Comments on: LandWarrior Headed to Afghanistan

By: Blacktail

Blacktail — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:43:51 +0000

I was wondering when the Army was going to finally deploy BTR-70s to Afghanistan.

Oops, did I say “BTR-70s”? As in the 1700 8×8 Armored Car wrecks scattered across the Afghan countryside, from which the Taliban learned their trade by destroying in the 1980s?

Sorry, my bad — I meant to say, “Strykers”.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:32:02 +0000

They have had networked dismounted soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan using the Tacticomp system from Sierra Nevada Corporation (www.SNCorp.com) since early 2006. That system also has two-way video and much higher bandwidth using a mobile, ad-hoc network which is both self-forming and self-healing. SNC has fielded their mounted and dismounted system in more than 9 brigades over the past 3 years. The cost for each of those brigades was a fraction of the cost of a Land Warrior brigade. On-line press reported the cost of fielding this brigade with Land Warrior for Afghanistan at over $70 million. Tacticomp is under $25 million for a brigade. (joereed@comcast.net)

By: Toejam

Toejam — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:29:16 +0000

“Pack mules would be useful too. Seriously.”

Tim, that’s a valid idea, even camels might be a plus.

However,

I’d opt for this variety since I’m not sure the army still maintains a veterinary corp with the expertiese to care for real live mules.

http://www.m274armymules.com/mule_history.htm

They had these gas propelled creatures when I was snoopin and poopin the boonies. The only real problem was a high center of gravity made them prone to tipping over.

By: AW1 Tim

AW1 Tim — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:46:36 +0000

Actual cavalry would also be well suited. Pack mules would be useful too. Seriously.

By: James

James — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:35:33 +0000

It would be nice to see the Army pursue a concept rather then trying to fit the Stryker to every battle. An up armored, hybrid drive equipped M113 with a 30mm would be better suited to Afghanistan then the Stryker.

By: AW1 Tim

AW1 Tim — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:30:32 +0000

GeekLethal,

As long as it has a flame thrower to deal with the Taliban drug-crazed Zombie threat, I’m cool with it….. :)

By: GeekLethal

GeekLethal — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:45:53 +0000

LandWarrior- is that the giant fighting robot with the miniguns, or the giant fighting robot with the rockts and chainsaws? Eh, neve rmind I’ll see myself…

Googling…

…

OK, now I’m disappointed.