I'll never forget the explanation of why the M16 was so terrible on release: it was billed as self-cleaning, which meant literally nothing except "you don't get

I'll never forget the explanation of why the M16 was so terrible on release: it was billed as self-cleaning, which meant literally nothing except "you don't get the cleaning gear you'll need". Add in the switch to cheaper, dirtier ammo, and everyone knows how good the results were. It's not quite the same as cutting maintenance budgets later, but it's a painful story of money going in up front without any respect for ongoing costs.