into the launcher's barrel for firing.[1] The "piston" was considered a spigot prior to the discharge of the propellant cartridge in the recoilless gun chamber of the Davy Crockett. The M-388 atomic projectile was mounted on the barrel-inserted spigot via bayonet slots. Once the propellant was discharged the spigot became the launching piston for the M-388 atomic projectile. The nuclear yield is hinted at in FM 9-11: Operation and Employment of the Davy Crockett Battlefield Missile, XM-28/29 (June 1963).

The M-388 could be launched from either of two launchers known as the Davy Crockett Weapon System(s): the 4-inch (120 mm) M28, with a range of about 1.25 mi (2 km), or the 6.1-in (155 mm) M29, with a range of 2.5 mi (4 km). Both weapons used the same projectile, and were either mounted on a tripod launcher transported by an armored personnel carrier, or they were carried by a Jeep (M-38 & later M-151). The Jeep was equipped with an attached launcher for the M28 or the M29, as required, whereas the Davy Crockett carried by an armored personnel carrier was set up in the field on a tripod away from the carrier. The Davy Crocketts were operated by a three-man crew.[2] In the 3rd Armored Division in Germany in the 1960s many Davy Crockett Sections (all of which were in the Heavy Mortar Platoons, in Headquarters Companies of Infantry or Armor Maneuver Battalions) received what became a mix of M28 & M29 launchers [e.g., one of each per D/C section]. Eventually, the M28s were replaced by M29s, so that both the armored personnel carriers and the Jeeps carried the M29.

A Davy Crockett casing preserved in the United States Army Ordnance Museum
Both recoilless guns proved to have poor accuracy in testing, so the shell's greatest effect would have been its extreme radiation hazard. The M-388 would produce an almost instantly lethal radiation dosage (in excess of 10,000 rem) within 500 feet (150 m), and a probably fatal dose (around 600 rem) within a quarter mile (400 m).[3]

The warhead was tested on July 7, 1962 in the Little Feller II weapons effects test shot, and again in an actual firing of the Davy Crockett from a distance of 1.7 miles (2.72 km) in the Little Feller I test shot on July 17. This was the last atmospheric test detonation at the Nevada Test Site.

Production of the Davy Crockett began in 1956, with a total of 2,100 being made. The weapon was tested between 1962 and 1968 at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaiʻi island, with 714 M101 spotter rounds (not live warheads) that contained depleted uranium.[4][5] The weapon was deployed with US Army forces from 1961 to 1971. It was deactivated from US Army Europe (in West Germany) in August, 1967.[6]

Versions of the W54 warhead were also used in the Special Atomic Demolition Munition project and the AIM-26A Falcon.
Mk-54 (Davy Crockett) — 10 or 20 ton yield, Davy Crockett Gun warheadMk-54 (SADM) — variable yield 10 ton to 1 kiloton, Special Atomic Demolition Munition deviceW-54 — 250 ton yield, warhead for AIM-26 Falcon air-to-air missile
The 55th and 56th Infantry Platoons, attached to the Division Artillery of the US 82nd Airborne Division, were the last units equipped with the M-29 Davy Crockett weapons system. These two units were parachute deployed and, with a 1/2 ton truck per section, (3 per platoon) were fully air droppable. The units were deactivated in mid-1968.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made Apr 29 at 2015 8:46 AM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:46:48 -0400

O-1's, just kidding.

Rules about being in inspection ready uniforms for muster, but not being allow to change into work ready uniforms, when you have a job that involves crawling around machines and engineering spaces.

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made Apr 29 at 2015 8:55 AM

SSG Kenneth Lanning — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:55:39 -0400

MILES gear...glad it's pretty much gone now.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 9:24 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 09:24:54 -0400

ACUs

Response by SPC John Levine made Apr 29 at 2015 11:47 AM

SPC John Levine — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 11:47:21 -0400

A Private fresh out of T school.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 29 at 2015 12:58 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:58:24 -0400

I don't know what was the most useless thing ever invented by the army, but the most useless thing I was ever issued was Mickey Mouse boots. No thank you, give me my Danners.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 1:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:13:50 -0400

This is a good one.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 1:26 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:26:33 -0400

The old field dressing. Whatever you do, don't touch the white part it's sterile!!!
I guess they forgot to tell the graders that bullet wounds aren't clean.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 1:46 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:46:24 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver matches inside the MRE's, have you ever lit one? (I mean at first try)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 1:48 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:48:13 -0400

MRE gum that disintegrates in your mouth after several seconds of chewing it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 2:53 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 14:53:05 -0400

3 mag Bandolier.... just why???

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Apr 29 at 2015 3:49 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:49:36 -0400

Since I believe the P-38 was the best thing, I would have to say c-ration ham & eggs was the worst!!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 6:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:01:40 -0400

The old school LBV. Many of you won't know what this is and be glad you don't. It was worthless.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 29 at 2015 6:10 PM

SGT John Wesley — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:10:44 -0400

Chapparel Missile System

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 29 at 2015 6:23 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:23:35 -0400

Useless "wheel" hat. Expensive, uncomfortable

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 10:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 22:10:25 -0400

I'd say the velcro fasteners on the cargo pockets of our ACUs. They never held up and looked terrible hanging open.

Response by SGM Eric Lobsinger made Apr 29 at 2015 10:13 PM

SGM Eric Lobsinger — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 22:13:25 -0400

PT banana suit for PT in the '80s.

Response by PO1 Seth Crotser made Apr 29 at 2015 10:19 PM

PO1 Seth Crotser — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 22:19:39 -0400

The New Navy Working Uniform. Why the hell do we need blue camouflage?! So if we are out to sea, we can go for a swim and not get spotted by enemies? Makes no sense to me.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 11:54 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 23:54:24 -0400

The PMS deck and the 43P1!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:23 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:23:47 -0400

ABU's camo pattern, where does this camouflage anyone? except maybe in a pile of ABU's

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:51:03 -0400

Maybe not useless, but defiantly broken: Structured Self Development (or any new "Army Online Program" as I like to call them.)

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 1 at 2015 12:05 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 01 May 2015 00:05:56 -0400

Without doing research, I would say it was the Davy Crockett...

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/11/wacky-worst-nuclear-weapons

8 of the Wackiest (or Worst) Ideas for Nuclear Weapons

Bomb-powered spaceships, mininukes, atomic excavation, and other bizarre uses for our nuclear arsenal.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made May 1 at 2015 12:08 AM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Fri, 01 May 2015 00:08:02 -0400

chicken ala king in the old MREs

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 1 at 2015 12:11 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 01 May 2015 00:11:06 -0400

As a long time user of "Acme" products, I find this product bashing morally reprehensible. The product warnings clearly say "not for use by coyotes." My rocket skates have come in handy on several occasions. I'd also like to add that my gynormous magnet looks awesome on top of my car.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 1 at 2015 12:12 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 01 May 2015 00:12:47 -0400

This may be a contender.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 12:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 00:35:31 -0400

The Air Force "pt uniform"..probably the most unused item in the military.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:08 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 01:08:54 -0400

The standard issue butt pack. I think I only used it twice on missions to hold my woobie, and some pogie bait. That and the bandoleer.

Response by SFC Charles S. made May 1 at 2015 4:27 AM

SFC Charles S. — Fri, 01 May 2015 04:27:48 -0400

The most worthless Piece of Crap equipment MUST be the Reflective PT Belt.

PT BELT 101.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made May 1 at 2015 9:30 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Fri, 01 May 2015 09:30:11 -0400

From the "You're Out Of Your Freakin' Mind" Naval files...

The UUM-44, SUBROC - Submarine-launched Rocket-propelled Nuclear Depth Charge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UUM-44_SUBROC

UUM-44 SUBROC - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The UUM-44 SUBROC (SUBmarine ROCket) was a type of submarine-launched rocket deployed by the United States Navy as an anti-submarine weapon. It carried a 5kiloton nuclear warhead.[1]

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 10:37 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 10:37:27 -0400

The SEE Truck if you could get it to the mission or even out of the motorpool it was great but unfortunatly they were usually deadlined.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 1 at 2015 11:19 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:19:52 -0400

Ever? Spatts.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 12:49 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 12:49:10 -0400

The original MOPP boots. Why dick around trying to lace these damned things onto your feet when your good old rubber wet-weather boots will do the same thing without the hassle?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 1:16 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:16:35 -0400

Miles gear?

Response by CPL Rob N. made May 1 at 2015 1:32 PM

CPL Rob N. — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:32:05 -0400

For me it was the shelter half. I'm not saying it wasn't useful, we just never used it for it's true intention. Never did we stay somewhere that we were like, "Hey let's set up our shelter halves." If we stayed somewhere for any length of time, we had billeting. If you did lug the thing around, did you really have all the poles and spikes to use with it?

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 1 at 2015 2:15 PM

SFC Joseph James — Fri, 01 May 2015 14:15:48 -0400

Box of Grid Squares. I cut them up and still never used them! Waste of time! Lol

Response by SSG John Erny made May 1 at 2015 3:06 PM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 01 May 2015 15:06:35 -0400

The Dial of Death parachute harness release!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 3:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 15:59:04 -0400

All I can think of is computer programs that are useless DIMERS comes to mind.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 1 at 2015 4:26 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 01 May 2015 16:26:38 -0400

The denim-on-denim weight ABU uniform.

Response by SPC Kortney Kistler made May 1 at 2015 4:48 PM

SPC Kortney Kistler — Fri, 01 May 2015 16:48:17 -0400

Officers.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made May 1 at 2015 5:27 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Fri, 01 May 2015 17:27:12 -0400

I gotta vote for the Mickey Mouse Boots...

Always issued, never worn, heavy and awkward to carry.

I distinctly remember being a PV2 with no better sense packing them for the field at Ft Campbell. It got really cold, so I thought I'd put them on and laugh at the guys that didn't bring theirs... and then couldn't get my feet in them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 6:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 18:34:52 -0400

There are a lot of comments already on here, didn't see this mentioned. So, I'll add the marshmallow PTs to the list.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 6:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 18:43:59 -0400

The groin protector (ska "Dick flap") on the IBA/IOTV. Both uncomfortable and useless.

Response by A1C Dennis Schroader made May 1 at 2015 6:45 PM

A1C Dennis Schroader — Fri, 01 May 2015 18:45:05 -0400

I had a SSgt (Air Force E5) who might qualify. At his most effective, he sat around coloring different paint schemes on Mustang outlines. At his worst, he actually tried to do work.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 1 at 2015 6:53 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 01 May 2015 18:53:29 -0400

The doorknob on my recruiter's office.

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made May 1 at 2015 7:14 PM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Fri, 01 May 2015 19:14:07 -0400

The gamma goat

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 8:19 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:19:45 -0400

The "Paperless" Navy coupled with 3M.

Response by SGT Chip Hutchings made May 1 at 2015 8:48 PM

SGT Chip Hutchings — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:48:26 -0400

Any paratrooper who had to jump this thing would probably agree. The Stiner aid which was nothing more then a big flag you would hoist in the air to identify your position.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 9:49 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 21:49:45 -0400

I vote for the AN/TRS-2(V) Platoon Early Warning System. Never saw it out of the supply room or met an NCO that new how it was suppose to work.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 10:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 22:27:00 -0400

shoulder DAPs sucked. They made it really hard to shoot.

Response by SrA Andrea West made May 2 at 2015 12:31 AM

SrA Andrea West — Sat, 02 May 2015 00:31:23 -0400

I vote for the cots that you needed a crowbar and harsh language in order to put together or take apart.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 1:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 01:30:23 -0400

E- tool. So small you have to bend way over to use it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 2:18 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 02:18:09 -0400

CAC2S.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 2 at 2015 3:51 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 02 May 2015 03:51:00 -0400

Junior officers (usually those fresh out of ROTC, OCS, Academy and with no prior enlisted experience) with an "idea."

Response by BG David Fleming III made May 2 at 2015 8:04 AM

BG David Fleming III — Sat, 02 May 2015 08:04:23 -0400

The blackberry. The dumbest smartphone ever!

Response by CW3 Craig Linghor made May 2 at 2015 11:56 AM

CW3 Craig Linghor — Sat, 02 May 2015 11:56:19 -0400

The Command Team lawyer. they have way too much influence over command decisions.

Response by MAJ Karl Knutson made May 2 at 2015 12:11 PM

MAJ Karl Knutson — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:11:02 -0400

M-29 "DAVY CROCKETT" NUCLEAR DELIVERY SYSTEM It had a lethal kill radius greater than its range.If not fired from a defilade position to shield yourself from the blast you were just a offset suicide bomber. Both recoilless guns proved to have poor accuracy in testing, so the shell's greatest effect would have been its extreme radiation hazard. The M-388 would produce an almost instantly lethal radiation dosage (in excess of 10,000 rem) within 500 feet (150 m), and a probably fatal dose (around 600 rem) within a quarter mile (400 m).

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made May 2 at 2015 12:46 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:46:38 -0400

I was issued all kinds of gear and then told that most of it was unauthorized. So why issue it?

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 2 at 2015 1:17 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 02 May 2015 13:17:05 -0400

The GOER family of vehicles...they were more apt to kill you than the OPFOR. They rolled easy, they pinched and squashed you to death and the ride would shake your fillings loose.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 10:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 22:13:33 -0400

The C-RAM and its radar system.

Response by Lt Col Eric Davis made May 3 at 2015 12:46 AM

Lt Col Eric Davis — Sun, 03 May 2015 00:46:46 -0400

Four-star flag officers...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 12:30 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 12:30:48 -0400

pockets

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 3 at 2015 12:33 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 03 May 2015 12:33:17 -0400

Well ... in a museum ..

Response by PV2 Sean Chadwick made May 3 at 2015 2:10 PM

PV2 Sean Chadwick — Sun, 03 May 2015 14:10:36 -0400

The veggie omlette MRE... Who ever created this should be shot on sight

Response by Cpl Arik Blane made May 3 at 2015 8:20 PM

Cpl Arik Blane — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:20:07 -0400

Prc 148, fucking. Useless.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 8:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:23:01 -0400

ASAS-light...good for a chock block!

Response by SSgt Dennis V Murawsky made May 3 at 2015 8:25 PM

SSgt Dennis V Murawsky — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:25:05 -0400

Has to be the individual jet pack. The civilian world has refined it to operate for a whopping 30 seconds. I wonder how many troops were injured or killed by this Rube Goldberg device.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made May 3 at 2015 8:28 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:28:37 -0400

Those short shorts on the old PT uniform. Bad for the men, even worse for the ladies... (in the risk of getting slapped...)

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:39 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 08:39:43 -0400

The reflective belt.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made May 4 at 2015 8:56 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Mon, 04 May 2015 08:56:47 -0400

Now Please understand, I am not saying the gas mask is useless, I am simply stating that, unless you have the right filters for the mask, there really isn't much use in hauling it around 24-7, is there?
I am probably going to get all sorts of "ARE YOU INSANE???" Comments, but please recall, every ounce you carry in the field is an ounce less of something you could have carried and might need more than a useless piece of gear handed out to keep the troops from panicking...

WAAAYYYY back, before a lot of you were born or at the very least, began a military service, I was in Germany with the Army. There was a nasty group of evil-doers called "Bader-Meinhoff" and yes, I probably spelled that wrong.
We woke one morning to find that word had been passed that this group who swore they would kill American military wherever they could, had either stolen or convinced others that they'd stolen some horrible gas, and no I don't recall what it was but it was considered bad enough that for weeks, we all carried gas masks with us wherever we went.
It was the day we turned those masks in, that we were told they would not have done any good anyway, because the filters on the masks were for tear gas, and we'd have all been dead within minutes had their been a real attack.
I remember standing there, staring down at the gas mask pouch I'd had to run PT with... take to the commissary with me, and keep on the bedside table at night. I really don't think I have ever HATED a piece of equipment more than I did that mask, at that very second!
Yes, the are a great piece of equipment, and they can and do save lives, but I am quite sure, if someone had given the warning for gas at that very moment, I am not sure I could have forced myself to don that thing!

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made May 4 at 2015 10:25 AM

LCDR Jeffery Dixon — Mon, 04 May 2015 10:25:16 -0400

Mission or Deployment Equipment left behind!

Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made May 4 at 2015 10:33 AM

CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar — Mon, 04 May 2015 10:33:18 -0400

The beret. It doesn't keep the sun out of your eyes, the rain off of your neck, the cold away from your ears, shrapnel from entering your skull. The one thing that it does do is impress the hell out of civilians!

Response by SGT James Abbott made May 4 at 2015 10:39 AM

SGT James Abbott — Mon, 04 May 2015 10:39:55 -0400

Coast guard... no but seriously though I would say the microfilm reader used in the 70's that I was still responsible for because we found it in a conex and it was "hood" so yeah..interesting device but very outdated. If we are talking not outdated but rather useless I would say the PT belt while down range...

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 4 at 2015 11:34 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:34:46 -0400

Charms. Impossible to unwrap, mushy, and distasteful.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 11:55 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:55:24 -0400

A computer.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 4 at 2015 2:52 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 04 May 2015 14:52:01 -0400

Gamma Goat!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 12:15 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 00:15:08 -0400

Dehydrated beef MRE

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 12:21 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 00:21:30 -0400

A liberal with a Grenade. :)

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 1:07 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 01:07:26 -0400

The Airman Battle Uniform. Worthless beyond words.

Response by CPL Dan McCready made May 5 at 2015 2:18 AM

CPL Dan McCready — Tue, 05 May 2015 02:18:27 -0400

Road Guard vest, reflective belt, miles gear, shelter half....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 8:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 08:38:09 -0400

Most of the things I got issued prior to 9/11 were garbage (handkerchiefs, underwear, shelter half, rain gear, lbv, gray pt uniform, etc). Nowadays most Army computer systems, online training

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 8:44 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 20:44:49 -0400

MOPP gear...when I was deploying to Iraq. Unless we went back in a time machine, the odds of a chemical attack where MOPP gear would be useful was somewhere between slim and none.

Response by SrA Diego Alvarez made May 7 at 2015 3:24 PM

SrA Diego Alvarez — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:24:40 -0400

PT belt down range

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made May 13 at 2015 10:15 PM

LTC Peter Hartman — Wed, 13 May 2015 22:15:27 -0400

The PT belt. Although I hardly consider it to be military.

Response by CPL Matthew Victor Spagnuolo made Jun 5 at 2015 2:04 AM

CPL Matthew Victor Spagnuolo — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 02:04:40 -0400

Response by CPL Matthew Victor Spagnuolo made Jun 5 at 2015 2:08 AM

CPL Matthew Victor Spagnuolo — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 02:08:11 -0400

A box of grid squares & Chem light batteries... I SWARE to god they are the most useless peices of shit bc u cant ever find the dawgone things when u need em! Why even bother! Lol

Response by SSG Thomas Brousseau made Jun 11 at 2015 10:52 PM

SSG Thomas Brousseau — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 22:52:54 -0400

Micky Mouse extreme cold weather boots.

Response by SPC Michael Coon made Jun 30 at 2015 5:55 PM

SPC Michael Coon — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:55:13 -0400

Come on man. We all knew what it was really for.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 13 at 2015 11:28 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:28:02 -0500

The older PEWS (Platoon Early Warning System) when I was a grunt. Now that we have satellites that can tell if the enemy has shaved it is beyond laughable and archaic.

http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/an-trs-2.htm

AN/TRS-2(V), PLATOON EARLY WARNINGSYSTEM (PEWS)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 12:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 12:22:02 -0500

M 8 Chem Alarm, went off all the time for no reason.

Response by SFC Mark Beazley made Nov 13 at 2015 7:40 PM

SFC Mark Beazley — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 19:40:18 -0500

While I have to agree with you about it as an air defense platform, I'd love to have that gun on top of my strykers.... If I could figure out how to keep it from vibrating my eyeballs out of their sockets.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Nov 13 at 2015 9:24 PM

Col Lyman Faith — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 21:24:48 -0500

Lieutenants. Both the gold and silver models.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 14 at 2015 2:45 PM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 14:45:59 -0500

I will have to disagree with you on this one. This was like a god-send compared to the h-harness it replaced. Everything fit much better with the LBV rather than trying to attach magazines, canteens, fak, bayonet, gas mask and whatever else was on person on the h-harness. It also did not dig into your shoulders.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 12:51 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 12:51:49 -0500

computers, how much soldier time has been wasted on these

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Nov 16 at 2015 1:20 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 13:20:04 -0500

I'd say the eight pairs of cotton fatigues I was issued in basic training, a month before they were phased out use and replaced by the "new and improved" wrinkle resistant fatigues. One month of wear is the equivalent of useless.

Response by SPC James Butler made Nov 16 at 2015 2:20 PM

SPC James Butler — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 14:20:17 -0500

These things never kept my hands warm!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 17 at 2015 6:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 18:18:40 -0500

A grenade catcher. Just kidding.

Response by SPC Dale St. Pierre made Nov 19 at 2015 4:36 PM

SPC Dale St. Pierre — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 16:36:14 -0500

Most of my issued gear, that would stay in tuff boxes, until I had to do a layout .then put it all back, until the next layout

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 19 at 2015 4:56 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 16:56:45 -0500

A recently commissioned officer being made a PLT Leader.......lol

Response by LCpl Chad Parson made Nov 19 at 2015 5:39 PM

LCpl Chad Parson — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 17:39:06 -0500

I found a box of grid squares once that I couldn't for the life of me figure out what to do with. Almost as useless as that left-handed smoke bender I got sent out to track down a few times.

Response by Cpl Murray Estes made Nov 19 at 2015 5:40 PM

Cpl Murray Estes — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 17:40:46 -0500

Most useless thing ever was a PRC-E7. Biggest pain in the arse ever...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 9:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 21:23:55 -0500

Force Field of Safety!!!!!!!

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Nov 19 at 2015 9:37 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 21:37:38 -0500

I know it is wrong. But I'm addicted to RP. And 2nd Lt keeps coming to my mind every time I pass this post.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 10:09 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 22:09:12 -0500

The basic issue green army socks. They turn orange after a few washes.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 19 at 2015 10:56 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 22:56:14 -0500

An Officer that comes up to you and says "I have a good idea.".......lmao

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2015 11:01 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 11:01:45 -0500

green socks...seriously...GREEN SOCKS.... why?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2015 4:53 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:53:06 -0500

For me it was the piss cover that was hard to keep on your head.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 21 at 2015 2:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 14:20:22 -0500

Maginot Line

Response by TSgt Dave Beem made Nov 23 at 2015 9:31 AM

TSgt Dave Beem — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 09:31:43 -0500

By far, an M16A2, and the Beretta 9mm. The 9 has such a hard trigger pull for the first shot that unless you have a paw like a bear, you'll pull your first shot. How many guys in VietNam died with cleaning rods shoved down the barrels of their M16's? All because Remington had the ball powder contract and refused to use Winchester's smokeless powder. Can't meet barrel pressure specs using ball powder (some of the dirtiest propellant on earth)? Hey, why not TIGHTEN the rifling so it slows down the round and kills it's lethality by preventing a tumbling round. Odd that NOW the military is considering going BACK to the Model 1911 Colt .45 (though probably in a 9mm round, since we have all that 9 mil ammo laying around now, which will, again, defeat the purpose of a sidearm). If you've ever seen Mel Gibson's "We were soldiers once, and YOUNG", the scene where Gibson and his Top are looking at a map and the top just reaches around Gibson and flattens 3 or 4 NVA regulars charging at them, THAT is a textbook example of what a sidearm is FOR. Give us back the M14 or at least SOMETHING that shoots 7.62mm. Yeah, you can carry a ton more .22 long rifle bullets in .303 cases, but where you need five 5.56mm rounds you can just use ONE 7.62mm round. And since unfortunately we all know that the average expenditure of rounds is over 100 per kill (snipers not included..lol), teaching folks to AIM is more important than what they're shooting anyway.

I'll also mention the classic WEB BELT. Whoever made that idea up was the Marquis De Sade's brother at least. How anyone was expected to run with a canteen and fanny pack slamming into their backs and butt is beyond me. I don't think I could DESIGN anything so painful to use, overall. But they sure make handy field expedient litter handles!

Now, the BEST piece of military equipment? A tossup between the tritium lensatic compass and the P38 can opener. And a Barrett..if it was a bit lighter. Lugging 30+ pounds around all day does have drawbacks when that's on top of your normal ruck load.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Jan 7 at 2016 5:58 PM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:58:52 -0500

the most useless piece of military equipment I was associated with was when I got back from Nam and had to finish up one-year at Camp Lejeune: He was a "field-grade captain"! Useless piece of crap! (true story)

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 8:13 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 20:13:34 -0500

The USS Makin Island lol

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 9 at 2016 4:00 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 16:00:31 -0500

The M1089 wrecker.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Aug 23 at 2016 11:40 AM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 11:40:22 -0400

Response by CAPT Hiram Patterson made Aug 23 at 2016 2:55 PM

CAPT Hiram Patterson — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 14:55:47 -0400

As we used to say, "A 2nd Lieutenant with a map and compass and a Corpsman with a .45."

Response by AN Anita Feerer made Aug 23 at 2016 8:56 PM

AN Anita Feerer — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:56:31 -0400

I'd have to say the cold packs issued at sick call in Navy boot camp all it contained was sucrets and motrin and the boondockers that the Navy issued when I joined in 2000 those things would make your feet flat with that wooden bottom for a sole.

Response by Cpl Ed Hines made Aug 24 at 2016 3:05 AM

Cpl Ed Hines — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:05:09 -0400

the Glo-Belt. its uselessness is in its irony. making infantrymen wear a belt to protect them while simultaneously foregoing the protection of advanced equipment. never mind the dangerous mission of entering combat.

Response by SPC Tom Walsh made Aug 24 at 2016 4:28 AM

SPC Tom Walsh — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:28:30 -0400

The Velcro fastening on my ACUs. After about 6 months, it wouldn't hold a pocket flap closed any more.
The shelter half. Issued one. Need two to make a tent. In my first 2 units, we had plenty of tentage to shelter under. In my last two units, when we didn't have tents, we had trucks with shelters or cargo bay covers that would do the same thing.
The beret.

Response by SPC Tom Walsh made Aug 24 at 2016 4:40 AM

SPC Tom Walsh — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:40:25 -0400

If you're over 5'10"/180 pounds, the M117 ASV is just too small. Especially if your chain of command tells you to wear your armor even while you're hidden inside it outside the wire.

Response by SFC Alfred Galloway made Aug 24 at 2016 9:57 AM

SFC Alfred Galloway — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 09:57:26 -0400

BCG's = Birth Control Glasses

Response by MSgt Mike (Lobo VNV Original) Morrow made Aug 24 at 2016 7:47 PM

MSgt Mike (Lobo VNV Original) Morrow — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 19:47:16 -0400

I have to agree with reflective tape or belts; it also became a safety issue when we had to have it sewn on the back of our fatigues in an X while in South East Asia; supposedly this was for visibility on the flight line; nuts. I got a couple reprimands for not compling.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Aug 24 at 2016 9:23 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 21:23:02 -0400

The original riggers belt issued with the Army ACUs, they had a plastic buckle and would slide so were useless in keeping your pants up!!

Response by CPT John Ferrie made Aug 24 at 2016 9:47 PM

CPT John Ferrie — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 21:47:56 -0400

The 50 cal mounted cupola on the M-48 tank. It was a good idea in theory, but it never worked. An old school mount was usually used

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Aug 25 at 2016 12:51 AM

SSG Timothy McCoy — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 00:51:16 -0400

U.S. Army Lieutenants!??!

Response by PO1 James White made Aug 25 at 2016 1:48 AM

PO1 James White — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 01:48:11 -0400

Navy PT uniform, made us look like Minions.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 4:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 16:10:25 -0400

The "one key fits all" Chevy Blazer. If memory serves me, I believe it is written in the operators manual "Not designed for off road use"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 2:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:53:50 -0400

DCGS-A

Or any of the awesome software developed for the military. We just fall back on Google Earth and Microsoft Office. Better and more reliable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2017 8:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 08:24:30 -0400

First S-1 Field computer, used for report field casualties and replacement requisitions also a few minor document could be produce. There was no direct link to eg: web wifi it would store and and upon request output floppies with digital data that had to be curried to AG higher HQ. This machine measure 40" x 24" transported in massive steel box two man carry, as well the computer itself was a massive steel enclosure to ward off EMI/EMP. This piece of $#@^%** was always deployed in field excersises in Germany never opened in the field, ran off 5kw generator that could spike the computer with jolts of power.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jul 9 at 2017 11:08 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 11:08:35 -0400

2nd LT/Ensign ?

Response by PV2 Sean Chadwick made Jul 13 at 2017 4:04 PM

PV2 Sean Chadwick — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 16:04:22 -0400

Pt belt or those tan titety whities in basic...

Response by Sgt Wayne Wienke made Jul 25 at 2017 12:25 PM

Sgt Wayne Wienke — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:25:10 -0400

A 2nd Lieutenant with a compass.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2019 1:25 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 13:25:20 -0400

TRC-170.
Filled with obsolete parts that are no longer used, and constantly breaks and fries when there is a power flux in a generator.

Response by SSG Eddie Helmling made Oct 26 at 2019 2:11 PM

SSG Eddie Helmling — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 14:11:58 -0400

STA/ICE 63's will know

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 11 at 2020 7:04 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 19:04:15 -0500

I would have killed to have a Vulcan for ground defense

Response by SFC William Fowle made Sep 12 at 2020 3:37 PM

SFC William Fowle — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 15:37:55 -0400

Your statement tells me that No one took the time to properly train you in his to acquire and track that jet. It took more practice than most of my soldiers ever wanted to be good with a Vulcan. I spent 18 of my 21 years in the Army as a Vulcan crewman and Platoon Sergeant, and have seen many gunners shoot jet speed targets successfully.

Response by SPC James Anderson made Sep 13 at 2020 3:58 PM

SPC James Anderson — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 15:58:49 -0400

Are least used and most useless the same? Never understood why there was a hood on my old pt winter top, never used it once in 4 years. It was just there to look at.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 2:31 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 02:31:31 -0400

The Mk38 Mod2 25mm. Everything about that weapon platform was a solution to a problem that just created a another problem and on down the line until you had E6's babysitting the weapon console to make sure it didn't stare at the sun... and don't get me started on the magazines or feed systems.

It is a hazard to anyone who has to use it, it might even be dangerous to the enemy if it ever worked.