Does the MRAP Meet the US Army's Needs as the Primary Method of Protecting Troops from the IED Threat?
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threat to the U.S. Army and the various methods that have been used to counter this threat. The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP) is currently the favored method of countering IEDs. The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, has made the MRAP the top priority for military procurement, and has accelerated the procurement process from 10 years to 9 months. The primary question this thesis addresses is as follows: Does the MRAP meet the needs of the U.S. Army to protect troops from the IED threat? The author first analyzes the IED threat to determine the requirements of a countermeasure. These requirements include protection, rapid fielding, and supportability. Both non-MRAP countermeasures (e.g., body armor, armor plate, armor kits, IED avoidance training, electronic countermeasures, thermal countermeasures, route clearance) and the MRAP are examined to determine if they meet these requirements. The author also discusses the capabilities and limitations of the MRAP. Based on the requirements of protection, rapid fielding, and supportability the MRAP has the capabilities to effectively counter the IED threat while protecting U.S. troops. Non-MRAP countermeasures do not have the capabilities to meet these requirements. The MRAP alone is not able to counter the IED threat, but as a component of a comprehensive effort, it has proven effective. The MRAP is the most critical component of the U.S. Army's combined anti-IED effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502075
Entities
People
- Robert W. Russell
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College