Suppressors were tested in Viet Nam. They aren't much help protecting hearing, because it's the super-sonic crack! of the shot that is most damaging to hearing, and suppressors can't suppress that.
Ah, no. Won't even try to argue the point. No.
Korea now issues a suppressor 1 per soldier - they buy US made. Since they do engineer a lot of the stuff in your house - appliances, phones, cars, etc., it's not likely they are doing it just because they are our buddies. They do it because they work. As anyone who can buy one in Europe knows - where they are sold in hardware stores and REQUIRED for use on ranges.
It's the NFA and the stupid inclusion of suppressors by ignorant politicians that contribute to our soldiers problems now.
I started shooting without hearing protection, but quickly got on the bandwagon. Nonetheless, there are motorcycles with no mufflers - and a complete lack of enforcement. Bottle rockets, shot my share at opponents on the 4th of July along with other fireworks.
In fact, the last training I had in the military on pyrotechnics was with Less Than Lethal rounds, grenades, and etc. - and I was not informed I should bring ear plugs because no one told me squat about what I was about to attend - and the uniform policy was no earplugs at that time. After 6 hours you will have ringing ears.
Since then I have worked in a CNC shop with three large Amada rotary press machines pounding away for a ten hour shift - ear plugs required - but the impact can even be felt in your feet. They get loud punching 1/4" hot rolled plate. Now I have to ask repeatedly for customers to speak up, anyone talking behind me I can't hear them on the phone, fans running cause too much dissonance, and I get the "look" if the TV is up too loud. Which is pretty easy with the surround sound stereo.
Documented mid range hearing loss, all in the heath record jacket. Just inconvenient, not enough to get any compensation. The CNC shop had annual checks and it wasn't getting worse - or better. There is NO "compensation" for hearing noise, the body does not get over it or protect itself other that to impress on the listener that loud sounds are hurtful.
Being all macho about it is stupid. Get good plugs and muffs, write your Congressman to approve the military use of suppressors and rescind the NFA provision. It would save so much future disability it would make money for the government to give them away free to one and all.