Sgt. David Bill
48th Brigade Combat Team PAO
BAGHDAD --New equipment is being used by the Soldiers of Company C, 648th Engineering Battalion, 48th Brigade Combat Team that provides for safer driving conditions for Iraqi civilians and Coalition Forces alike.
The "Buffalo" is a vehicle that allows the Soldiers of Co. C to investigate possible improvised explosive devices along the streets of Baghdad without having to leave the protection of a secure vehicle.
The 23-ton, wheeled Mine Protected and Clearance Vehicle provides visibility and mobility to the unit responsible for clearing roads of deadly IEDs.
"The Buffalo will enhance traffic ability along main supply routes, save lives and reduce the threat from IEDs," said Maj. John Davis, Operations Officer for the 648th.
More than 30 Soldiers from Co. C, based in Waycross and Douglas, Ga., recently completed the "Buffalo Academy," an 82-hour course on the operation, maintenance and capabilities of the Buffalo, which included both classroom instruction and a driving course.
"There is some equipment in theater that is in specific locations and which is new to us," said Lt. Col. John Davis, the 648th's Commander.
The Buffalo has been in use in Iraq for the past two years, but the equipment is new to the 648th.
The men of Co. C. have been working continuously, using the Buffalo on multiple shifts. Each shift moves along selected routes to keep them clear so convoy vehicles and civilian traffic can move throughout the sector freely.
"Safety is a large factor and is the purpose for this vehicle and its design," said 1st Lt. Elijah Simpson, 24, from Perry, Ga., platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, Co. C. "It's the safest vehicle out there."
The task required of these Soldiers is a dangerous one as they move along roads at slow speeds, scanning for objects that may be harmful devices and checking debris, boxes"anything that may look out of place or suspicious.
The danger also comes from possible attacks as the convoy rolls through towns with their eyes trained along the roads, so the security force that is with the Buffalo is always on the lookout for possible attacks from terrorists.
"It (Buffalo) saved lives on our first mission, said Spc. Franklin Miles, from Waycross, a the 21-year-old driver of one of the Buffaloes. "On our first mission, an IED went off and it blew out three tires and the radiator had a hole in it, but nobody inside was hurt."
As he prepared for the day's mission, Miles said, "We (Co. C.) had already been trained in how to sweep for IEDs, but now we have the equipment to do the job."