Editorial: The MRAP solution
Posted : Thursday Jul 17, 2008 11:31:28 EDT
The tradeoff for the superior blast protection provided by Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles is that they are top-heavy and prone to rollover, too tall and too heavy for much of the roadways and infrastructure in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Field commanders want the protection, but they’re asking for better mobility and more stability as the Defense Department sets the requirements for the last 1,600 of some 15,000 MRAPs that were rush-ordered for the Army and Marine Corps. The rest already have been built and fielded to the war zones.
Significant risk remains in operating those vehicles and the services seek to mitigate that through improved operator training and better mission planning.
Still, the MRAP represents an effective response to urgent battlefield requests issued in late 2006. Despite its flaws, the vehicle has proven safer against IEDs than any other combat vehicle.
But this is certain: The enemy is working with zeal to develop explosives capable of penetrating the special V-shaped hull and armor of the MRAP.
One potent threat is the explosively formed penetrator, a sophisticated and powerful bomb that blasts molten metal through armor. From mid April through mid June, EFP bombings in Iraq increased 40 percent. The growing threat of EFPs led to the up-armoring of MRAPs, which added some 5,000 pounds to the vehicles.
Sound familiar? Humvees were up-armored when they proved inadequate to the insurgents’ bomb-making innovations.
The real solution to ending the escalating power of roadside bombs is to harness intelligence and technology to outsmart the cells that manufacture and plant them.
Redesigning vehicles and adding layers of armor are defensive maneuvers and this is a battle that can only be won on the offensive.
DISCUSS: Are we on the offensive?
Leave a Comment
Most Viewed Stories
- Marine hit by grenade rates MoH, buddies say
- Staff NCOs among Marines in urination video
- Marine fights conviction for suicide attempt
- Calif. police link more deaths to former Marine
- New boss at Headquarters Battalion, 1st MARDIV
- Fewer Marines bound for Guam, report says
- Top officers benefit from revised pension rules
- Lejeune lance corporal killed in Afghanistan
- Budget cuts may slash additional Marine units
- U.S.-backed strike kills top Filipino rebels
- Memorial unveiled for Iraq, Afghan casualties
- Georgia’s president to visit Naval Academy
Contests and Promotions
Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!
Click Here To Enter.
Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!
Click Here To Enter.
Free Stickers
Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
2011 Insider's Guide To Military BenefitsThis handbook for military life includes essential information on pay and benefits, housing, education, health care and more.
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






