[R. Scott]

Not exactly news, and not limited to General Dynamics. Civilian tech reps have long been used to maintain equipment, even way back before I retired over 20 years ago. They were even used at the depot level during the Viet Nam War.

[Vetvoice]

When the General Dynamic technicians arrived in country (Iraq), their cost to the US was $250,000 each per year plus their convoy of supplies and parts that had to be purchased at list prices each time a Stryker had a flat or flaked out.

Now General Dynamics has a better deal. They are now the ONLY organization that can touch a Stryker to repair it. Presumably they will not charge us $250,000 per man in American military depots but there is no guarantee.

[Vetvoice]

Name one system during Vietnam that required civilian technicians.