Army revises MRAP demand upward

Asked why the Army had requested more MRAP vehicles, not fewer, Morrell said the Army has taken "more time than most given its size and given the burdens it is now dealing with" to determine its immediate and long-term needs for the vehicles.

"They still have not pegged the exact number, but as it is, they have revised it upwards and we are shooting for 12,000 as the Army number, that could still change based on what the commanders are telling us," Morrell said.
(Stars and Stripes)

Overall, somewhat surprising. I'd have expected the Army to follow the lead of the Marines and stick with Humvees until the JLTV program kicks in. Or perhaps even go with Force Protection Cheetah to bridge the transition from MRAP to JLTV, since the Cheetah's lighter weight and smaller size allow it to more fully occupy the function of the Humvee.

Does the decision offer a hint regarding military contingency plans? In other words, does the Army expect to possibly employ MRAPs as a needed resource in a active conflict?

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