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The Wheel Deal

January 9, 2008 | | Comments (13)

When John did his Photo Post last week, the pic of the GI "preflighting" his new MRAP

Kick the Tire & Light the Fire Photo by Sgt. Michael Connors November 28, 2007 </p> <p>Army Pfc. Jeremy Shelton from Monticello, Ga., kicks the tire of his brand new mine-resistant , ambush-protected vehicle during preventive maintenance checks and services at drivers training at Camp Liberty Nov. 11. Shelton is with Company B, 1-30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. This is the first fielding of the MRAP in the division.

caught my eye. Not because I thought it was a particularly impressive example of the breed, but because of the caption -- it's one of the first MRAPs (Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protective) fielded to the 3rd ID. I was just wondering why the folks 'way up in Kirkuk got theirs first. And, then, there are MRAPs and there are *MRAP*s.

Like this beastie:

Yeah, it'd be right at home on the set of *Alien*, wouldn't it?

Pretty decent mine-resistance, with that tapered lower hull.

The Warsaw Pact Look is *in* this year

And note that the gunner has his choice of Mk 19 or M2 for convincing interlopers that messing with *his* particular vehicle is a rotten idea...

Some assembly required, weapons suite not included

...and he can do it without exposing himself making himself a target. Which should appeal to the tankers if not to the ladies as well as the mech infantry types.

And then, there's serious MRAP. Meet the Cougar:

Introducing the Deuce-‘n’-a-Half of Argghhh!

So, the folks at the pointy end are getting -- belatedly -- better protection during drive-time. You'll be happy to know that us lowly mercenaries contractors are also getting improved transportation in the form of the MPAP:

You can get any color you want – long as it’s white

Mostly Paint And Plastic.

Heh. I'm holding out for flame decals around the wheel wells...

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13 Comments

 
By Boquisucio on January 9, 2008 6:57 AM
Translation of above: As Fú-Manchú one said... "It is auspicious to cross the great mountain, Round Eyed Simians, carries good fortune as riders of Big Wheeled Sampans". I'm sure much is lost in translation from the original Hunan But seriously, during my travels through Colombian Indian Country, I found out that good rosary beads wrapped around the rear-view mirrors of many a Pickup Truck, provide excellent anti-ballistic protection. I place the good old Virgin between an N.I.J. Level IIIa and Level IV.
 
By V29 on January 9, 2008 7:09 AM
Well Bill that weathered and leathery hide of yours renders you invincible just like Superman. You don't need no steenkin MRAP!
 
By Christopher on January 9, 2008 7:43 AM
Bill, Mmmmm.....the JERRV (we never called it the Cougar, though)! All other MRAPs are a pale imitation. We all loved that truck. Don't laugh at the NTVs though, they do have their purpose: working out aggression/frustration on the MadMax centerline road at our FOB mostly, but I'm sure that others had less noble uses for them. TINS: One of the NTVs at our FOB had spinners installed! Well, only three, because either a 555 speed bump or a pothole ate the fourth one. Never did figure out who "owned" it, but it was always parked at DMAIN when I had to visit that blackhole. r/ Chris
 
By BillT on January 9, 2008 7:59 AM
Translation of above: Right. Looks more like "Being accompaniment sublime as peach tree sap for Chicken Lips of General Cho" to me... ...that weathered and leathery hide of yours renders you invincible just like Superman. More like a water buff than Superman. The part of my gut covered by the kevlar insert is bulletproof, but only from the front...
 
By AFSister on January 9, 2008 8:42 AM
If I were you, I'd hold out for flame decals around the wheel wells and a flame thrower for top. I've heard nothing but praise for the Cougar. Too bad it's not more widely available to all of our folks over there- especially to our favorite contractor.
 
By John of Argghhh! on January 9, 2008 9:18 AM
Soft and chewy man Inside the dragon-beast rides Jihadi teeth grind
 
By carborundum on January 9, 2008 10:41 AM
Speaking of decals, would you mind taking the target one off the roof? It's not funny even if I'm the only one who can see it. Here's an idea -- why don't you stay in the nice safe base? With a little effort you could make that bunker quite comfy and homelike.
 
By AFSister on January 9, 2008 12:17 PM
Carb... for Bill, "homelike" means putting up with KtLW. *shudder*
 
By BillT on January 9, 2008 12:56 PM
Actually, "homelike" means anything that doesn't flood much in a monsoon and with enough snakes in the surroundings to keep the rats down but not enough to be a nuisance. Oh, yeah -- and within walking distance of a bar.
 
By Trias on January 10, 2008 7:12 AM
I think your walking distance to a bar could cover quite an area, particularly if the beer is cold.
 
By John of Argghhh! on January 10, 2008 8:21 AM
And, Trias is back... where you been, boyo?
 
By Damian on January 10, 2008 3:49 PM
You'll be happy to know that us lowly...contractors are also getting improved transportation in the form of the MPAP...Mostly Paint And Plastic.
Unfortunately, contractors aren't the only ones. The ANA and ANP drive into battle in pickups that may well be older and more poorly maintained than your contractor carpool. If they're going to take over responsibility for their own national security, at some point they're going to need better kit than that.
 
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