USA Today: Armored trucks cut IED deaths among allied troops

USA Today and a number of other news source put out a story this week about the general success of the MRAP and M-ATV armored vehicle programs, citing the decreased number of deaths from IEDs despite an increase in attacks using IEDs.

Not bad for a "Tool of war trumped."

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military's new armored trucks in Afghanistan are significantly reducing troop deaths in roadside attacks at a time when insurgent bombings are at record levels, according to statistics provided to USA TODAY.

Good work again by reporter Tom Vanden Brook.

Another great story on MRAPs from USA Today

USA Today came through with another fine multimedia piece on MRAPs. One that I highlighted last summer focused on Force Protection's Cougar. In this one the photos and story stick with Navistar's MaxxPro.

The story includes a short series of photos chronicling the journey of an MRAP from manufacturer to front lines.

BAGHDAD — When the new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle rolled over a roadside bomb on Thanksgiving, the explosion shredded the right front tire, gouged the passenger door, destroyed the radiator and shattered the windshield's thick ballistic glass.

But Army Sgt. Peter Rosie, perched atop the vehicle in the gunner's turret, survived with only a minor concussion. No one else was hurt; Rosie returned to duty.

(USA Today)

Good story by Tom Vanden Brook. Go read the whole thing.

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