Baby MRAP

The M-ATV which is also known as the “Baby MRAP” is designed to handle rough terrain that the much larger MRAP’s cannot.  The M-ATV is a much smaller and lighter than its predecessor the MRAP.  The M-ATV was designed to be able to handle the terrain of Afghanistan, because the MRAP was having trouble navigating the terrain successfully in Afghanistan.  The MRAP was having issues with roll over’s, getting stuck, and just not being able to handle the terrain and roads.  Afghanistan does not have very many paved roads, and has lots of mountains, creeks, and rivers.  Afghanistan only has one paved road that stretches across the country.   Oshkosh was the first company to receive a contract to build the M-ATV in June 2009, and the contract was for 2,200 of them.  Which were to be delivered by March 2010.  Since then the U.S. military that order and placed orders for several thousand more. In all I would say this vehicle is worth the billions that the U.S. government is spending on it, it is saving lives, and allowing the U.S. military to prosecute the war more efficiently.

 Oshkosh Defense

Baby MRAP

Baby MRAP

Baby MRAP

MRAP

The MRAP created to provide better protection were the Hummv’s could not against IED’s and land mines in Iraq and Afghanistan. The MRAP was first implemented in Iraq by the Marines in 2006.  The first MRAPs used in Iraq were made by Force protection.  There are three categories of MRAP Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.  Category 1 is your smaller 4x4 MRAP, it carries up to six people, and is also known as the “Cougar.” Category 2 is your medium 6x6 MRAP, it carries up to 9 people, and is also known as the “Cougar.” Category 3 is the largest 6x6 MRAP, it it carries up to 6 people and is also known as the “Buffalo.”  The Buffalo has an articulated arm that is used for ordnance disposal.  I have personally driven category 1 and category 2 MRAP.  I prefer the category 1 MRAP, because it is smaller and more maneuverable then the larger MRAP’s.  I have driven both Force Protection MRAP’s and Navistar Maxx Pro MRAP’s.  I personally prefer the Maxx Pro for many reasons visibility being the main one.  If the MRAP has a down fall it would be how easily the can roll over.  However MRAP's have improved the survive ability rate of IED's and land mines that far out weigh there any of their down falls.
force protection

An American Hero

Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta a true American Hero.  SSGT. Giunta then Spc. Giunta put it all on the line on Oct. 25, 2007 when his platoon was ambushed.   At this time Spc. Giunta was serving as a rifle team leader with a company from the Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team during combat operations in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley.  On Oct 25, 2007 Spc. Giunta’s platoon was attacked by an L-shaped ambush, where the front two members were cut off from the rest due to large amounts of enemy rockets and machine gun fire. Spc. Giunta led his rifle team through the ambush towards the two soldiers that had been separated from the platoon. When he reached the area where the two should have been, he saw two insurgents carrying off one of his fellow soldiers. He immediately engaged the two insurgents while being shot at, he was also shot in his protective vest while in the process of recovering his fellow soldiers.  Due to Ssgt Giunta's actions on this day he is the first living person to receive the Medal of Honor from the Iraq or Afghanistan War.

Star and Stripes

Video

Medal of Honor Presentation

235th Marine Corps Birthday

As many of you know this past week the Marine Corps celebrated its 235th Birthday.  The Marine Corps Birthday represents many things to Marines and the Marine Corps.  The Marine Corps Birthday represents our history, tradition, and sacrifice.  It is a time to honor those Marines who have gone before us, and a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Every year the Commandant of the Marine Corps give a Birthday message.  This year’s message is centered on the Marine’s that have fought in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  The theme of the message is “Every Clime and Place.”  “Every Clime and Place” should be interpreted that Marine Corps have and will fight in every climate and place, under any conditions, and are willing to go anywhere our country needs us.  “Every Clime and Place” is a phrase out of the Marine Corps hymn. 

Happy Birthday Marines

Simper Fi

235th Marine Corps Birthday Message