2009.04.15
New MRAPs
A number of weeks ago, my team turned in our Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles the Army issued us new ones.
The team trained on the MRAP prior to deployment, earning driver's licenses while we were in Kuwait last August. I wrote about the MRAP at that time. You can still read all about the vehicle at http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/iraq/2008/08/14/on-the-mrap-mine-resistant-ambush-protected/.
A different company manufactured the new MRAPs. Though they were made with similar specifications, the designs are somewhat different. While our old MRAPs reminded me of tan garbage trucks, the new ones remind me of over-sized, tan lunar rovers.
The main functional differences are that the air conditioner works better and the suspension is a vast improvement. The difference in the feel of the suspension is like going from an old CJ7 Jeep Wrangler to a Cadillac Escalade.
One of our new MRAPs.
OK, I thought at first you were writing about MREs. Of course, you know food is always on my brain. This is a much more serious topic. I'm glad to hear that you guys are getting newer, more comfortable vehicles. Hopefully they are just as safe as the old ones. Take care out there.
Comment by Lindsey — April 16, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
"The difference in the feel of the suspension is like going from an old CJ7 Jeep Wrangler to a Cadillac Escalade."
But that takes out half the fun, right?
Comment by Ed S. — April 16, 2009 @ 6:23 pm