I've said it many times: the Stryker is the perfect vehicle for counterinsurgency operations in Iraq. Tougher than a Humvee and smaller than a tank, it moves nimbly through crowded markets and streets that would otherwise thwart a Bradley. While the 5th Stryker Brigade will test its mettle in Afghanistan for the first time this summer, the Army is looking to add more Stryker brigades to the arsenal:
“There are about 3,600 Stryker vehicles, and over 2,700 have been fielded to-date. There are seven Stryker brigades. One of the things the Army is looking at in terms of force structure is, do we need more Stryker brigades to provide a balanced force with different capabilities across the spectrum?” said Lt. Gen. Ross Thompson, military deputy to the Asst. Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.
“There are about 3,600 Stryker vehicles, and over 2,700 have been fielded to-date. There are seven Stryker brigades. One of the things the Army is looking at in terms of force structure is, do we need more Stryker brigades to provide a balanced force with different capabilities across the spectrum?” said Lt. Gen. Ross Thompson, military deputy to the Asst. Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.
7 comments:
I'd argue that MRAP's are better made for the fight than Strykers...
For dropping off a fully armed infantry platoon in a hot AO, I don't think there's a comparison. You really don't want to labor down a set of stairs in that kind of situation. The ramp drop on a Stryker is quick; you can get a nine man squad out in less than ten seconds. I don't know how many soldiers the MRAP holds, but a Stryker can fit a squad, or two if necessary (but highly uncomfortable).
Also, for the sole argument of COIN strategy, a Stryker looks mean but to me is far less menacing than an MRAP. You aren't going to win any popularity contests from the locals with an MRAP parked on the MSRs. For how big they are, Strykers are astonishingly quiet. That can only help the people you're trying to win over.
The urban combat terrain in Iraq (mostly flat, paved streets and highways) lends itself to a wheeled vehicle such as the Stryker. But the fight in Afghanistan is mostly in the rugged and rocky hills and mountains out in the country. There are hardly any paved or even decent dirt roads in Afghanistan. I don't see how the Stryker will be very effective in such an inhospitable environment.
Dad
Dad,
That point has been addressed. 5th Brigade will be utilized in southern Afghanistan - a region that is far more hospitable than the eastern mountains. It resembles the terrain in Iraq in some places.
we got the CAT 2 MRAPs before we redeployed, and I can safely say that they have saved the lives of a few guys in my platoon right before we went home. If only that ramp would open up quicker...
And to answer your question, it holds 6 in the back if I remember correctly. The biggest drawback was the size and the rocky ride, but I'll take a few lumps on the noggin in lieu of an EFP in my lap!
True that Jacob, they can take some licks. Definitely a solid truck.
Like your Dad, my first thought was to wonder how they'll negotiate the terrain in that country. Guess they'll learn on the fly.
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