Welders design, build first uparmored truck for Iraqi police

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq - Welders from the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, currently assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, were tasked with a unique project - creating the first uparmored truck for the Iraqi police - which they recently completed.

The metal workers tasked with the project said the hardest part was coming up with a design for the vehicle since it was the first time it had ever been done.

"Especially the doors," said Sgt. Jewell Loving, "because we had to make our own hinges and fabricate a lot of stuff for them, but we had all the supplies that we needed. The project took us two and a half weeks from start to finish."

Even though designing the vehicle was difficult, the actual job came naturally for the metal workers.

"We did run into some fabricating trouble," said Spc. Joshua Wingo, "but we figured it out as we went along and it turned out great."



One of the things the Soldiers worried about was the added weight as a result of uparmoring the pick-up truck.

"Even though the vehicle isn't intended to chase after insurgents," said Loving, "when it was taken on a test drive it had pick up, it wasn't top heavy, and it handled well."

The purpose of the truck is to provide security for the IPs manning checkpoints.

"I think the IPs will like it and appreciate it a lot," said Wingo. "It provides better protection and more security from small-arms fire and shrapnel."

Following their successful attempt on the first truck, the welders were tasked to uparmor four more.

"The next ones will be less time-consuming," said Pfc. David Durham, "because we already have the design and we are in the process of receiving more equipment for them."
FBM

And we spent all that money on Strykers.