[Christy]

I have a question. Why are pickup trucks with a gun mounted on the back called 'technicals'. Thank You.

[merrin]

According to this site:

Without an adequate military protection, humanitarian ships were looted even before they could arrive in Mogadishu port, UN workers of Somali origin were killed, and relief workers had to pay gunmen with cars looked like the one of "Mad Max" to protect their relief missions. "Relief workers called these vehicles "technicals" because they were listed on their expense reports as "technical assistance."

[merrin]

I should point out that the term "technical" for an armed pickup or jeep was first used in Somalia. Our guys picked it up during the "peacekeeping" operation.

[null and void]

Why are pickup trucks with a gun mounted on the back called 'technicals'. Thank You.

Because that was what the Somali's called them. Real high tech for Africa...