Insurgents "learning how to defeat" Strykers

[TechBear_Seattle]

Insurgents "learning how to defeat" Strykers

BAGHDAD — A string of heavy losses from powerful roadside bombs has raised new questions about the vulnerability of the Stryker, the Army's troop-carrying vehicle hailed by supporters as the key to a leaner, more mobile force.

Since the Strykers went into action in violent Diyala province north of Baghdad two months ago, losses of the vehicles have been rising steadily, U.S. officials said.

A single infantry company in Diyala lost five Strykers this month in less than a week, according to soldiers familiar with the losses. The overall number of Strykers lost recently is classified.

In one of the biggest hits, six American soldiers from Fort Lewis and a Russian journalist were killed when a huge bomb exploded beneath their Stryker on May 6. It was the biggest one-day loss for the battalion in more than two years.

"They are learning how to defeat them," a senior Army official in Washington said of Iraqi insurgents.

The Associated Press article continues at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003705958_stryker14.html

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. NYT has the same story.

But there is so much good news! for example, 3000 troops can safely, easily and quickly search an entire city. The fact that they are trying to recover US POWs is not the issue. The issue is how safely they can travel! Just like in Indiana!

Now, Mr. Gonzales, about those Genevas.

[MrSlayer]

2. No surprise there.

That's the great thing about war, if you are a defense contractor.

[wakeme2008]

3. And the Army is coming out with a super truck to replace the Hummers

and within weeks of them hitting Iraq, they will be no longer safe from bombs.

[Solo_in_MD]

4. No much to learn...use a bigger bomb or an AT mine

Long time back I had a t-shirt that said "There are few problems that can not be solved with the proper use of high explosives". Had some sort of bomb graphic on it. Have to wonder what would happen if I wore one like it in public today.