Armored security vehicle keeps troopers safe

AFGHANISTAN

10.03.2007

Story by Spc. Micah Clare 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

By Army Spc. Micah E. Clare
4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office

SABARI, Afghanistan - Where does a six-ton vehicle go? Anywhere it wants to, so says one company of military police (MP) in Khowst province, Afghanistan.

After receiving two M-1117 armored security vehicles (ASV) this summer, the MPs of 3rd Platoon, 546th Company, 385th MP Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, feel more than ready to fight a recent increase of improvised explosive device activity in the Sabari and Bak Districts.

"We feel like the safest convoy in the area of operations now," said Army Cpl. Josh Polley, a team leader in 3rd Platoon.

The vehicle, which saw entry into service in 1998, was designed for urban security operations, said Spc. Mike Rutledge, an ASV driver who attended a special course at Bagram Airfield for vehicle familiarization.

The ASVs are perfect for the types of missions the MPs execute in the two heavily populated districts, such as patrolling endless tight streets, transporting local government officials to meetings and escort missions, he explained.

"They are highly-manoeuvrable and have a better turning radius than Humvees," Rutledge said.

Even though their up-armored Humvees are already heavily armed, the ASV adds quite an extra punch. Sitting behind both a .50 caliber machine gun and a Mk-19 grenade launcher, the gunner has a clear view of the terrain from within the safe confines of a heavily armored turret, said Spc. Hailynn Talbot, an ASV gunner in 3rd Platoon.

"It's an empowering feeling," she said. "I know that if anything comes up, I have devastating firepower at my fingertips."

"It feels so much safer traveling with an ASV," he said. "These vehicles are definitely needed."

Seeing these behemoths providing security is something Afghans need as well and they feel well-protected, said Army Staff Sgt. Derrick Mullinex, a squad leader in 3rd Platoon.

"We hear a lot of Afghans and (Afghan national security forces) call it the 'tank with wheels'," he said. "The sheer intimidation factor is quite powerful."

There really is only one thing left to be desired regarding the ASVs, Mullinex stated.

"We need more."

• Date Taken: 10.03.2007
• Date Posted: 10.03.2007 09:56
• Story ID: 12684
• Location: AF