US Army supports new bra technology

SOMETIMES your heart beats with pride to have been part of the military personhood. LCPL Jack Jones, late of the Walmington-on-sea Home Guard, just down the coast from Eastgate, recalled his time with General Kitchener in the Sudan.

When Kitchener called for volunteers for a camel corps, Jones was characteristically unwilling to volunteer, but was ordered to a selection interview.

His mate went first, leaving with a relieved look having been rejected.

Jones inquired how he managed to achieve that.

His mate admitted having worn a truss to the interview, claiming having worn one for several years he would be unable to stand the strain of endless hours astride a camel’s back.

Jones borrowed the truss, but to his amazement was accepted immediately.

When in turn his mate asked why, Jones admitted the selection board was impressed that anyone who’d worn a truss upside down for several years would be ideal for the camel corps.

Some things never change. Women in the US military may soon have a better field option than a sports bra. An “Army Tactical Brassiere”, designed to give female soldiers enhanced protection and performance, is currently being tested.

According to the US Army Times a research team plans to present an initial prototype to the Army Uniform Board later this year.

One hopes that Defence Material Branch is keeping a watching brief on these developments, so to speak.

However, it seems it may have some more pressing issues following the change of government.

Proposed electric protected combat vehicles make perfect sense, as they can sneak up on an enemy without being heard and are environmentally friendly.

Instead of needing polluting carbon fuel resupplies, they can stop and top up their batteries from silenced mobile generators, much like those energy suppliers use to provide temporary power while they work on the network.

Never mind the same mobile generators will require regular fuel deliveries, adding another layer to the already complex operational supply arrangements.

Imagine being the staff officer having to calculate staff tables on how many hours it takes to recharge batteries while simultaneously calculating the quantities of bulk fuels to resupply the rechargers?

Logistic careers could thrive on such concepts!