A Close Shave in Afghanistan

By Mark Thompson | @MarkThompson_DC | December 9, 2011 | +

Yuri Cortez / AFP / Getty Images

A soldier shaves in Kandahar's province Arghandab Valley

Friday’s roster of federal business opportunities includes this urgent request:

THIS RFQ [Request for Proposal] IS FOR 15,000 11oz cans, or larger, of aerosol foam shaving cream to be expedite shipped to Afghanistan.

Last thing we heard, some troops were letting their facial hair grow to mix in among the locals…but it turns out, according to Marine Corps Times, that the foam is a good way to mark IEDs. Although the contracting officer involved would never let on:

There’s a requirement for it at this particular time. They just need to get some shaving cream over there, that’s about all I can comment on right now. I’m not at liberty to comment because it’s mission-dictating.

@TIME

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