7. Beta Gear

In a controversial move during the Vietnam War, the Department of Defense issued “beta test” weapons to front-line combat troops, notably excluding essential cleaning kits and lacking forward assists. This decision, aimed at field-testing the M16 rifle under combat conditions, had dire consequences.

Without the means to properly maintain their rifles in the humid and dirty conditions of Vietnam, these weapons often malfunctioned, leading to tragic and preventable losses among American soldiers. This oversight is criticized as a grievous error, one that cost lives unnecessarily.