Several factors drove the military research on cleaning products.

Corrosive primers were standard until the late 50's to early 60's, and ammunition remained in stock for years afterward, so solvents that would effectively nutralize that primer residue were an important consideration.

Solvents capable of expeditiously removing bullet jacket residue helped to make small arms maintenance in all field conditions.

Chemicals that will effectively displace moisture and provide greater protection to steel parts helped to prevent breakdown in many field conditions.

Of course, we should never totally disregard the compelling motivation for those involved in researching and developing these products, because if they weren't engaged in that assignment they might just be transferred to combat units!

Finally, never forget that congress members are always looking for ways to direct appropriations to their home districts. So if a company claimed to have superior products for small arms maintenance they were likely to have lobbyists pushing the buttons in the Capitol Building.