My contribution to the 1991 Gulf War

[chuteless 1]

I have always been involved in historical studies, since the early 1940s.

When the Gulf War started after Iraq invaded Kuwait, the news accounts reported that the Americans and their allies were having difficulty with the sand storms in Iraq, as the powder like sand was clogging their rifles etc. The sand was so fine, it would blow into the breach of the guns, and the guns would not fire as automatics.

I telephoned General Colin Powell's office, and eventaually spoke to one of his top aides. I told him I had a remedy that would solve this "sand problem".

I suggested the Pentagon order a few million condoms, 36 inches long, which would fit over their weapons, and keep the sand out of the end of the barrel and the breach.

Once the gun was needed, it would fire, the bullets tearing open the business end of the gun, and the elasticity of the condom would allow the automatic to keep firing.

Most of the problem was during sand storms and not in battle, but the gun would always be ready to go.

Powell's aide took my name and address and said the General would send me a letter of appreciation...but that never happened.

I did hear a report that the US Government ordered several million such condoms...I wish they had paid me 1 cent per unit...that would have been nice.

This idea was not originally mine. It came from Winston Churchill during World War II, when he was asked to allow the purchase of condoms 24 inches long to fit over the Sten guns. At that time


it was ice and snow fouling the breach.

Churchill approved the order on two conditions

1. that the condoms were stamped "size Medium"

2. that the Condoms were also stamped "Made In England"


and both of these indications were to intimidate the germans who might find one.

Bill Cole D-41

[Kramer 0]

This is one of the most remarkable stories I've read in a long time. If one of your jokers was telling it, I'd say it was horseshit...but I trust Mr. Cole.

Anyone here that served in the Gulf War recollect using condomns to keep the sand out of their barrels?

Thanks for sharin chuteless, fun read.

-Kramer

The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!!

[Ian84 0]

Quote

Churchill approved the order on two conditions

1. that the condoms were stamped "size Medium"

2. that the Condoms were also stamped "Made In England"


and both of these indications were to intimidate the germans who might find one.

Bill Cole D-41

HAHA......thats really cool. Sorry they didn't appreciate your input though

[jsaxton 0]

Hmmmm, my father told me that one except...

1) It was Eisenhower
2) It was on the eastern front
3) They were stamped "Texas Small"

Sorry Bill

[EricaH 0]

Actually, the story was on a program on either the History or Learning channel bout where condoms came from...
the English/Med info was stated there as well.
I think it's true.

There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear.

PMS #227 (just like the TV show)

[chuteless 1]

The US government ordered the condoms from a supplier in Japan.

My telephone bill for the month I called the Pentagon was quite high, but I thought it was worth the effort. It wasnt done with one call, but many before I got through to someone who would listen.

Bill Cole

[CrazyIvan 0]

Another purpose of that was to have "Safe shooting"

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[EricaH 0]

Good on you Bill for taking the time to help our boys out (women too)!!
It was a great idea in WWII & one that translated well into action 50 years later.

There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear.

PMS #227 (just like the TV show)

[AdD 1]

bahahaha. Safe shooting... You always see condoms on the guns in Tour of Duty on History channel. Smart to use them for sand though. Big advantage against a country that doesn't believe in contraceptives eh?

Life is ez
On the dz
Every jumper's dream
3 rigs and an airstream

[QuickDraw 0]

Ironically... not one German became pregnant after being shot with a sten.

-- Hope you don't die. --

I'm fucking winning

[dgskydive 0]

I was there from the very beginning and never saw anybody with a condom on the M16, let alone one that is 3 ft. long.

I think Mr. Cole is pulling on some legs.

Dom

[lummy 4]

I do remember that they used condoms in GW1. I personally doubt the length or the source of the idea tho ;)

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[PhillyKev 0]

Yeah...I saw that in Platoon, too. They had condoms on their guns in the movie. I think someone has an inflated idea of self importance.

[chuteless 1]

I am not pulling anyone's
' legs. I dont care if you believe what I wrote or not, I made the call and passed the idea on.

For the other guy who said Eisenhower said it, it is recorded that Churchill said it before the Ameicans ever got into WW II,

Furthermore, I was in contact with the offices of Rumsfeld, and the offices for a military special project in the Spring of 2003, about several topics.
I dont know if anything resulted from those calls and there were many, but I have been willing to do what I could to help in several situations which were of great concern to the Pentagon.


And I LIE TO NO MAN


Bill Cole D-41