I am puzzled at the sheared key statement. Why, if taking off in second gear shears a key, why does it not shear when under full engine load, in the mud or other hard pulls? WE have done both here on the farm under bad conditions with no problem. We have never had a problem from second gear starts, but then we are truck drivers and mechanics and know how to conserve on clutches and be sensible. In my experience, using your sense when starting out in second gear in a truck that has no load in it is no problem, especially deuces. We start in first on five tone because of the greater truck weight, especially like the M543A2 wrecker. The magazine article is put out by the military because they have to deal with drivers who just came out of driving cars only, probably automatics, therefore do not understand trucks, so they have to make a rule that applies to all, even those who do understand trucks.
We did find that on government set-up trucks we have bought on GL the fuel rate is set so low that one has to rev the motor to get it to launch without stalling. We set the fuel rate up and find that you can just ease out on the clutch without having to rev the motor to get it to move out. This makes starting out in second easier, and with less clutch plate wear-inducing revving of the motor. This also brings up the much used statement "turn 'em up, blow 'em up" which is a lot of baloney if you are a savvy operator. You control the fuel rate with your foot, and the length of time it is used. Be sensible, and you will not have a problem.
Regards Marti