MRAPs to replace Humvees in Iraq
MNFI:...Click on the image for a larger view. I wonder if Arnold Schwarzenegger wants one of these to replace his Humvees. They look pretty cool. They are certainly a product of the military's ability to adapt to the tactics used by the enemy in Iraq. They should make the IED an even less effective weapon to the extent the enemy is still trying to use it.The new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle is currently being fielded here for the first time anywhere, and Soldiers are getting their first hands-on look at the latest development in troop protection.
“I’m really impressed by the vehicle, mainly because of the height, and the fact that it can drive about 20 to 30 degrees on its side without rolling over,” said Brooklyn, N.Y., native, Spc. Marquis Dawkins, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. “It is also much more comfortable. The makers of the MRAP were definitely thinking about the Soldiers.”
The MRAPs come in two categories. Category one holds up to six Soldiers and will replace the Humvee. Category two is a longer version, which can hold a crew of 10 Soldiers. Both vehicles, although different, bring the same ideas of troop protection to the fight.
“The vehicle has an angled bottom shell on it so it can deflect blasts a lot,” said Colorado Springs, Colo., native, Pfc. Nicholas Lane, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. “Hopefully, it will keep us safer out there.”
Prior to the vehicles being handed over to the units for day-to-day use, the Soldiers are given extensive training on how to operate, drive and maintain the vehicles. This training also introduces Soldiers to some new luxuries the Humvee lacked, like pneumatic doors and suspended seats.
...
excellent blog. fyi, got to it because google news alerts me everytime "mrap" appears in a news or I guess blog item.
ReplyDeleteLately I am curious to know if the MRAP is still the best tool for the job, what with attacks being lower than when funding decisions were made.
Read an American Spectator today re: an observation post manned by 4 soldiers, where 2 were killed. Their radio was destroyed in the initial attack and the sgt who had a radio on him was killed soon after. Leaving the remaining 3 w/o the ability to signal for help. Reading Marcus Luttrell's book on the misssion that killed all those SEALs in Afg, the inability to communicate also contributed to the death of Lt Murphy and the other members of Marcus's SEAL team.
And even if they could get word out, there was not much help that could be given. Would be great if there were more weapons systems that soldiers under seige could deploy when they needed them.
-Steve