Body armor? How about reservists taking DONATIONS to armor Hummvees?

[underpants]

This ABC News link is from more than a month ago but this story seems not to be too out of the ordinary.

Apparently word is getting back from Iraq to the troops set to deploy.

http://more.abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/US/soldiers_armor_040217.html

Rather than training, what many soldiers really want is armor to protect their vehicles from the bombs they can't see. When reservists in the Army Reserves' 428th Transportation Company showed up at Fort Riley, Kan., to prepare for deployment, they were warned by their buddies already in Iraq that without armor on the vehicles, they'd be in danger.

Maj. Keith Porter said he took the warnings seriously. "They suggested it would be a good idea to add steel plating as additional protection," he said.
The Army, though, had none to give them. While production of armor has been stepped up, supply is far short of the need. So Porter and his soldiers started looking for ways to armor their vehicles themselves.

Local citizens, hearing of their plight, donated money, and a local steel company offered to turn 12,000 pounds of raw steel into armor custom-fit to their trucks — free of charge.

The 428th has since learned that other Army units also are creating homemade armor. Army officials caution that some of it may not meet military standards, but so far they have not prohibited its use.

[radwriter0555]

1. Why won't bush provide proper protection for his military men?

Why is he sending them to their deaths?

Who are they protecting? Who are they DYING FOR?

[Joanne98]

2. But but but

Kerry voted against the armor. The media neglects to mention that Bush got the money and he still hasn't provided the armor. Where is it? Did Bush STEAL the money for the troops armor? grrrrrrrrrrrr

[cap]

3. what's wrong with running the steel mills 24 hrs a day...

7 days a week to keep up with the demand for armour?

Might actually employ a few more people, as well.

[underpants]

4. Hey if you are going to have a war economy have a war economy

That cap would take planning and organization.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. kick