Leather Cuirass Lorica Musculata, I used to think no way but

[AuxArcher]

This is true, in that faulty or worthless equipment doesn't last long as issue after real world testing and use. Look at the new US Army ACU - the crotches rip out easily, apparently, and the new USAF combat uniform is supposed to be very hot, so airmen are ripping out the inner map pocket in the blouse and other modifications to make it servicable.

Lt. Custer didn't bring any gatling guns on his ill-fated Little Big Horn expedition, and I think these kinds of situations are universal as long as there have been armies.