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NEWS | May 27, 2010

More MRAPs to roll into Camp Atterbury

By Sgt. David Bruce Indiana National Guard

CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind., - The technique of warfare evolves and so does the technology.

This also works in reverse. Technological developments also change the manner of how war is waged. A constant back and forth that keeps all concerned on their toes as one fuels the other in a vicious cycle.

The machine gun led to trench warfare. This state of affairs led to tanks and chemical weapons to break the stalemate of WWI. Improvements in tank mobility and airpower led to the Blitzkrieg, employed by Germany in WWII.

Faced against a technically and technologically advanced enemy in Iraq, the insurgents field improvised explosive devices to offset American advantages. We responded with the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, also known as the MRAP.

They are large, boxy and in some cases, look like movie props from the Mad Max series of films. Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center is about to receive more of them, said John Medlin, logistics management specialist with the Army Sustainment Command, who oversees the pre-deployment training equipment here.

"Currently we have 30 [MRAPs] and the end-state, we will have 118," he said. "It's due to happen fiscal year 2011. Originally, they wanted them here by the end of fiscal year 2010, but because of changing mission sets in [Operation Enduring Freedom], it may string out into fiscal year 2011. "There will only be two other places with more MRAPs, active or a mobilization site, than Camp Atterbury. So it has been determined that we're an important place and recognized," said Medlin.

There are eight varieties of MRAPs that were contracted from different companies. Each version is designed for different missions. Of these, Camp Atterbury has four models; the Maxx Pro, RG33, Caimen and most recently the M-ATV, said Medlin. Soldiers are most interested in the Maxx Pro and M-ATV variants of the MRAP, Medlin said.

It has not been determined what models or combination of vehicles Camp Atterbury will receive but it will reflect the requirements of OEF. "It is the intent that at Camp Atterbury, we will have 118 (MRAPs) of several versions so any training can be conducted here," added Medlin.

"We were lucky to receive brand new vehicles right off the production line thanks to the support of [post commander] Col. Townsend and First Army," said Medlin. With so many MRAPs and different variations, maintaining the fleet of vehicles can be a constant challenge. To keep the fleet operational, subject matter experts on MRAP maintenance are contracted from the various manufacturers. James Thompson is an MRAP field support representative from Navistar Defense, makers of the Maxx Pro MRAP variant.

"I'm here to support the end user of the vehicle to train Soldiers in the use of the MRAP or on the maintenance side as well. So pretty much anything they need, whether it be classes, technical support, part numbers or data, I support as a subject matter expert," said Thompson.

With the influx of so many variations of MRAPs, Thompson has to be able to support more than just the Maxx Pro.

"I support specifically the Maxx Pro variant, but here at Atterbury, I help with the other MRAPs and anything with wheels," he said. "As more MRAPs come to Atterbury, they will be authorized more field support representatives to help maintain the vehicles, train up mechanics and be subject matter experts."

More MRAPs also mean more training for deploying units, said Sgt. 1st Class Barry Walker, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 338th Regiment, which conducts training on the vehicles.

"It will definitely give the warfighter more behind-the-wheel time before deployments," said Walker. "It will require us to restructure our training program to accommodate the new vehicles, but we will be able to tailor the training Soldiers will receive to the MRAPs that they will be using in theater," said Walker.

Other changes to the vehicle training program would include a dedicated driving course that would allow drivers to attain high speeds and increase the amount of time with each vehicle, said Walker.

"This will benefit the Soldiers deploying through Camp Atterbury," he said.

The expansion of Camp Atterbury's MRAP fleet will give the Soldiers that mobilize here the experience they will need in the ever-changing nature of conflicts.

 

 

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