EQUIPPING THE TROOPS: “When I enlisted in 1985, I was issued Viet Nam era leftovers (steel pot helmet, an AR-15/M-16 with a very low serial number – heh). The past two days, I have received things that would have seemingly come from a Robert Heinlein novel. The equipment and clothing is lighter, modular, and higher quality – the first aid kit was a revelation (we even got the new clotting agent bandages).”