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Originally Posted by xepherys
Willravel speaks the truth! The vehicles do not have the horse power to properly navigate the terrain here with the FRAG-5 kits installed. Going uphill slows the vehicle down to a literal crawl (we're talking 2-3mph) and many of them don't have the power to move in reverse at all without rocking forward and back.
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And the thing is, you could get more powerful engines....but they'd have to be refueled even more often than they are now. That would put even more constraints on things. The real solution is in lighter weight armor technologies already available to private sector organizations like BlackWater. Faster and stronger should both be a concern in moving troops. Also, electric vehicles would do VERY well in an environment where you get so much damned sun. A hybrid with solar panels would make fuel runs a lot less common. Not to mention how light solar panels are now (in weight).
Wouldn't it be ironic to be turning to more fuel efficient technology in a war partially over oil control?
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Originally Posted by xepherys
The contracting for the Army is bullshit as well, and a complete waste of money. Even at a higher payrate, using soldiers to take care of things like cooking and cleaning instead of KBR contractors would save a considerable amount of money. Oh, that's right, there's not enough to TROOPS to self-support. Perhaps that is because our Commander-in-Chief has seen fit to spread our numbers too thin globally. Don't get me wrong, I like the KBR guys that work here, and more power to them for finding an amazingly good paying job out here in the 'stan (and Iraq), but it's not really the most efficient means of paying for the war effort.
Oh well! Above my paygrade!
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You're absolutely right. Had we not occupied Iraq, we would have the necessary manpower to have a cheaper (and better) full military presence. Imagine, had we not invaded Iraq, we could deploy 2500 troops and necessary support to Darfur tomorrow and help to support humanitarian aid.
Not invading Iraq would have been the ultimate support of the troops.
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Originally Posted by xepherys
As an aside, I'd like to note that I'm a driver in my convoy team. I have experience with several vehicles in our unit (well, five to be exact). Three have broken down with considerable problems. Once, due to the FRAG-5 and almost at the expense of all soldiers in my vehicle and another towing us. A FRAG-5 M1114 towing another in the mountains is a dangerous proposition, but the only one offered us in many instances. Twice within less than 100m, and to no fault of myself or the other driver, six soldiers, a civilian and a local terp nearly parished due to the FRAG-5 configuration and it's pitfalls.
Thank God for the extra protection, though!
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Jesus Christ. I'm glad you're okay.