Pentagon to probe delays of gear to Iraq

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON - An investigation into allegations the Marine Corps delayed sending blast-resistant trucks to Iraq also will examine whether the Marines were negligent in delivering a laser to divert drivers and people from checkpoints and convoys, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.

Marines on the front lines sought the tool, known as a Compact High Power Laser Dazzler, but stateside acquisition officials didn't deliver it, said a civilian Marine Corps official. A less capable laser was eventually sent, but delays of nearly 18 months may have led to an untold number of Iraqi civilian casualties, according to allegations by the official, an internal critic whose claims are being investigated.

The deaths and injuries occurred when civilians mistaken as the enemy got too close to guarded areas and U.S. troops lacked a non-deadly way of forcing them away, according to the official. The Iraqi government has complained about such incidents in the past.

The Dazzler emits a powerful stream of green light that stops or redirects oncoming traffic by temporarily impairing the driver's vision. Without it, troops have to open fire when warning signals are ignored or not seen.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080227/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/marines_probe

[Pogue.Mahone]

1. Oh well...

you go to war with what you got. i HATED the uparmored humvee, it was like driving a bathtub full of water mounted on a rollerskate it was so ungainly and "wallowy". the mrap is cool as shit, but you can't fight an urban war from inside a tank.

you know, it's cool how america and the people of america stepped up to outfit her fighting forces, but i think the intentions were a lot better than the end result. you CAN have too much cool stuff and sometimes it can make you lose sight of the mission.