I would look upon knee and elbow pads, as an unqualified success. Better to be made fun of, than to break your knee cap. In an urban (MOUT) environment, you've got concrete and gravel surfaces to deal with...say you're firing from a kneeling position ...the knee pad saves a lot of wear and tear on the joint, particularly the hard knee pads worn externally. Obviously for most support occupations you won't need them, but for the ground combat folks, I would consider it essential gear.
The ONTOS. Best counter sniper platform ever designed. The ONTOS was credited with winning the battle of Hue. The last time American troops fought in an urban city doing it the tight way, once the PC rules of engagement were removed.
