FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Randy Harris
08 December 2004 615.313.0662 (office)
04-61 615.517.0984 (CELL)
Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett, Adjutant General of Tennessee
Statement on questions by 278th Soldier to Secretary Rumsfeld
SPC Wilson’s question is a legitimate concern.
Additional armor for vehicles in Iraq has been an issue since the beginning of the war for both active and reserve component soldiers.
The up-armored vehicles are being supplied to the troops in Iraq as soon as they are available from the manufacturer.
I have been assured that no 278th soldier will go forward in a vehicle without at least “level 3” armor.
According to my information, 278th Vehicles that are not armored will be trucked forward and will not be occupied by soldiers.
I am surprised by General Speer’s statement that he was not aware of the soldiers using scrap medal and used ballistic glass to up-armor the vehicles. I know that members of his staff were aware and assisted the 278th in obtaining these materials. Our own 230th Area Support Group from Dyersburg, now stationed in Kuwait also assisted in this effort.
We are all concerned for the safety of our soldiers, and I am comfortable that the command is doing everything possible to insure that they are not exposed to unnecessary risks.
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Perhaps I am. But the problem runs a little deeper than just press spin.
Read this.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1297901/posts