“It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time” 20th Century U.S. Army Equipment Fails

Join historian and retired US Army officer Patrick J. Chaisson, for a multimedia presentation that will focus on some of the least successful weapons and articles of equipment developed for use by American service members during the past century.
Although every piece of clothing, gear, or equipment issued to American troops was developed to meet a real need, not all of it worked well. Patrick Chaisson explains why such vehicles as the GAMA Goat and Sergeant York rank as notable failures. He also covers well-known items like the M16 rifle and canned “C-ration”, discussing their long, difficult road to acceptance by soldiers, Marines, sailors, and airmen. The program will be presented in Lasdon Main House. Space is limited.