Quote Originally Posted by TAH View Post
Maybe MRAPs sit in depots/storage to await the next need.
Been my observation that machinery which sits tends to develop all sorts of expensive restorations to place back in service. Amazing how fast tubing, tires and track pads dry rot. Plus oxidation oxidizes...
I feel there is a tactical niche for a vehicle like at MRAP in the convoy escort and route/MSR security role. We just need a proponent (branch) to step forward and say, I got this one.
Niche is correct. Won't work at all in MCO and there are better solutions in FID. The MRAP was a political answer to a political problem-- the American way, unfortunately -- and while they worked marginally well for the purpose, they are definitely one trick ponies. Overly complex, overly expensive, too many varieties cluttering up the supply system. poor x-country cape, poor mileage yet underpowered -- and a single piddly 85mm round, much less a Sagger, would ruin someone's day.

Armor is handy. It also can become a cocoon and folks can become reluctant to leave their cocoons. Armor stops hostile objects -- but you can only armor so much ; agility is better...

I'd note the last time the last time we had proponents step forward, Cavalry got the Bradley instead of the needed scout vehicle and the M8 got cancelled...

The Branch system and 'propency' needs to go. It's a relic of the 19th Century. We need to develop unit and service loyalty, branches interfere with that. I can recall one smart organizational move that was killed because implementing it would've meant the loss of an Armor Colonel space -- no matter it would have improved the Armor School's day to day ops and throughput. Wait and see what that branch proponency wrangle does to Information Ops...

Sorry to dispense rain -- but you asked for thoughts...