As I understand it, most of the deaths come from IEDs on main roads...and I cannot help but wonder why there isn't constant monitoring by UAV drones with night vision capabilites to catch terrorists planting the devices. I also wonder why more isn't done to beef up armor around the cabs of convoy trucks and Hummers and routes not altered away from roads. And, in extreme circumstances, why don't we just let M1 Abrams and Bradley's just pull lines of wagons filled with supplies?
I had heard, some time agao, that a lot of these IEDs have shaped charges; and some of those could poke a hole even in an M1 Abrams. Is that correct?
You are not wondering alone. I'm beginning to think they (except Kurdistan) should live in their own stew.
We've had a few more injuries here from IEDs and small arms fire, but no one has been killed - so that’s good. And we found out that the IBAS body armor and SAPI plates work - one of the guys was out doing a mission and took a 7.62mm AP round to his front SAPI - the plate stopped the round and the Soldier was able to continue his mission.
His tour is just about over. We're looking forward to his return.