Army Fields MRAP in Iraq

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Army Fields MRAP in Iraq
Army News Service | Sgt. Mark B. Matthews | November 07, 2007


CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - Towering overhead and aligned one after the other in a seemingly endless row, the Army's next generation of combat vehicles have rolled into Iraq.

The new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected 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 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 Pfc. Nicholas Lane, Company C, 2nd Bn., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. "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.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,155762,00.html