Equipment priorities should change, say Special Forces.

• Author: Tiron, Roxana

Practical by nature, the Green Berets often shun glitzy technologies. Their equipment requirements are not complex, but the problem, say operators, is that those in charge of buying the equipment don't always know what the soldier on the ground really needs.

The high-visibility role that the U.S. Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets, played in the war in Afghanistan may have somewhat sensitized acquisition officials about these soldiers' equipment needs.

While Special Forces appreciate advanced technology, many said they are apprehensive that some technologies, such as live streaming video and sophisticated sensors, are only meant for the commanders to be able to micromanage them, which sometimes could interfere with the mission.

"The more sensors you add to the soldiers, the more headquarters can see what they are doing," said Army Special Forces Capt. Patrick. He requested not to be quoted by his last name. In the heat of the battle, commandos sometimes do not like to be over-supervised and they are trained to be self-sufficient.

Several Green Berets who spoke with National Defense during a recent conference in Fayetteville, N.C., said that their requirements for new equipment sometimes are not met, because the higher-ups don't necessarily appreciate soldiers' priorities.

"While the guys on the ground, the users, may have the biggest input into what kind of equipment they need, they may not always have the biggest input on the purchase," said Patrick. "It is their commanders who go to conventions and exhibits and deal with industry."

Acquisition officials don't make the right choices every time, he said. Senior commanders, who may have been soldiers in the Vietnam War, may not identify with the experience of today's soldiers, because the circumstances have changed significantly, said Patrick.

Patrick admits that it would be unrealistic to expect the Defense Department to buy everything that every soldier wants. "We have all the equipment" to fulfill a mission, said Patrick.

But, some basic needs are not being met, such as comfortable, sturdy boots. "We just spent all this money on new black berets for the Army," said Patrick. "Who cares? It's just a hat." The Army also should be investing in footwear, he asserted. "We are still wearing boots that were designed in the 50s. How about getting us a new boot that is worth something that a guy can walk in the mountains?"

At command headquarters, he said, they don't worry about boots...