Overheard While Getting on an MRAP
Posted by Rob on February 14th, 2008 filed in Uncategorized“Built to survive more, not fight a war.” - a Marine in Ramadi.
The Marines give the MRAPs high marks for its safety and security, but when it comes to the incredibly harsh ride on all but the smoothest of roads, it’s oddly positioned gunner’s platform (it’s pushed to the rear so that the gunners feet barley touch the platform when facing forward), it’s lack of gun-ports, low maneuverability in tight urban terrain, and it’s ability to pull down phone and electric lines with its high reaching antennas drag do give Lance Corporals in Iraq something to complain about.
It is incredible to see this huge vehicle roll to a stop and see just 6 Marines pile out (in the case of the 4x variant.) The chameleon jammer and the radio chassis take up a huge amount of room, leaving precious little space for combat loaded warriors and their gear.
The MRAPs are great vehicles, but after riding around in the Stryker for a week I wonder if the mine resistant v-hull of the MRAP could somehow be combined with the versatile Stryker platform to produce a seriously survivable, and practical, armored assault vehicle.
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