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Refurbishing the War-Torn Stryker

May- 3-2008 » Filed Under: Stryker Vehicle

Army News Service | by Jim Hinnant

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar - Posters showing a battle-weary combat Soldier adorn the walls of the Stryker Battle Damage Repair Facility here. "Remember - everything we do affects this man. He and his buddies will be the first to pay for our mistakes," the posters warn.

The team of dedicated contractors working here in support of 1st Battalion, 401st Army Field Support Brigade has worked with that thought constantly in mind, says Tim Armstrong, Qatar site manager for General Dynamics Land Systems Division.

"As of April 19th, we have returned 123 Stryker Combat Vehicles, each with varying degrees of battle damage, to service with units in Iraq," said Armstrong. [...]

Walk the floor of the repair facility, crowded with vehicles in various stages of work, and it quickly becomes clear that more than just repair work is done here.

Webster's New World College Dictionary defines the term refurbish as "to brighten, freshen or polish up again."

That is the state these vehicles are in when they leave Qatar.

In fact, according to Armstrong, Strykers leaving here are the equal of vehicles coming off the production facility floor at Anniston Army Depot. "When we are finished, Soldiers get a vehicle and have no idea that it has been damaged (in combat)," said Armstrong. "That's psychologically important."

A lot of work goes into making sure vehicles go out of the SBDRF in near-showroom condition, said Armstrong. [...]


Comments For "Refurbishing the War-Torn Stryker":

If you guys from SBDRF see this, thanks a million for your great work......my son, spec. Mathew Mcalpine, comp. A 1st.squadron, 2nd stryker, has survived 3 i.e.d. attacks due to the integrity of that vehicle. thanks again for your efforts and dedication.

Robert McAlpine

Posted by: robert mcalpine [TypeKey Profile Page] | May 3, 2008 12:56 PM

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