Confident Marines Cut 'Bombproof' Truck Orders

Cite fewer attacks, changing mission

By Lucas Laursen, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 30, 2007 7:09 AM CST

(Newser) – The Marines are cutting orders of a nearly "bombproof" Hummer replacement from 3,700 to 2,225, reflecting a more peaceful Iraq and the success of the vehicle, reports the Christian Science Monitor. “Combine the reduction in attacks with the fact that we're not losing as many vehicles as we thought, and the Marines don’t need as many, said an official.

The Marines have also been lobbying to get out of Iraq and focus on the more rugged combat zones of Afghanistan, where the lumbering trucks are less useful. They weigh too much to deploy easily aboard Navy ships and can’t handle off-road driving. "We're not saying that the Army doesn't need it,” said one official, but the Marine mission is changing.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

A Category I mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, is driven on a test course during a media demonstration at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. in this Aug. 24, 2007 file photo. The Marines plan... (Associated Press)

In this photograph provided by the office of Sen. Joseph Biden, Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del. talks with soldiers Thursday, Sept. 2, 2007 in Ramadi, Iraq during a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle... (Associated Press)

A Category I mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, is driven on a test course during a media demonstration, Friday, Aug. 24, 2007, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. The Marine Corps commander... (Associated Press)

International Military and Government displayed their MaxxProTM Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle in Washington, D.C. Thursday. The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded the company several contracts... (Associated Press)

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Confident Marines Cut 'Bombproof' Truck Orders