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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA- Charlie Troop C, 2nd 104th Calvary Division from Chambersburg has a new military machine.
First, the soldiers were on the firing range learning about new weaponry, and then later, they took to the classroom to bone up on the high tech aspect of their new equipment. They have taken that experience and are applying it out in the field and are actually mounting up and going places they have never gone before.
The eight wheel drive vehicle is allowing them to traverse anything from waist deep mud to sandy deserts, which is crucial to their missions.
“We're recon, so it gives us flexibility, and it's a quieter vehicle, can go through a lot more terrain than other vehicles can go,” said Lieutenant Ian Preece of Charlie Troop C.
While troops make their way to the front lines, they are kept out of harm's way by armor that can withstand a 50-caliber bullet or a grenade launcher; the insurgent's weapon of choice.
“I would feel much safer in one of these to our equivalent. We were training with old M-1, M-3's, which is an older vehicle that would still be used today, but I would feel much safer in one of these or the equivalent of one of a humvee with lighter armor,” said Preece.
Weighing in at 19 tons, the Stryker vehicle is a whole lot of machine to drive and takes a great deal of training. All eight of its giant rubber tires can be inflated and deflated at a flip of a switch. Inside, the gadgetry is just as impressive.
“The lras is your long range firing system where you can view targets and just areas out there from further away. You have your FBCB2 out there, which is your computer and basically your GPS System; your digital battlefield you could say where you can actually pinpoint your location and other locations,” said Preece.
The technology can be used to alert commanders and forces behind the vehicles to dangers ahead. Nine soldiers will work inside the Stryker vehicle.
The vehicles can ride up to 60 mph, and the military said it's designed to be a quiet and effective tool for sneaking up on the enemy. Before Charlie Troop C can use it in actual combat, it has to go through 800 hours of training.
“It's very important right now. This is actually the only National Guard brigade in the country that has this right now. So, we are pretty privileged starting to learn, and we continue learning on these vehicle,” said Preece.[...]