Marines Set to Ditch Some Armor in Anbar

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Marines Set to Ditch Some Armor in Anbar
Military.com | By Christian Lowe | January 16, 2008

RAMADI, Iraq - In perhaps the most tangible recognition of the improving security here, top Marine commanders are on the verge of allowing grunts in the field to pare down their body armor, giving on-the-ground commanders new authority to strip certain components from the ever-increasing protective equipment load.

Speaking to Military.com in the crew compartment of a heavily armored, six-wheeled Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle on his way to a meeting with an influential sheik, the deputy commander for Marine forces in Iraq, Maj. Gen. John Allen, said the sharp decrease in attacks on U.S. forces, the increased security provided by local police and the positive influence of tribal leaders who now shun al-Qaida malcontents has lead his command to devise the latest equipment policy.

Allen would not say when the new rule would be implemented, but he hinted that it could be put in place before I Marine Expeditionary Force takes over command of forces in the region from II MEF in March.

The increasing suite of body armor and other equipment designed to protect troops from sniper fire and roadside bombs has prompted ever increasing grumbling from grunts in the field over its immobilizing load and back-breaking weight.

"I think it would be better if we could ditch all this stuff and just use plates and soft carriers," said Hospitalman 3rd Class Drew Duffin, a corpsman with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines and a San Antonio, Texas, native.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,160092,00.html?wh=wh