Too bad they didn't adopt this philosophy a few years ago. It would have saved many lives and limbs. I'll bet it would have ultimately saved money too since the expense of treating those injured in each blast probably outweighs the extra cost of the vehicles. That is not even getting into the fact that it is the right thing to do...provide the troops with the gear needed to do their job with the least possible risk.
Finally! The Hummer was never suited for what we are using it for. The MRAP will save many lives. However; how does the MRAP fit in with the original mission of the Marine Corp- Amphibious ship to shore? Do we still assault the beach with Amtracs then bring the MRAPs onshore in Mike boats after the initial assaults?
I agree. The cost of the war is nothing compared to the cost after it is over. The MRAP will save many lives. I think this is the best money we have spent on this war. It's for the boots on the ground. About Time. Production will eventually go over 20,000. I have found out you can fly them into the combat area with heavy load aircraft. Also they have a 420 mile range. I was just wondering about ship to shore delivery in an invasion operation which doesn't apply to Iraq. I agree-money is no object.
Hmmmm, these vehicles have a pretty respectable fording depth thanks to the high undercarriage, but this is the first time I've heard anyone ask about driving one up the beach. The Cougar has airlift certification memos and can move on all the standard transports as well as rail and lowboy/RGN rigs.
We have lowered quantity on our MRAP order. Of course we all know about saving the government money cause we're Marines. My original question was just how is a vehicle this big and heavy going to fit in our mission. I know a Mike boat can land them on the shore but we use that for tanks. Can a Chinook take them ship to shore? I was a Comm man with 1st Amtracs Bn 1971-72. We had P5 Amtracs. The P7's were coming in when I went back stateside. 1st Amtracs was the best unit I served with in my 4 years.
I heard we were replacing the Humvee with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. I haven't seen one yet. Anyway, I'm sure the Commandant will make the right decision for us.
Originally posted by itelecom2: We have lowered quantity on our MRAP order. Of course we all know about saving the government money cause we're Marines. My original question was just how is a vehicle this big and heavy going to fit in our mission. I know a Mike boat can land them on the shore but we use that for tanks. Can a Chinook take them ship to shore? I was a Comm man with 1st Amtracs Bn 1971-72. We had P5 Amtracs. The P7's were coming in when I went back stateside. 1st Amtracs was the best unit I served with in my 4 years.
I heard we were replacing the Humvee with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. I haven't seen one yet. Anyway, I'm sure the Commandant will make the right decision for us.
The Marines don't operate Chinooks, and Lord help us if we are dependent on the Army or Air Force for transport in a vertical envelopment. What we do use, the CH-53E, has an external lift capability of sixteen tons, so we could lift all of the Cat I MRAPs, some of the Cat IIs, and none of the Cat IIIs.
