Out of the many things we deal with in this age of mass production. We usually come down to the quintessential question "Quality over Quantity". Now I know what you're probably thinking "Why bring this question up?" well for a very simple reason. Over my 10 years in the Army I've been very fortunate to get my hands on a lot of equipment.

      Most of these things you know about for example: Camelbak, Aimpoint, Trijicon, and Colt just to name a few. After being allowed to use them in service to this country I was always left thinking "Could this item need improvement, Do they have anything lighter?" and just to cut the questions short so I don't drag on forever here's the biggest one I think needs to be answered. "Was my equipment built by the lowest bidder?" Now some of you are probably wondering if I'm going to get to the point or if this is just going to be a rant.

      Well here's your answer we've lost ourselves when it came to quality products over the years. I remember when "Made in the U.S.A" was a stamp that was trusted and iconic all over the world because people knew they were getting a quality product at a fair price, and it was going to last for some time before having to be replaced. Nowadays were getting products especially our tactical gear from an American company but made in another country like China, Taiwan, or Malaysia just to name a few. The quality of our products has gone downhill all in the name of making more profits while making inferior products that cost less for us to buy.

      But, even more less to make now don't get me wrong I'm not faulting capitalistic ideals to turn a profit. But, when it comes to the stuff we use to save lives, protect someone, or just for the hell of it run through the woods like a mad man with your buddies knocking down targets on a Saturday afternoon. I want to know my equipment will still be in one piece after being put through the wringer. I want that feeling knowing that C.E.O's of these companies care about making great products and providing a great service to all who buy their products like the guys and girls on the assembly line that strive to maintain the same quality that their company is supposed to be known for. Now I'll ask you all this question are you secure in yourself enough that you are willing to bet your life if not your family's life on a product that looks cute in a package made by a company that does not or will not perform quality assurance inspection. Or, are you going to spend that extra $2 to $10 to make sure that equipment meets the same specifications you would come to expect from something being handed too our men and women who protect us when were asleep at night. The answer is up to you to decide I only propose the questions we all need to be asking ourselves. When the smoke clears and the sun comes up who's going to be left standing you or the other guy.

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