[oyez]

Seem to me that we are using Humvees where we should be using Bradley's. Is there some disconnect about that?

[petertare]

In war one cannot always optimize the equipment to the mission. Like any military plan, the best of plans generally deconstructs on first contact with the enemy, if not before. No doubt more Bradleys would be preferred if available. But do not discount that even Bradleys are little more than RPG bait, as are 113s. The only reliable safe ride to Iraqi ieds and rpgs is a main battle tank. Even that level of protection is not 100%, and it would be very difficult to accomplish most missions if every GI was issued a MBT. Configuring oneself in that manner would make the force very vulnerable to its own destruction via other weapon systems. Optimum is sometimes the enemy of good enough.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

Bradleys have become the vehicle of choice for patrolling post-war Iraq because they offer greater protection from ongoing attacks than do less well-protected Humvees. But as their tracks deteriorate, more and more Bradleys are being sidelined.