What is the deal with "armored Humvee"?

[Toots]

When I was in the service which is ancient history we didn't have hummers. We had jeeps. None of them were ever armored. We had three quarter tons, we had half tons, we had one tons, and duece and a half and none were armored. Even our Huey helicopters were not armored though some had a sliding plate at the pilot's door. The Humvee was designed as a replacement vehicle for the Jeep plus able to carry more personnel. If they need armor they ride in Armored Personnel Carriers. APCs which by the way are only armored with compressed aluminum. I guess the whole deal when I was in was to travel light and fast and all of our vehicles were able to be airlifted into battle on a moments notice. The only tank I ever saw in Combat was an enemy tank at Khe Sahn. Different war and different times but still am confused by the desire to armor the Humvee. They were not designed for it and could easily fail at the wrong time because of overweight problems. Just a thought and my $.02 worth.

[Catch22Dem]

1. I think because the main tactic seems to be roadside bombs now

Other than that, I really don't know the answer. I assume there have always been roadside bombs.

[lildreamer316]

2. Were you in Vietnam?

I am thinking desert war vs. jungle war difference; would also explain the lack of need to airlift the vehicles (can prob.just drive them where they need more often than not) Dunno for sure though, just a guess.

[wtmusic]

3. You're absolutely right -- not designed for armor

Another highlight to the administration's quandary--there is no way in heaven or hell to completely protect troops in a country where they are not wanted.

We can continue to armor humvees, deploy robots and unmanned spy planes, expand our "shoot first ask questions later" policy--but at best (or worst) these tactics will delay the inevitable.

Or we can bring the troops home now.

[Renegade Six]

4. look into the Army's M1114 model Humvee

we used them exclusively in Iraq. they cost about 120k but they are worth it.

[Toots]

5. I thought that was an armored reconnaissance vehicle

After a second look I see an additional one in there I was referring to the M114 not the M1114 Sorry :shrug: Never heard of the vehicle you are talking about.