Also from StrategyPage comes a report of our troops' adaptibility in the field:
Since the heavy combat in Iraq ended last April, American troops have been improvising additional protection for their unarmored vehicles. One of these efforts has become something of a standard. Capt. Darryl M. Butler, an engineer officer for the 354th Civil Affairs Brigade (attached to the 1st Armored Division) developed a armor kit for Humvees. A half ton of steel plate, cut into 25 precisely measured pieces, is attached to a Humvee to provide protection from fragments (from bombs and shells). Called the MPAH (Modified Protection for un-Armored Humvees) kit, nearly fifty have been installed and several hundred more kits have been ordered. Unofficially it's called "The Butler Mobile," The kits are being made and installed (under Captain Butler's supervision) by Iraqi contractors.
I'll be driving on Academy in the snow tomorrow. Any chance of getting a similar kit for my Sebring?
This is not the first time for this sort of thing. Just one example, a soldier named Cullen developed the "Cullen Cutter" during the Normandy campaign in World War II to help tanks break through the hedgerows. The cutters were an assembly of steel beams fashioned into teeth welded to the front of tanks. They were very effective.
TO: Stephen Green
RE: Engineering Skills
"I'll be driving on Academy in the snow tomorrow. Any chance of getting a similar kit for my Sebring?" -- Stephen Green
I'd recommend going with kevlar instead of steel. You may get better traction with a half-ton of steel strapped to the body, but it'll look like hell. Besides, shrapnel and bullets are not the problem on Academy. At least not yet. Rather, it's the bozos performing Swan Lake after a snow.
Regards,
Chuck(le)
[I think we're all bozos on this bus. -- Firesign Theater]
RLM - You left out the best part of the story! The steel for the hedge cutters came from obstacles the Germans put on the beach to slow the Allied advance.
I am visualizing said Capt. Butler with a cigar, loving it when a plan comes together, while a Black man wearing much bling welds it all together with a cutting torch...
It is American steel? Or dumpd steel?
Patton had to order automotive supplies from the Sears catalog because Supply would not fill his request.
He got his items (in Germany or Italy, IIRC) and a boatload of trouble from his superiors. Didn't do it again.
You're a braver man than I am, Steve. When there's serious snow and/or ice on Academy [Blvd.], I avoid it unless no other route is available.
