Hello from Afghanistan

simon21b

simon21b

New member
I've been a little too busy to post anything recently, but thought I'd finally check in. I remembered a post titled something like, "If you could own any vehicle..." and I think I've settled on this one. It's an MRAP variant, specifically an Oshkosh M-ATV. I spent the last 6 months driving this thing all over the country and can't imagine life without it. It's taken direct fire, several IEDs, a near miss RPG and never quits. Offroad, it's unstoppable when operated correctly and can recover itself and others fairly easily. My only problem is they won't let me keep it when I leave.

Take care,
Simon
 

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What have you got under the hood ? I assume its AWD all the time.

Sounds stupid to say but keep your head down and come home.
 
jdkilroy said:
Sounds stupid to say but keep your head down and come home.
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Not stupid. At all.

OP- You may think differently when you're the one paying to fill that bad boy up, or pay for repairs. lol. Wish they woulda had some nice rigs like that back when I was in- the hummer was fun (when it was running), but that thing rocks.

P.S.- Thanks for Serving!!!
 
I'm glad that the M-ATV is treating you guys good over there.

My former employer submitted a vehicle for that program, but lost out to Oshkosh. I was never a big fan of our design anyway and I'm pretty sure we were more expensive (you know how the government is).

We were concerned with the actual blast protection of the M-ATV, but from your accounts, it seems to be fairing very well, which is what really matters.

For the guy that asked I'm pretty sure it is powered by a Caterpillar C7. And yes, full time 4WD.

As far as Zombie apocalypse vehicles go, I'd still have to go with my former employer, Force Protection's (now General Dynamics Land Systems) Buffalo:

LAND_Buffalo_EOD_Vehicle_Shows_Claw_lg.jpg


But yeah, glad the M-ATV is doing it's thing in theater! Be safe.
 
berettashot117 said:
looks fun, I think I'd still prefer an mrap though for riding those roads
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M-ATV offers all the protection of an MRAP. It has too, that was part of the program criteria. It's just a smaller, lighter, more nimble and more capable version.

But driving on Afghan goat trails, trust me... You'd rather have an M-ATV. Iraq, where there is roads is one thing, but Afghan mountains is a whole different terrain. Hence one of the main reasons for the development of the M-ATV.
 
Thanks for the post Simon and for protecting us over there! Nice shot of the 4Runner ZA5 -Zombie Apocalypse version not offered by Toyota- yet:bluejump:. Stay safe and get ur a$$ back here so your 4R can hit the trails!
 
Something tells me an E-7 12B is not driving that thing... =p

Which unit are you in...? I see Central Florida and have no idea... Guard?
 
Great post and photo! Will they let you perform mods on it? Thinking at least a nice LED lightbar. What size hi-lift jack you use for that thing?

Seriously though, I've always thought a cellphone signal scrambler would be nice equip for our armed forces vehicles to help reduce remote control effectiveness of IEDs and reduce the ability for enemy to call for backup.
 
Godspeed and pray for loose ROEs. I just got back myself a few months ago. Can't say I miss it. Say hello to Sangin for me if you get the chance, and watch those pressure plates, brother.

Semper,

WhiskeyTango0311
 
Thanks for the comments; I don't get to do much on the internet beside email and Skype the fam. Let's see if I can answer the questions. Yes, C-7, 370 hp Cat, 7 ton axles, full-time FWD with locking front, rear and x-case (1:1 High, 2:1 Low), Allison 3500 6 sp tranny, independent suspension, 9 ton winch, 52" tires (we have the upgrade), no hi-lift (we use a wrecker crane). We add lots of those LED lights you see in the pic and a horn/siren but not much else. Gets about 8 mpg on a good day; add the mine roller and it gets thirsty. No worries, there's a little something on there for RCIEDs.
Actually, E-8 21B, cross-leveled Reserves, long story. And, I do drive it most of the time. It's my last tour and I'm having fun this time. ;-)

Simon
 
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First off Simon thank you for your service I too served.
Second that is one Bad A$$ machine we did not have them when I was in.
But does it have the toyota reliability.
 
Thanks for your service, Simon. I think about those serving each and every day; you all have made tremendous sacrifices to do what you do, often times with little to no recognition.
Stay safe and get your asses home soon!

p.s. nice ride!!! :uzi: to the arabs!!!
 
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