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I don't tell war stories, however, I never saw a Jeep survive an encounter with an RPG nor a "booby-trap" as we called them back then-now IED. NVA/VC oft times wired 152/137MM arty shells along roads/trails. Look at the pics from 'Nam-many GIs riding atop APCs. Good reason for it. Most preferred to be "sniper bait" as opposed to burning alive...

I wish we could have a vehicle "impervious" to IED/RPG fire. However, with advent of new Thermobaric round for RPG? I doubt we could do it.

The threat of sudden, violent death/dismemberment surely weighs on our troops. Just as it did to those of us who served in VN and our fathers/grandfathers before us. The injuries from such explosions are traumatic to survivors and demoralizing to those around them. Amputations. Prolonged rehab. Frequent trips to the VA. Prosthetic devices. All bode ill for the young GI...

Can such be prevented by "upgrading armor?" Time will tell...

people keep getting it wrong on the up-armored HUMVEE. The extra armor is designed to make the passengers less vulnerable to small arms fire below the .50 cal range and to give the crew a chance to survive if it drives over a mine.

The special built HUMVEEs of this type do that job very well, and have the apgraded suspenion, and drivetrain to handle the extra weight.

The standard HUMVEEs that are being modified by the troops do not have the upgraded suspension and drivetrain packages and are breaking down more frequently because of it.

Neither is intended to protect against an RPG, or even a heavy caliber, high-velocity bullet in the .50 range.

Many seem to think that just because they do not provide the complete protection of a tank, they are worthless. The troops understand what can and cannot be protected against--they just don't want to be vulnerable to every yahoo with an AK that can stick his head out a doorway or window and empty a clip in their direction, or who is smart enough to jury rig an IED without blowing himself up.

As for M113's they can be fitted with reactive armor kits to defeat RPGs, and there are other cheap add-ons that can reduce their vulnerability as well.