Posted on 11/05/2009 7:40:20 PM PST by RaptorY22
Taliban -led insurgents in Afghanistan have devised ways to cripple and even destroy the expensive armored vehicles that offer U.S. forces the best protection against roadside bombs by using increasingly large explosive charges and rocket-propelled grenades, according to U.S. soldiers and defense officials.
At least eight American troops have been killed this year in attacks on so-called Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles, or MRAPs, and 40 more have been wounded, said a senior U.S. military official who, like others interviewed on the issue, declined to be further identified because of the issue's sensitivity.
The insurgents' success in attacking the hulking machines, which can cost as much as $1 million each, underscores their ability to counter the advanced hardware that the U.S. military and its allies are deploying in their struggle to gain the upper hand in the war, which entered its ninth year last month.
The attacks also raise questions about how vulnerable a new, lighter MRAP, the M-ATV, which is now being shipped to Afghanistan , are to the massive explosive charges that Taliban -led insurgents have been using against its bigger cousin.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Unfortunately, there is NO 100% safe armored vehicle. The idea is to minimize casualties. There is no way to eliminate casualties.
Muslim partisans scoring hits for fractions of the cost of the vehicles that a superpower is deploying in an increasingly unpopular and expensive conflict in Afghanistan.
I think I’ve seen this movie before.
We need to buy off some warlords and get real about this hearts and minds business. Democracy and rights for Americans! Afghans can live under some oppressive bastards, just as long as they work for us.
“There is no way to eliminate casualties.”
Kill all the muzzies and it would be a start
Kill the enemy and all that stand with him. If you are not willing to do this surrender to him as he has already defeated you.
“I think I’ve seen this movie before.”
....yep, reminds me of VietNam war...a third world country but crafty enough to make a command detonated mine out of an unexploded 155 round....a home made mine able to kill the best American battle tank.
I agree with you completely, but I’m sure the media and the Dems will go after Obama for not supplying the troops with properly armored vehicles, like they hammered Bush and Rumsfield.sarc.
Dudes! Look to your west!
Close the Iran/Afgan border, and lob missiles into each and every truck that doesn’t meet inspection. Kill the driver and all of the crew. No prisioners, no trial. Kill them!
The IED attacks will dissapear, once current inventory is depleted.
Oh, I’m sorry, I haven’t checked in with either the UN or Zer0, to see how they will wring their hands!
ROE - the best weapon the Taliban has.
You are 100% correct sir. War is an ugly nasty business. The glory is only in the history books. Our boys and girls go over there to fight for country and ideals. However, when they fight and sacrifice all, it is for each other. When it all goes to hell there are only three colors, GI green, desert camouflage, and the color of blood. The ROE (Rules of Engagement) have given the enemy a free pass. They stage their attacks so as to make the ROE most difficult for our troops to respond effectively. The ROE by this administration are directly responsible for increased casualties and deaths of our troops.
Our troops over there are a Band of Brothers and Sisters, pray for them.
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