Mine-Rollers: A Research Paper

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The convoy consisted of thirteen vehicles; 6 M-ATV’s and 7 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The lead MRAP’s was configured with a Mine-Roller, an attachment on the front of the vehicle used to combat pressure plate Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Lead vehicles within all patrols were outfitted with Mine-Rollers and proved to be extremely effective in combating pressure plate IED’s. I always knew that Mine-Rollers were essential in convoy operations but it never occurred to me until the morning of August 3, 2014 how much they changed the convoy’s ability to maneuver safely in enemy terrain. My vehicle was seventh in the order of movement which placed me near the middle of the convoy. At 0330 we began our movement which in itself was slow and deliberate with each vehicles gunner scanning their sectors of fires looking for anything that could possibly pose as a threat to the convoy. The thirty-seven kilometer movement South would take our convoy approximately 3.5 hours to execute, given the terrain and weather would benefit our movement. Our off-road speed was limited to 25 miles per hour (MPH) due to the uneven terrain and cautious movement of our lead Mine-Roller MRAP. If our Mine-Roller felt …show more content…

The terrain was very uneven with many drop-offs and makeshift roads into Zerkho Valley. I knew that the roads were rarely used by the local populace due to IED emplacement to keep coalition forces out of their Valley. Off-road movements were our only option and the route we would take was critical to the success of this mission. Our movements were slow and methodical, carefully observing the roads for any signs of disturbance or anything out of the ordinary. “Give me a good distance from the objective D 3-1?” I asked the second vehicle TC with the CROW system over the radio. “237 meters SGT” he replied. “Okay, all vehicles stay on line and orient your

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