More armored vehicles being sent to troops in Iraq

[TacticalPeek]

More armored vehicles being sent to troops in Iraq

By Tom Squitieri, USA TODAY


WASHINGTON - U.S. military commanders have sent additional tanks and armored personnel carriers to Marine and Army units in Iraq, and more are on their way.

The heavier, tougher vehicles are meant to offer better protection against roadside bombs and ambushes, which have taken a heavy toll among U.S. troops. This month, at least 115 U.S. troops have died, nearly as many as the 138 who died during the "major combat" phase of the war in March and April a year ago. Many were killed in roadside attacks on their Humvees, essentially light trucks that often have little armor. The heavier vehicles are also intended for use in urban combat.

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Two defense officials who get detailed, daily reports on troop and equipment deployments said that about two dozen Abrams tanks have been shipped from bases in Europe for the Army. One of those officials said a similar number of armored vehicles are likely to be sent to the Marines.

Sattler's acknowledgement Wednesday marked the first time a Pentagon official has publicly confirmed reports that the Pentagon had agreed to requests to send more armor to Iraq. At a Tuesday news conference at the Pentagon, Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said there were "indications that (field commanders) were going to ask for some heavier equipment" but that the request "hasn't come up to our level yet."

One reason U.S. troops are scrambling for more heavy armor now is that commanders originally thought they wouldn't need it. When the Army rotated fresh troops into Iraq earlier this year, newly arriving units had been instructed to leave the bulk of their heavy armor at their home bases. The Pentagon's strategy was to use lighter equipment, such as Humvee trucks and Stryker wheeled, light-armored vehicles, to provide a speedier, more agile and more versatile force in Iraq.

more
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-04-28-armored-vehicles_x.htm

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Lighter, speedier, agile, versatile. Sounds Rumsfieldian to me.

Getting enough troops and the right equipment is like pulling teeth.

Les Aspin, where did you leave the accountability???

[Seldona]

1. Better late than never.

I mean the 'war' has been over for over a year, hasn't it?

Great planning.