Militec in Iraq

Brad,
Please feel free to use the message, but I would ask that name and email address be deleted. My preaching about Militec has now reached the ears of our Brigade CSM.
Just another example: During a Soldier of the Quarter Board for the 30th Med Bde here in Balad, a contestant was asked to show proper clearing procedures and function check of his issued M16A2 to a panel of CSMs. Upon clearing the weapon, a grating sound of dirt in the buffer spring tube and bolt carrier area could be heard. One of the CSMs remarked about poor weapons maintenance. My CSM had to correct the other CSM by informing him about the problems of CLP. The Bde CSM promptly requested the NSN from my stock of Militec. I will be sure and provide him some when our shipment arrives. We will get everyone on board, eventually.
XXX

In a message dated 7/21/2003 10:16:10 AM Eastern Standard Time, militec@militec-1.com writes:

I know you are busy, however, I was wondering if I could post your message and delete your name and address (s).

----- Original Message -----
From: MILITEC-1
To: XXX@us.army.mil ; Brad Giordani
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 2:52 PM
Subject: Re: Militec In Iraq

With your approval, I would like to post your first message and my reply that is on this page.

----- Original Message -----
From: Brad Giordani
To: XXX@us.army.mil
Cc: MILITEC-1
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 5:26 AM
Subject: Re: Militec In Iraq

It is a relief to know someone in your position (wearing both hats) understands what we are going through with the "Civilians Gate Keepers" that seem delighted in blocking every one our moves and our forces orders. The troops are the ones that suffer the most, all because of retaliation against our small company for getting Congress involved to help us eight years ago when they pulled the same thing. We just hand delivered a nice order to DIA that tested MILITEC-1 in Iraq and required it to be delivered to their shipping point in Silver Springs the very next day. Since they are the ones hunting for WMD's, its a good thing they were not subjected to the same treatment as our troops are that try in vain to requisition MILITEC-1 from the system.

The Secret Service, FBI and a host of other top Agencies Mandate MILITEC-1, however, our fighting men and women, are refused service, just because, certain civilians cannot admit CLP does not properly work in the desert and for their personal feelings against us. They will fall on their sword, before they let us into "their" system.

I just moved back to Washington DC yesterday in order to properly set the record straight and help our troops. DLA, with Picatinny's assistance cancelled over $100,000 in war orders and counting, without notifying the commanders in theater. Furthermore, they are still blocking our orders and the troops that don't get their orders from DLA (or notified from DLA) they, at the last minute, use a government credit card or personal funds to get MILITEC-1. Most of the time, we ship out multiple cases for free if we know the problems they are facing when they requisition MILITEC-1. Just last week, Ft. Bragg called us so we could "overnight" them an emergency shipment. They did this because their order to DLA went unanswered. In my view this is criminal.

The 3rd ID that was ahead of the 507th did not encounter any problems with their weapons, as well as a host of other Army units that were lucky enough to get MILITEC-1 prior to DLA and Picatinny pulling the plug. Picatinny is now saying that poor maintenance and to much sand caused the 507th weapons to jam... no kidding!

I have told the system for years, you cannot put CLP on weapons that operate in the desert. However, even after the AAR's, DLA and Picatinny still have our product blocked. We have NSN's (that they are trying to cancel again) and have been in the federal supply system for ten years. Its interesting to note, certain other products that do not have our approvals and track record are being supported by DLA and Picatinny. This has really made me upset and I do not like to get upset over stupid and crazy situations like this, especially, when our forces have been injured and killed as a result of CLP's use in desert combat conditions.

I am sorry to say, Director Trahan, the Hotline director, as ignored my warnings for 18 months and lives have been lost as a result. The folks that know guns and use guns love MILITEC-1, however, the others that don't have to fight for our freedoms seem delighted in holding the status quo and are hoping that their "revolving door" remains open.

I will promise you this, now that I am in Washington to stay, they will not get away with this, so help me God!

Please send us your APO address so we can expedite some samples for you and your group. prior to your order.

---- Original Message -----
From: XXX@us.army.mil
To: militec@militec-1.com
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 12:56 AM
Subject: Militec In Iraq

Mr. Giordani,
I recently went to your company website to get additional information for a purchase of Militec and noticed numerous emails concerning problems with getting Militec into Iraq. I think you will find my situation interesting:
I am a First Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reservies deployed to Iraq. Prior to departing the U.S. I packed a one gallon container of Ed's Red gun cleaning solution. (Homemade internet recipe.) I also packed my own 9mm cleaning kit and an Otis M16 kit given to me by a friend at Impact Guns in Ogden, UT. For lubrication I packed Militec. Notice, there is no government issued cleaning gear in my equipment. Knowing the conditions we would soon be facing, since deployment I have tried to obtain Militec through military supply channels. I met with negative results. Our Government Purchase Card was turned off by the Reserves, so local or mail order was not possible. We have had to do with BreakFree since the deployment.
The BreakFree has not worked well in the dusty environment of Kuwait or Iraq. The talcum powder consistency penetrates EVERYTHING, sticks to the even the most lightly applied BreakFree and jams the weapon. The most common failure is failure to feed. My armorer was told by Direct Support told this was due to defective magazines, but that is not true. Some soldiers have been going with a dry weapon in order to temporarily avoid the problem. With sharing, I am down to my last few drops of Militec. Three days ago our government credit card was turned on and we will be placing an order for a case of Militec first thing.
Other than the obvious, why would this interest you? In my civilian job I am a Special Agent with the Department of Defense Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. I am also a FLETC trained Firearms Instructor. I have used Militec for years on my personal weapons and issue duty carry weapon. I use it on everything from antique firearms to personal Class 3 weapons. I also local purchase Militec for DCIS duty weapons and have recommended it to the other Instructors.
At home I trust my life to my weapon, a Glock 26. I find it incredible that being in a combat zone, I can not get the same protection! We crossed into Iraq at the first of April and have yet to get proper lubrication. Luckily, we have not had to fire our weapons in anger, although the shootings have been very close. Weapons maintenance is a constant chore anyway, but in Iraq it should be a daily job. With BreakFree it seems to require a complete cleaning to remove the gunk. With Militec I can basically wipe the weapon down and reapply. While performing Sergeant of the Guard duty in Balad, the SOGs consistently find weapons that are non-functional, mainly due to failure to feed. We have all followed the story of Jessica Lynch. My initial reaction was anger at poor weapons maintenance, but the reality is that everyone is in the same boat. The Combat Arms clean their weapons everyday, Combat Support and Combat Service Support generally do not.
Realize that the soldiers and NCOs in the field know what is required of their weapons. More importantly, they know what is required to maintain their weapons. BreakFree is not the right stuff.
1SG XXX
U.S. Army Reserves