Update Article CLP Costing Lives From Defense Review:
Weapons Lube Issued by Army May be Costing Lives in Iraq. WABC 7 News Story.
Posted on Wednesday, November 19 @ 22:15:55 PST by davidc
In the News
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/news/investigators/wabc_investigators_111803gunlube.html
“Weapons Lube Issued by Army May be Costing Lives in Iraq
By Jim Hoffer
(New York-WABC, November 18, 2003) — In a four-month investigation that reaches from the sands of Iraq to the halls of the Pentagon, we found that weapons given to tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers may not work in the desert. All because of a defective product. And it could be putting American troops at risk. The Investigators’ Jim Hoffer is here with his findings.
The key to surviving any war is to have a weapon that works. To that end a good, reliable gun lubricant is critical.
But our investigation has found that a lubricant supplied by the military may be actually causing guns to jam. What’s worse, soldiers say they were blocked from getting a better lubricant at a time when…
they needed it the most.
A Purple Heart does little to heal the aching heart of a mother who’s lost her son to war.
Arlene Walters, Mother: “He was conscientious about everything.”
Sgt. Donald Walters was in the same convoy as Private Jessica Lynch when Iraqis ambushed it, killing Walters and 10 other soldiers. A Pentagon report on the attack shows that many of the soldiers could barely fight back because of multiple “weapons malfunctions.”
Pfc. Jessica Lynch: “When we were told to lock and load. That’s when my weapon jammed.”
The report suggests their weapons failed perhaps because of “inadequate individual maintenance”. In other words, the Army says that the soldiers may have neglected to clean their guns.
Arlene Walters: “That shouldn’t happen to everybody. It seems that it’s a fault of something that they are using not the fault of the soldier that he didn’t clean the gun.”
Ret. Lt. Col. Robert Kovacic, Firearms Trainer: “They would stop and jam.”
Kovacic, a retired lieutenant colonel who trained thousands of soldiers for the Iraqi invasion, says this grieving mother’s suspicions are right on target.
Ret. Lt. Col. Robert Kovacic: “Those weapons if properly lubricated will work better than anybody else’s. But they have to be properly lubricated, CLP is not the proper lubrication.”
Col. Kovacic contacted Eyewitness News outraged that the military was equipping soldiers with a government-issued lubricant known as CLP.
Ret. Lt. Col. Robert Kovacic: “It didn’t work when I was a tank commander and it’s not working now.”
Eyewitness News obtained a copy of a general’s “lessons learned” report which details weapons performance in Iraq. The report says soldiers repeatedly stated that “CLP was not a good choice for weapon’s maintenance”, claiming it “attracted sand to the weapon.”
We heard similar complaints about the lubricant from some New Jersey Marine reservists back from Iraq:
Corporal Steven Gentle, Montclair NJ: “I used it as little as possible.
Jim Hoffer: “You used it as little as possible? Why?”
Corporal Steven Gentle: “Because the CLP attracted the sand. It made the sand stick to the weapon and clot up, causing the weapon to jam.”
In telephone conversations and e-mails from soldiers we heard numerous complaints about CLP. One sergeant told me it is a commonly known fact that the military-issued gun lubricant doesn’t work in the desert. We’ve learned that some soldiers have been so desperate for a lubricant that works they’re writing their families for help.
Art Couchman, Father [reading from letter]: “‘Dad, that Militec is working great!’ …”
Art Couchman sent his son, a soldier in Iraq, a commercial lubricant called Militec. A firearms trainer for police in New York, Couchman became quite concerned when his son told him that the military-issued lubricant attracted dirt and sand to his gun. That’s when Couchman sent him bottles of Militec.
In a recent letter, his son thanks his dad for the shipment of Militec, calling the lube, “pretty amazing stuff.”
Art Couchman: “I think it could probably save some lives if they had more of this stuff.”
Even that “lessons learned” report put out by the Pentagon states that soldiers considered “Militec to be a much better solution for lubricating weapons” than the military’s CLP.
And now many are questioning why just as the war began, the military cancelled all troop orders for Militec.
Brad Giordani, Militec: “They were unable to get the product after the orders were cancelled.”
The commercial lubricant’s inventor says he knows why. Because the military invested millions of dollars developing CLP, Brad Giordani says Army bureaucrats feared their product would be outshined.
Brad Giordani: “(The orders) were cancelled by civilians within the Defense Department that realized our orders were getting to be such large quantities that if they would have allowed these orders to go through we would now be the standard lubricant within the army.”
The Army declined an interview but in a statement to U.S. admits that in the middle of the war, it stopped filling orders for Militec. It doesn’t explain why.
The Army says Militec is now available, and further states that because of “mixed reports on the performance … of lubricants” it plans to “rapidly evaluate … and test” various products for possible future use.
Colonel Kovacic says Militec is already proven in desert combat. And as long as CLP remains the government product of choice, he says, then that’s what most troops will get, leaving the better lube on the shelf and soldiers lives on the line.
Ret. Lt. Col. Robert Kovacic: “There’s a better product. I say we give the kids the best we can give them. I’m telling you CLP is not the best weapons lubricant, they even said that in a report.”
For nearly seven months, the military blocked soldier’s orders for the rival Militec. Only in October, in the middle of our investigation, did the Army again begin to fill orders for Militec.
First let me say that the products I use are tested by me after years of use on the 1911 and other guns. I believe that Militec lubricant and Wilson Combat gun grease are all you need. The obligatory Hoppes number 9 solvent is one of the best.
Let me say that cleaning a 1911 is basic. You remove the slide, recoil spring and grips. Clean these parts as usual. After cleaning you will use Militec to lube the slide rails on the frame. Three drops on each side will do it. Then add a small amount of Wilson gun grease on each rail. One small drop on each side will do it. When applying the Militec place one drop on the front edge of the slide rail, one in the center and one at the rear. Place one drop where the trigger attaches to the frame. Place one or two drops on the barrel and spread to cover the entire surface of the barrel then wipe any excess off. You will also place one drop on the engagement lugs on the slide. You will also use a clean patch to apply a small amount of Militec to the interior of the barrel. Do not leave a great deal in the barrel. While Militec will not effect primers it’s best to be cautious in this area. Also place one drop on the interior of the barrel bushing. This is all you need to do in order to complete the lubrication. Then re-assemble as usual.
I go one step further. After racking the slide several times I remove any excess lubricant at the rear of the slide. I then apply Militec to the exterior surface of the gun then use a hairdryer on hot to dry the lubricant not absorbed by the gun. Wipe down with a silicon cloth on the exterior. That’s it your done!
Many of us have been cleaning our guns the same way since we were kids. Take out the Hoppes #9 run a bore brush through it a few times then run a swab through a time or two and call it done. Well if you depend on a 1911 or any other handgun for your defense that’s not enough.
Speaking for myself I learned several years ago to keep up with trends in companies trying to improve the way we clean our guns by creating products which in some cases not only cut down the time we spend cleaning but do a much better job of it. Not all new products are good but that’s not the point of what I’m writing. I want to pass along several chemicals from two companies who have excelled at putting products out to we consumers as well as military and federal agencies. I believe these are the best products to use not only for the 1911 but precision rifles as well. With permission of Lanigan Performance Products I will give you all the information available to backup my ascertion that these are the best chemicals for cleaning firearms currently available. Before I start this part of the presentation I would like to pass along some information for those of us in military or police service. Militec has kindly and most generously made available samples of the product line free of charge to military and police personel. When I say samples I mean several months worth of product! This is a very patriotic, Christian company I can’t commend enough!
This is what Militec and Lanigan recommend as the proper use of Militec Lubricant. A little later on I give you the reasons why this is the lube to use above all others!
My cleaning procedure for rifles:
I start with using Lanigan products KG1 to remove the usual lead from the barrel. I run the bore brush through the barrel 12 times. I then use two large patches to run through the barrel. Next I use KG12 to remove the copper folowing the same procedure. About every 3rd cleaning I will use KG 2 to polish the inside of the barrel.I do mean polish the barrel. It glows when you are done! On my Savage 10FP and DPMS Lo-Pro I use all three products each cleaning since polishing the barrel interior does improve accuracy. Does any of this harm or remove material from the barrel? Simply put no it does not. I did a little test. I used the old method of cleaning followed by a cleaning with Lanigan products. It was almost like I hadn’t even cleaned with the usual cleaners!!!! I was not only amazed but I was sold!
After cleaning I follow the instructions below to apply Militec to the weapon. I use Militec both on critical surfaces inside the gun but also on the exterior. On the exterior after that first application it looks wet but it’s dry to the touch and makes the surface of the metal look great. It will not transfer to your clothing. One of the most important factors is it is not toxic like some cleaners and lubricants. The smell is also pleasent. I hope this information is helpful. I am NOT associated in any way with these companies just an end user that believes in these products!
Check the website at
also
MILITEC-1 Logo
FIREARMS APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: SELF-LUBRICATION
CHARACTERISTICS: MILITEC-1 Synthetic Metal Conditioner has the unique ability to create a complex, molecular compound within the surface of heated gunmetal. This causes MILITEC-1 to become part of the metal, not merely a temporary coating or a boundary film. There are two main characteristics of this safe new compound. First, it seals and conditions the metal by stiffening (not hardening) the metal surface. Second, it makes the gunmetal self-lubricating under all environmental conditions.
SELF-LUBRICATION: After a complete application, a MILITEC-1 conditioned firearm is self-lubricating. Self-lubrication gives the firearm’s gunmetal the dry lubricity that is required for sustained fire under all environmental conditions. If exposure to dust, sand, or extreme cold is a concern, all excess MILITEC-1 must be wiped away, leaving the firearm’s surface metal clean, dry, and constantly lubricated. Please note: Complete corrosion protection and self-lubrication is attained only after both Step One and Step Two (below) are completed.
PREPARATION: To take full advantage of MILITEC-1’s unique properties, start with a clean firearm. Although MILITEC-1 contains a mild detergent that will help with subsequent cleaning, there are no solvents or other hazardous materials in MILITEC-1, so it cannot remove old caked-on fouling and build-up from other lubes. Thus, if a firearm is dirty, you must clean it with a solvent before you proceed. Normal fieldstrip cleaning should be perfectly adequate. If possible, remove the handgrips, clean and prepare.
INITIAL TREATMENT: Applying MILITEC-1 to a firearm for the first time is a two-step process: (1) Application and (2) Firing.
STEP ONE: APPLICATION. Now that the firearm is clean and dry, apply a light film of MILITEC-1 to all surfaces, including the bore. Burnish/polish MILITEC-1 into exterior surfaces by rubbing rapidly using a cloth lightly dampened with MILITEC-1. Sparingly apply drops into the action, concentrating on springs, moving parts and metal-to-metal contact areas. If your firearm has a magazine, be sure to apply MILITEC-1 both inside and out. Leave a very light film of MILITEC-1 on all surfaces during reassembly. Now proceed to Step Two.
STEP TWO: FIRING. Once you fire your weapon enough times to reach operating temperatures, the heat and friction will activate MILITEC-1, strengthening the bonding process that was started in Step One. While firing, MILITEC-1 creates a self-lubricating, water-repelling, dry compound within the gunmetal.
Additional Application Instructions: If Step Two is not immediately possible, consider applying low heat to the firearm to facilitate the bonding process until you can perform Step Two. In field conditions, place your lubed firearm in the sun underneath black plastic or a similar ventilated heat source for at least two hours. Alternatively, you may use a heat gun, hairdryer, burnishing or polishing tool to heat the gunmetal. In heat controlled environments, do not exceed 150° F (65° C). In all applications that require heat to condition the firearm, always insure proper ventilation and wear protective clothing. Please consult our MSDS for additional information.
ULTIMATE PROTECTION: To maximize the effects of MILITEC-1, repeat Step One and Step Two while the firearm is still hot from the first firing session. MILITEC-1’s impregnated molecular bond intensifies during the next 2-3 applications on hot gunmetal. MILITEC-1 has now become a physical part of the gunmetal.
SUBSEQUENT APPLICATIONS: It is important to continue using MILITEC-1 to lubricate your firearm throughout its normal service life. Consistent use of MILITEC-1 will maintain the self-lubricating effect, maximize corrosion protection, and minimize wear on all friction surfaces. Fouling, deposits and metallic debris do not adhere as easily to gunmetal surfaces conditioned with MILITEC-1. Use a safe, inexpensive cleaner or solvent to detail the firearm, if necessary. For maximum corrosion protection, and especially if long-term storage is anticipated, leave a very light film of MILITEC-1 on all surfaces, after both steps or field application procedures are completed.
APPLICABILITY: MILITEC-1 is recommended for all pistols, shotguns, rifles, automatic weapons, tank guns and artillery of all calibers and sizes. Note: MILITEC-1 will alleviate jamming due to tight tolerances.
MILITEC-1 FIREARM APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: SELF-LUBRICATION
CHARACTERISTICS:
MILITEC-1 Synthetic Metal Conditioner has the unique ability to create a complex, molecular compound within the surface of heated gunmetal. This causes MILITEC-1 to become part of the metal, not merely a temporary coating or a boundary film. There are two main characteristics of this safe new compound. First, it seals and conditions the metal by stiffening (not hardening) the metal surface. Second, it makes the gunmetal self-lubricating under all environmental conditions.
SELF-LUBRICATION:
After a complete application, a MILITEC-1 conditioned firearm is self-lubricating. Self-lubrication gives the firearm’s gunmetal the dry lubricity that is required for sustained fire under all environmental conditions. If exposure to dust, sand, or extreme cold is a concern, all excess MILITEC-1 must be wiped away, leaving the firearm’s surface metal clean, dry, and constantly lubricated. Please note: Complete corrosion protection and self-lubrication is attained only after both Step One and Step Two (below) are completed.
PREPARATION:
To take full advantage of MILITEC-1’s unique properties, start with a clean firearm. Although MILITEC-1 contains a mild detergent that will help with subsequent cleaning, there are no solvents or other hazardous materials in MILITEC-1, so it cannot remove old caked-on fouling and build-up from other lubes. Thus, if a firearm is dirty, you must clean it with a solvent before you proceed. Normal fieldstrip cleaning should be perfectly adequate. If possible, remove the handgrips, clean and prepare.
How does MILITEC-1 compare with other firearms lubricants?
Other lubricants form a temporary coating on the surface of metal – a coating that can dry out or get rubbed off, leaving the weapon unprotected. In contrast, MILITEC-1 actually becomes part of the metal, not merely a film on the surface.
How do I use it?
Apply a light coat of MILITEC-1 to all metal surfaces, including the bore. On exterior surfaces, burnish rapidly with a patch. The heat and fiction of firing will activate MILITEC-1 on inner surfaces.
Do I have to get the old lube off first?
Some lubes can leave a residue that may partially block MILITEC-1’s effectiveness. If you’ve used older lubes extensively, or if your firearm is very dirty, it’s a good idea to clean it thoroughly with a good quality solvent before your first application of MILITEC-1.
How do I clean my gun when I use MILITEC-1? Should I still use a cleaner or solvent?
Many folks throw their solvent away after using MILITEC-1. When MILITEC-1’s chemical action seals the metal, fouling and debris don’t stick. Firearms clean up beautifully using only a cloth lightly dampened with MILITEC-1 and a patch down the bore.
How does MILITEC-1 work with stainless steel?
Great! MILITEC-1 has been used on stainless steel weapons for many years with complete success.
Will MILITEC-1 harm the bluing on my firearm?
No! If anything, MILITEC-1 will add new luster and depth to the finish.
How does MILITEC-1 affect plastic and composite frames and grips?
MILITEC-1 has been tested and proven completely safe for all plastics, composites and wood finishes.
What happens if I get MILITEC-1 on my ammo?
MILITEC-1 will not harm your ammo.
Why does MILITEC-1 cost so much?
It doesn’t! MILITEC-1 is extremely concentrated. A single 1 oz. bottle of MILITEC-1 usually lasts far longer than a 4 oz. bottle of other lubes.
How does MILITEC-1 work with black powder?
Just fine. To get maximum benefit, fire at least one shot with a slightly wet coating of MILITEC-1 in the bore, then return to normal dry-bore conditions.
Will it damage primers like WD-40 does?
Absolutely not. MILITEC-1 has no effect on primers.
How will MILITEC-1 work in extreme weather?
MILITEC-1 has been tested extensively in the sweltering jungles of Panama and Colombia, the frigid winters of Alaska and Minnesota, the dry blowing dust and sand of Desert Storm, and the soggy rain of Great Britain, Puget Sound and New England. In all these conditions, MILITEC-1 weapons fired first time, every time.
Is MILITEC-1 used exclusively on firearms?
No! MILITEC-1 can be used with all types of machinery. Typical uses include both two- and four-cycle Diesel and gasoline engines of all sizes; automotive and industrial transmissions and differentials; compressors of all types including refrigeration; assembly-line speed reduction gears; electric motors; pumps; etc. It is also an excellent cutting fluid for the most difficult lathe and mill work. From nuclear-powered submarines to dental drills, rock crushers to bicycles, air conditioners to sewing machines, MILITEC-1 literally works anywhere two pieces of metal rub together.
Do you have other products?
Yes. Our MILITEC-1 GREASE starts as a blend of the very finest polymers, anti-wear agents, tackifiers, highviscosity base oils and rust inhibitors. Then we add 15% MILITEC-1 by weight. The result is a multi-purpose automotive and industrial grease second to none.
“Proven Performance in Combat for Today’s Military”
FIREARMS AND WEAPONS
MILITEC-1: The Only Proven Synthetic Molecular Bonding Technology for Today’s Military and Law Enforcement Weapons.
Reduces Friction and Delivers Constant Lubrication for all Caliber Weapons
Reduces Jamming
Increases Muzzle Velocity and Accuracy
Reduces Wear
Inhibits Corrosion
Reduces Material Buildup
Easier Cleaning
Highly Concentrated and Long-Lasting
Check out the Review by Russ Chastain the Hunting Guide for About.com and if you like Hunting and Fishing they have lots of interesting information that is worth checking out MILITEC-1 is Good Stuff – Hunting – 9/08/99
FIREARM APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
ADVANTAGES OF USING MILITEC-1 OVER MILSPEC CLP
WHY USE MILITEC-1 and HOW IT WORKS
USERS
Military organizations and law enforcement agencies and have recognized the contributions outlined above:
MILITEC-1 is being used by over 100 military organizations. MILITEC-1 is approved and is being used by the many Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement and Correctional Agencies. MILITEC-1 has National Stock Numbers (NSN’s) and is also listed in the FEDLOG. MILITEC-1 can be ordered through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
WHO USES MILITEC?
PARTIAL LIST OF MILITEC-1 ACTIVE FEDERAL CREDENTIALSINS
NCIS
DIA
DCIS
USPI
USPP
FBI
IRS
DEA
Secret Service
Sky Marshals
US Marshals
Coast Guard
HHC/1-187 IN
101st ABN
2d BCT
82d ABN
3-325 PIR
2-325 PIR
3-7 CAV
FSB
1st BCT
3rd ID
3-69 AR
Ft. Gordon
Ft. Lewis
USCG, Southwest Harbor, ME
SEAL Team 5, San Diego, CA
SEAL Team 3, San Diego, CA
NAVSEA, Dam Neck, VA
USCG Group Detroit
DSCC-1 Columbus OH
NSWG 2 Norfolk VA
Special Operation Teams in theater
Naval Surface Warfare Center (Crane)
1108th Signal Bgde. Ft. Detrick, MD
501st Signals Bn, Ft Campbell, KY
70th Engineer Bn, Ft. Riley, KS ECS-24, Fort Indian Town Gap, PA
HHC, 70th Engineer Bn, Ft Riley, KS
HHC, 3 BCT, 1 AD, Fort Riley, KS
HHS, 1/12th FA, Fort Sill, OK
U.S. Army HHC- 2-108 INF
Naval Research Lab, Wash, DC
HQ, 1st Bn, 32nd Inf Regt, Fort Drum, NY
HQ, 25th ID (L), Schofield Barracks, HI
Naval Support Facility, Thurmont, MD
Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA
NSF/MSC (Camp David), Thurmont, MD
10th Engineer Bn, Fort Stewart, GA
USCG Armory, Port Clinton, OH
U.S. Army HHC- 134 Arm Ft. Riley
U.S. Army – ICI Ft. Drum NY
USCG PSU 309 Support Facility
U.S. Army 1st EN BN Fort Riley
DSCC-1 Internal Security At Columbus
Transportation Officer, Fort Detrick, MD
Ft. Richardson and Ft. Wainright Alaska
Operation Enduring Freedom Company A.
94th Regional Support Command, Ayers, MA
C Co, 2nd Bn, 10 SFGA (A), Fort Carson, CO
D Co, 2nd Bn, 1st SWTGA, Fort Bragg, NC
Naval Special Warfare Center, Norfolk, VA
1st Flt Antiterrorism Security Team Norfolk, VA
HQ, USASOC, DCSLOG-LMRD, Fort Bragg, NC
HQ USCENTCOM/CCJS JIATF, McDill AFB, FL
Letterkenny Army Depot, Chambersburg, PA
Maine, Kansas, ND, NC, and NY ANG Units
Naval Air Warfare Center Air Div Patuxent River
U. S. Army 1st B 5th Field Artillery Bldg 7120
U.S. Army 1st Maint Co. Bldg 8059 Fort Riley
Naval Station Pascagoula, Passcagoula, MS
NDW Armory Naval District of Washington
Operation Enduring Freedom CS Bn CO B MT
US Army Test Center, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (MD &GA)
Letterkenney Munitions Center, Chambersburg, PA
Display Ship Barry DD-933 NDW, Washinton Navy Yard
305th Security Forces Squadron Armory, McGuire AFB, NJ
NSWG 2, NAB Little Creek, Norfolk, VA (SEAL Team and School)
Lanigan Products
KG-1 was initially formulated for exclusive use by a military group to remove carbon buildup from their weapons. Unlike other Cleaners, KG-1 contains no ammonia and is pH neutral. KG-1 is ideal for removing carbon from black powder rifles.
Originally developed to maintain the bore integrity of sniper rifles, KG-2 is being introduced to the public to provide shooters with a product that will actually improve the condition of the bore while cleaning it. Like KG-1, KG-2 contains no ammonia and uses a mechanical method to remove the worst of copper, lead and powder residue. KG-2 can be used when shooting numerous rounds in between cleanings or as a bore conditioner for those weapons needing extra care. KG-2 is an ideal product for fire polishing (A technique finer than Fire Lapping).
KG-3 is a non-chlorinated ozone safe formula used to remove the residue loosened by KG-1 and KG-2 and is also used for cleaning and decreasing parts. KG-3 contains a special formulation of fast drying, water-displacing solvents which will rapidly cut through oil and grease, leaving no residue.
KG-12 COPPER REMOVER & BORE CLEANER
During the 2004 Shot Show Lanigan Performance Products asked KG to develop a copper remover for Military Howitzers. They simply wanted a better product then what was being sold on the retail market. KG, although developing enchants to remove copper, went against the grain and company philosophy, did set out to develop a chemical means to remove copper from these large bore guns. One of the biggest barriers to hurtle was the specifications called for in the initial request. The product had to be environmentally friendly, not attack any other metals and also needed to be user friendly (smell and toxins).
.
The result of efforts was “KG-12” a copper remover which will remove the toughest of copper fouling without harming any other metals. There is no need to “neutralize” KG-12 like you do with other Ammonia based products and no need to “get it out quick” like Ammonia based enchants. KG-12 contains no Ammonia. KG-12 is water based. KG-12 will remove copper fouling fast.
KG-12 was not developed to replace KG-2; rather KG-12 is used by those who prefer etchants over mechanical means of removing copper. When KG-12 is used, KG-2 is used as a bore polish.
Please visit the websites I listed above. If you have any questions give them a call they are very helpful and friendly. Lanigan Products 1-888-292-0006 Militec 1-877-222-5512
Gunner's Journal 