Steve, You are correct in stating that they got what they asked for.
Ypu may have more infomation re the tests then i do- but that doesn't change the facts that the VLI is useless.
Insights makes excellent NV gear- i mentioned that.
The first platoon that floated with the SOPMOD kit wrote scathing critiques. Insights made some attempts to fix the problems, without effect.
The bottom line is that the VLI is still garbage, and we now use SureFire white
lights- something that should have happened- for a lot of reasons- right from the start.
We can draw an analogy with other projects.
The M1014 is a prime example. The stock has two positions- too short and typical Euro Too Long.
When i questiones a Project Officer about it he said "It is adjustable". Yeah, but it doesn't fit most Marines. "Yeah, but there was no ORD for that".
Correct- but what about common sense?
USMC has spent millions for a lightweight helmet, when the MICH has been available for years.
They kept the PASGT profile- althought it is difficult to hear, see, and fight with it.
They did not include any Impact Protection- because the ORD did not specify such protection, but Marines are required to wear helmets and body armor while riding in Tac Vehicles- where impact is a major injury producer. We Assault Climb and Urban Climp, Fast Rope and so on, and impact is a major injury producer there.
The Acquistion Process is flawed, but there are highlights to be sure.
The MICH, FSBE, PCU, MLCS and other programs have been(in the case of some, have the potential to be) extraodinarily successful.
Of course, in all of the above, the PO have all been operators.
Go figure. Common sense??