CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 22, 2006 — Duty in the turret of Regimental Combat Team 5s seven-ton trucks just got clearer with new ballistic-glass and steel encased firing positions. The new turrets, called Marine Corps Armored Turret Systems, are being installed on seven-ton trucks, the first in an upgrade to give gunners greater visibility and beefed-up protection for convoy operations. The advantage of these turrets is the protection it provides the gunner, said U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Adam Lyttle, motor transport chief for the regiment. The most noticeable change is the ballistic glass. They also have higher turrets and they traverse a lot easier. Ballistic shields replaced steel plates in front of the gunners position and side ballistic glass allows Marines to scan from side to side without having to expose themselves to fire. Its an important feature. Until now, Marines had to crouch down behind their guns. The gunner can stay higher on the guns now, Lyttle explained. Their field of view is a whole lot better. The gunner plays a major part on all convoys. Higher blast protection and windows that will deflect gunfire and shrapnel now allows gunners to perform duties with a greater degree of confidence. Marines aren’t just gripping .50-caliber machine guns behind the ballistic shields. They’re on the lookout for improvised explosive devices – or roadside bombs.
“The gunner can stay higher on the guns now. Their field of view is a whole lot better. The gunner plays a major part on all convoys.” U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Adam Lyttle
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“I feel a lot safer,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jose M. Ramirez, from Lemoore, Calif., assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5’s motor transport platoon. “Before I was afraid of standing up. Now, there’s no fear to get up and peek at something suspicious.” Ramirez is one of the few gunners in the regiment’s motor transport platoon who has already conducted several missions riding in the new turret. He said it has a lot more room, space to keep his rifle and other tools handy and best of all, better protection. “It’s a blessing from the gods to get these here,” Ramirez said. “They’re a lot better. This is a big improvement. Everybody likes these.” Lyttle said the turrets are being added as fast as they arrive in theater, with help from 1st Marine Logistics Group’s, Combat Logistics Battalion-5. It’s not just the regimental headquarters getting the new turrets. Each battalion is getting outfitted as well. “The hope is before the month is out, we’ll have new turrets on every truck,” Lyttle said. |