New MRAPs!

The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles made by Force Protection are rolling in. We now have plenty to go around! This is a great development for a number of reasons, not the least of which is survivability against an IED. These vehicles have AWESOME A/C. In fact, you almost need to wear a sweater if you are running the A/C. Also it has a built in power inverter for unlimited Ipod charging on the go or movie watching when camped over night! There is plenty of space for all your snacks, drinks, cooler, etc. This of course is all on top of the tactical requirements of the vehicle along with navigational and communication upgrades making this the best IED resistant mobile command center available.

http://www.forceprotection.net/

Man Bites Dog

Here in Iraq we are privileged to have a whole MP Canine unit as part of our Task Force MP. This allows to take both explosives detecting dogs and human tracking dogs with us on missions for use in checkpoints and elsewhere. The Iraqis are also scared of dogs so they keep over curious bystanders away while we do our work.

These are two of the dogs/handlers that usually come with us. I especially like our German Shepherd "Barry."

One day when we didn't have much going on we stopped by the kennels to help train the dogs. Instead the dogs trained us! Cheer as I get attacked by a small feisty little dog. (Video to come)
http://www.marines.mil/units/marforpac/imef/mnfwest/Pages/WorkingdogshelpclearAnbarofdanger.aspx