Blackwater offers training on MRAPs

[unhappycamper]

Blackwater offers training on MRAPs
By Mike Baker - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Nov 27, 2008 14:48:44 EST

RALEIGH, N.C. — Private military contractor Blackwater Worldwide is starting a course to train military personnel to maneuver heavy patrol vehicles that are prone to rollovers in the chaos of war zones.

Jim Sierawski, Blackwater’s vice president for training, said military vehicles are scarce to use for training because so many are overseas. Meanwhile, Blackwater, headquartered in northeastern North Carolina, has a surplus of similar vehicles at its disposal after failing to win contracts despite developing and manufacturing such armored trucks.

“We’re another school to go to — another training option and training solution for the military,” Sierawski said in an interview. “They get the same level of training they would in the military.”

The two-day courses, set to begin in December, will teach basic driving techniques common to all mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles — also known as MRAP. Participants learn how to climb and descend hills and control the vehicle at steep angles while instructors will focus particular attention on preventing accidents in the unruly and top-heavy vehicles.

Sierawski said participants will also learn how to operate with a run-flat tire, which doesn’t immediately deflate, that may be punctured by a bullet — something that’s often necessary when traveling through hotspots.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_blackwatermraps_112708/%2e

[Monk06]

1. When the Roman Empire subcontracted their military to German Mercenaries they sealed their fate.