U.S. Soldiers Question Use of More Armor

AP ^ | 1/7/06

[WillT]

U.S. soldiers in the field were not all supportive of a Pentagon study that found improved body armor saves lives, with some troops arguing Saturday that more armor would hinder combat effectiveness.

The unreleased study examined 93 fatal wounds to Marines from the start of the Iraq war in March 2003 through June 2005. It concluded 74 of them were bullet or shrapnel wounds to shoulders or torso areas unprotected by traditional ceramic armor plating.

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade "Rakkasans" are required to wear an array of protective clothing they refer to as their "happy gear," ranging from Kevlar drapes over their shoulders and sides, to knee pads and fire-resistant uniforms.

But many soldiers say they feel encumbered by the weight and restricted by fabric that does not move as they do. They frequently joke as they strap on their equipment before a patrol, and express relief when they return and peel it off.

Second Lt. Josh Suthoff, 23, of Jefferson City, Miss., said he already sacrifices enough movement when he wears the equipment. More armor would only increase his chances of getting killed, he said.

"You can slap body armor on all you want, but it's not going to help anything. When it's your time, it's your time," said Suthoff, a platoon leader in the brigade's 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment. "I'd go out with less body armor if I could."

[calex59]

You may be right but I think it was Heinleins Starship Troopers(much different than the movie). I remember the plot and the philosophy of "no draft" and all volunteer service. It was an interesting book. I have the ability to remember books but not titles and authors, I will research the Forever War and see if that jogs any memories, and even if it doesn't, I am always open to new books to read!(new to me that is!) If they are science fiction so much the better!:) Thanks again.

[calex59]

Ok, I remember this book also, but it wasn't the one I was talking about in my original comment. I went to google and reviewed it and I remember it, just didn't remember the title, typical of me. Thanks for the post and I would like to get the new version that has the complete manuscript as originally written.

[Alas Babylon!]

Hmmmm....

Back in my day, armor was a clip on tie and a lab coat.

Aim High! Air Force

[neverdem]

bfl

[devolve]

I had a 100% unarmored Jeep in the army -

I started hunting rabbits by starlight (no moon) with my older brother and 6-8 young buddies when I was only 7 years old -

By 13 I had won a semi-auto Mossberg 22lr carbine selling magazines to raise money for the FFA treasury

My best shot (at night - no moonlight either) in tall pasture grass at our farm (Brahmas, dairy heifers, quarter horses, 6-8 other young guys) was 2 quick snap shots at one (?) running rabbit in waist high pasture grass

The first shot I fired - then the grass moved again - so I shot again in a fraction of a second

Two (2) mature rabbits were hit

One if the head

One in the neck

Somehow I have extremely good night vision

At Fort Jackson my first night firing at targets with my Garand .30-06 I had only one miss

They made my shoot the exercise again because they said other soldiers had hit my target

This time I shot alone

I did not miss once

Every bullet hit right around the human silhouette at the heart area


But libs want to ban all firearms for civilians - esp. hunters - and horror! - youngsters hunting!

But another "Slick Willie" in Somalia "Blackhawk Down" is OK if a democrat is President.....

Don't take a shot at me at night - I carry a Colt .44-40 now

Light mainspring and light trigger spring and hand-honed action in a crossdraw Bianchi Cyclone holster

I'll "shoot yer eye out!"

[mark_interrupted]

Your talking about Starship Troopers, by Robert A. Heinlein.

[calex59]

Thank you for your information, I have already been informed of this by several other FReepers that this is so. I have also gooled it and I remember the book quite well, just didn't remember the author or title. Thanks again.:)

[brazzaville]

Good morning.
"Aim High! Air Force"

And miss all the fun? Airplanes are for exiting while in flight. I look better when you can't see me and I choke when I wear ties (clip on or knot).

Your FReeper name is the title of one of my favorite books. It sits on my shelf with Lucifer's Hammer and Earth Abides.

Michael Frazier

[Mia T]

bump

HILLARY'S ARMOR: A decades-old story...



for the birds
(THE INCOMPETENCE OF HILLARY CLINTON)