From: rertman@ix.netcom.com
Date: Sun Jul 20 2003 - 09:09:13 PDT
I won't comment on the content of this reply to my query, but, for the life
of me, I have no idea why it was sent as a reply to my query.
Dick
HFDCOMPANY45@aol.com wrote:
>
> To whom it may concern:
>
> This letter is in regard to the mounting casualty rate among convoy troops in Iraq.
> There will be more deaths if this issue is not taken seriously. I believe an
> unnecessary and fatal delay by the military to supply life saving Up Armored kits to
> the mechanized troops is due to red tape and finances.
>
> Durning the Vietnam War this was a major issue and the loss of trucks and man power
> was devistating to the troops. With no where to turn the men of the transportion corps
> took it upon themselves to devise increased protection and learned through trial by
> fire. In September 1967 a convoy of 37 trucks protected only by two soft-shell
> gun-jeeps was rolling along Highway 19 when it was savagely attacked! When it was
> over, 7 GIs were killed, three wounded, and only three trucks survived. In response
> the transportation corps began using well armed quick reaction units and gun trucks;
> gun trucks were heavily armed with machine guns, and were protected with double-walled
> steel plates for RPG protection on all sides. These trucks were not fool proof, but
> gave troops a better survial rate then they had before.
>
> During the Gulf War, there was one model of Hummvee that saved many lives named the Up
> Armored Hummvee. This model had 360 degrees of steel around the vehical. There were
> also kits call Up Armored kits for 5 ton and 2 1/2 ton trucks made buy ARMOR
> INTEGRATION Labs--they were the best kits available.
>
> During the Somalia Operation, troops encountered land mines and RPGs thus leading the
> army to scramble yet again to reinvent the wheel by building new and improved
> hardening kits. Test after test has resulted in add-on crew protection for a variety
> of tactical vechicles.
>
> Currently in 2003, where are these kits? As you know, troops in convoys are
> soft-shelled targets. These convoys should have Up Armored Hummvees at all times, not
> the soft-shelled ones you see at your local guard unit. Up Armored Hummvees and kits
> are not getting there fast enough for our troops' protection.
>
> I have spoken with two civilian and one military official. Under the condition of
> anonymity they informed me that these kits and the technology are available , but due
> to red tape and lack of money, these kits are not getting to Iraq. Every convoy unit
> must have Up Armored kits or there will be more unnecessary deaths among troops. Our
> troops must have the best and not be sacrificed because of bureaucracy and lack of
> funds.
>
> I'm asking people to look into this. Do your history and make your voice heard.
>
> TOMMY MASCH
> WAPPINGER FALLS NY 12590
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