Troops Still Waiting for Armored Vehicles
Throughout the war, getting the troops the equipment they need to stay alive has been more of a goal than a reality. The latest example is the expected delivery shortfall of MRAPs -- the specially designed armored vehicles that have proved particularly resistant to roadside bombs. The Pentagon had hoped to deliver 3,500 of the vehicles to Iraq, but it looks as if only 1,500 or so will make it there by year's end.Throughout the war, getting the troops the equipment they need to stay alive has been more of a goal than a reality. The latest example is the expected delivery shortfall of MRAPs — the specially designed armored vehicles that have proved particularly resistant to roadside bombs. The Pentagon had hoped to deliver 3,500 of the vehicles to Iraq, but it looks as if only 1,500 or so will make it there by year’s end.
Your support matters…AP:
The vehicles – known as MRAPs – have a special V-shaped hull that provides greater protection against roadside bombs. According to the military, no troops have been killed while riding in one.
Once the MRAPs are built, the military installs necessary military equipment – such as radios and radar – then sends them to Iraq. Right now that process is taking about 50 days, but officials hope to shorten that to a little more than a month.
Still, [Pentagon press secretary Geoff] Morrell said that many of the MRAPs produced in November and December won’t get to Iraq before the end of the year. He said getting 3,500 to the forces in Iraq by year’s end was an “ambitious goal” but the revised estimate of 1,500 is more realistic now.
Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.
You can help level the playing field. Become a member.
Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.
Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.
Politics
The little elves of Capitol Hill have funneled $25 billion to contractors as part of the DoD budget for 2024.
World
A new report details the scope of spending on drug war programs that undermine other US foreign aid goals.
Opinion
Historical ties to militaristic nationalism pose a serious challenge to current Russian feminist struggles.
Opinion
Reviving the 2010 reform process could be key to resolving Pakistan’s continued crises, but reforms must target the military's massive business empire.
Military
Despite a 2016 law requiring transparency, the Defense Department is limiting public access to court records in the military justice system.
Military
Military food insecurity and our obsession with defense spending.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.