Army procurement is criticized for passing proposals through many bureaucratic layers. The Third Sea Lord's authority provides the contrasting explanation for rapid naval armored-car orders. Once he accepted a working idea, an order could go ahead while he settled agreement with the other Sea Lords. Manufacturers were asked whether they could improve on vehicles already modified in field conditions. The working vehicle therefore supplied an immediate benchmark for industry. The urgency of the request left little room for a preliminary competition or extended study.
Notable Point · 55:34-56:52
The Third Sea Lord turned field improvisation into orders
The Third Sea Lord's authority and a working field example explain the speed of the naval armored-car orders.