THE TENSION: First Shipments of Mine Resistant Vehicles Arrive in Iraq

A U.S. soldier from the Nemesis troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, conceals himself through a smoke screen after one of his regiments' vehicles gets hit with an improvised explosive device, Oct. 18, Baghdad, Iraq. Photographer: Spc. Luke Thornberry, Joint Combat Camera Center. (CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

The new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle gets taken out for a spin during a training course at Camp Liberty in western Baghdad, Nov. 1. The 40-hour course is designed to teach Soldiers how to operate, maintain and drive the new MRAP vehicles. Photographer: Sgt. Mark Matthews, 27th Public Affairs Detachment. (CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

The first shipments of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles arrived at Camp Liberty in western Baghdad and are being fielded to units who operate in areas with the highest threat levels. These are the first of an estimated 7,000 MRAP vehicles expected in theater by early summer. Photographer: Sgt. Mark Matthews, 27th Public Affairs Detachment. (CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

Colorado Springs, Colo., native Pfc. Nicholas Lane, an infantryman with Company C, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, opens the hood of one of the first Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles in theater during a training course at Camp Liberty in western Baghdad, Oct. 30. With an initial 7,000 vehicles expected in theater by early summer, the MRAP is set to become the new standard combat vehicle for the U.S. Army. Photographer: Sgt. Mark Matthews, 27th Public Affairs Detachment. (CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

San Pedro, Calif., native Pfc. Peter Medina, an infantryman with Company C, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, sets high in the turret of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle during a training course at Camp Liberty in western Baghdad, Oct 30. These MRAP vehicles are the first of 7,000 MRAP vehicles expected in theater by early summer. Photographer: Sgt. Mark Matthews, 27th Public Affairs Detachment. (CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

Dispatches from the Front:

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq; Nov. 1, 2007 -- Towering high overhead and aligned one after the other in a seemingly endless row, the next generation of combat vehicles roll into Iraq.
The new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle is currently being fielded here for the first time anywhere, and Soldiers are getting their first hands-on look at the latest development in troop protection.

“I’m really impressed by the vehicle, mainly because of the height, and the fact that it can drive about 20 to 30 degrees on its side without rolling over,” said Brooklyn, N.Y., native, Spc. Marquis Dawkins, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. “It is also much more comfortable. The makers of the MRAP were definitely thinking about the Soldiers.”

The MRAPs come in two categories. Category one holds up to six Soldiers and will replace the humvee. Category two is a longer version, which can hold a crew of 10 Soldiers. Both vehicles, although different, bring the same ideas of troop protection to the fight.

“The vehicle has an angled bottom shell on it so it can deflect blasts a lot,” said Colorado Springs, Colo., native, Pfc. Nicholas Lane, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. “Hopefully, it will keep us safer out there.”

Prior to the vehicles being handed over to the units for day-to-day use, the Soldiers are given extensive training on how to operate, drive and maintain the vehicles. This training also introduces Soldiers to some new luxuries the humvee lacked, like pneumatic doors and suspended seats.

“Throughout this week we are learning how to work on the trucks, and we’re learning how to drive them,” said Lane. “This is the first course, and the vehicles are still new so we’re just taking it step-by-step.”

This training not only familiarizes the Soldiers with the vehicles, but gives them confidence in the MRAPs, as well, by giving Soldiers the opportunity to drive the vehicles over steep hills and tight turns.

“I feel blessed,” Dawkins said. “Knowing the capabilities of the MRAP gives me reassurance that even though I have a few more months here in Baghdad that I have a much better chance of getting home to my family.”

The MRAPs were designed to be both safe and effective for Soldiers conducting patrols, convoy security and missions throughout Iraq. As more trucks arrive in theater these trucks should play a vital role in providing security and stability to the people of Iraq.

An estimated 7,000 MRAP vehicles are scheduled to be in theater by early summer. The MRAPs are currently being fielded to units who currently need them the most and operate in areas with the highest threat. Although the humvee is not expected to be fully phased out anytime soon, the MRAPs will begin to take its place as a new standard vehicle for the U.S. Army.

(Story by Sgt. Mark Matthews, 27th Public Affairs Detachment.)