I saw two of these on the back of a tractor trailer over my Thanksgiving vacation not far from Lejuene. I got a nice good look at them up close, apparently they're to serve a bit of a hybrid role between the Hummer and the Stryker. It's faster than a Stryker, but better armored and more comfortable than a Hummer. It also has a better climb rate for the hills of Afghanistan.
It's about time the Marines get something that's not second-hand junk. I get tired of hearing stories of the Marines's smashed up Hummers with no headlights and barely anything working on them. A vast number of the Marines's vehicles are red-lined anyway, meaning they should be decommissioned. This is finally a move in the right direction. The Marines have long said that training is worth more than technology, and to an extent that's true, but only to a very real extent. And what remains even more true is that a force well-trained and well-equipped will be well-prepared for meeting the enemy. Well, that's all for now.
Addendum:
Anyone who could provide a link for information on this vehicle would be doing me a service. Thanks!
ID:86713
 Nov 30 2009, 6:28 pm
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The wikipedia page came out after I wrote this post. About 8 days after, to be exact.
Thanks for the links now though! These are some pretty nice vehicles. | |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Light_Tactical_Vehicle
It looks like a ONR CTV (without reading the whole page :p) check this out:
http://defense-update.com/features/november_07/mdm07_ctv.htm
Bottom image looks like it.
Its still a bit future-time but they are also working on automated supply vehicles which can run on its own using satellite images and cameras to make its own path from the supply line to troops on the front, its awesome to watch.
Edit: oh and this, of course!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Combat_Tactical_Vehicle_(Technology_Demonstrator)