Why the US Army Is Buying Foam Goats

(Photo: Haley Cartwright)

Time magazine reports that the Army needs realistic-looking foam goat props. It also needs realistic dogs, cows, chickens, pigs, sheep, fish, and eggs (both brown and white), as well as tables and chairs.

That's because the Army wants to make training environments as realistic as possible. Ideally, a simulation area looks exactly like the actual combat environment, down to the last detail. Time quotes the bid request:

The entire herd and all the goods “shall be made of fire retardant foam and will be the size of actual item counterpart,” the Army says. “They will be colored to look like actual item counterpart.”

But war, of course, is not all fun and games. “The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure delivery serviceable items,” the service warns. “The contractor shall be held liable for any unserviceable or defective items received.” That’s because, for want of a foam goat’s head, the battle could be lost.

-via VA Viper