WP: Thousands of Army Humvees Lack Armor Upgrade

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/11/AR2007021101345.html

The Army is working to fill a shortfall in Iraq of thousands of advanced Humvee armor kits designed to reduce U.S. troop deaths from roadside bombs -- including a rising threat from particularly lethal weapons linked to Iran and known as "explosively formed penetrators" (EFP) -- that are now inflicting 70 percent of the American casualties in the country, according to U.S. military and civilian officials.

The additional protection is needed for thousands of U.S. reinforcement troops flowing into Baghdad, where these devastating weapons -- used primarily by Shiite fighters -- are particularly prevalent, the officials said.

U.S. Army units in Iraq and Afghanistan lack more than 4,000 of the latest Humvee armor kit, known as FRAG Kit 5, according to U.S. officials. The Army has ramped up production of the armor, giving priority to troops in Baghdad, but the upgrade is not scheduled to be completed until this summer, Army officials said. That is well into the timeline for major operations launched last week to quell violence by Sunni insurgents and Shiite militias, which the U.S. military now views as the top security threat in Iraq.

"Those who need FRAG Kit 5 are receiving FRAG Kit 5 based upon theater requirements and priorities," said Army Brig. Gen. Charles Anderson, director of force development for the Army deputy chief of staff. The Army is supplying the life-saving kits "as quickly as we can," he said in an interview and in written responses. "Kits are being flown to theater."

The Army declined to disclose details on the number of kits installed and where the shortages exist.

Gee, aren't you glad this bunch wasn't in charge of WWII. And aren't you glad the once grand American industry who could've turned this out in a week is now overseas? Actually there is probably enough industry left here it could be done in short order if only ordered!

[Kagemusha]

1. Okay, this EFP allegation is getting silly again.

They seem to be stating that all shaped charges used in Iraq are linked to Iran.

Baloney.

They've tried that argument before and it was a joke then and it's a joke now.

[RamboLiberal]

2. These idiots would've fought Russia in WWII

I'm sorry the WP is doing the administration bidding in humping this EFP crap in this story. What this story is the this "support the troops" bunch is not supplying them with even basic armor! And there's no damn excuse why production couldn't have been ramped up!

[Monkeyman]

3. Sending you to Iraq come home in a body bag

These as swipes could not fight their way out of a paper-bag. Can someone please impeach these pieces of crap

[Straight Shooter]

4. Our troops have been under-armored for years. This is NOT about the troops.

This is about Iran.

It really begs the question, though, that if these EFP's are from Iran, then attacking Iran will only ratchet up the weapons sent from Iran to Iraq and we'll be seeing soldiers dying at a rapidly escalating rate.

Or should I say, a "surge" in the death rate.

:banghead:

[Monkeyman]

5. I don't think it will be a ground war

more like a heavy air attack for months

[Kagemusha]

6. But the US is already on the ground.

...In Iraq.

[Straight Shooter]

7. Agreed. But the repercussions will be felt heavily in Iraq.

The bush administration is a runaway train.

[TheMadMonk]

8. With lots of juicy big permanent bases (read targets)...

...within easy reach of their missiles.

I have a sickening feeling that the "plan" here is for "retaliatory strikes" against US troops on the ground in Iraq. "Retaliatory strikes" that are expected to cause significant casualties. Enough to galvanise the US public and get them "back on side".

[Doondoo]

9. why does this take so long to fix? it's not some new problem?