Oddly enough this is exactly what I work on for the Army: infrastructure for vehicles.
Firstly, do you have a link to the article?
Secondly, think about it this way: if you had a $1,000,000 car that you drove once a month would you leave it outside in the elements and not expect it to degrade overtime? Would you do your general service/maintenance outside in the driveway during the Winter? Probably not.
The requirements to have a combat vehicle that can withstand the elements is actual, and they can for extended periods. However, during domestic and overseas operations it is also accepted that they will be left outside for extended periods, and these capital costs are acceptable. During the time when they sit idle in storage (and not being used for operations) not having them "self divest" is a preferable option for the Army. Thus we build buildings to hold expensive outdoor vehicles indoors so they are ready when we need them.
The Russians failed at this once and it cost them dearly.
Lastly, I hate you guys for making me think about work two days before I am due back in the office.
