[centurion316]

The cougar is a good vehicle, but only available in small numbers due to production limitations.

However, there is no such thing as an IED proof vehicle. None of these have been lost yet, but they will be. Put 500 to 1000 lbs of high explosive in a roadbed and detonate it at the right moment and no vehice will survive. Physics rules here.

[Reaganesque]

Recently, there was a story about a Cougar that hit a mine. The mine blew off one of the front tires but the Cougar was still able to drive another 2-3 minutes at 30 mph to get out of the danger zone. No injuries.

No, it is not completely bomb proof. What is? (BTW, Wouldn't an IED with 500-1,000 lbs. of explosives be rather large and easier to spot?) Anyway, the point is, we're doing something about the biggest threat our troops face and we are seeing success, however slowly that may be.

[RetiredSWO]

Try hiding that much explosives.
Mines are small so they don't leave
an obvious tell-tale sign of disturbed earth.

[PeteB570]

Hey Guys;

Remember we were talking about the Cougar and similar vehicles last year?

Also remember about IEDs. At first they were one simple 155 shell, then as more armor was added to all vehicles it became 2 and then 3 and now could more 155s.

Every Measure brings a counter measure. The troops have now been up armored with better body armor but now complain it's weight slows then down and keeps them in the enemies sights longer.

Every weapons system has it plus side and it's negative side. What works in one area is no good for another.

But I have to cheer on the vehicles like the Cougar. Simple design from the late 70s and early 80s in Africa to defeat land mines. I'd love to have one for myself.

[SLB]

This is part of the headline article from today's edition of the local newspaper:

Central Hardin graduate gives ‘the ultimate’ in Iraq

Chris White grew up on farm in Eastview, died in roadside blast.

Chris, a machine gunner, and four other Marines were riding in the last Humvee in a convoy traveling Tuesday through Al-Anbar Province when a roadside bomb exploded, William White said. Three Marines, including Chris, were killed.