The Tattered Coat pounced on this story, otherwise I wouldn’t have seen it. Apparently the military is replacing Humvees with Chrysler Minivans, but don’t worry, it’s only for those areas of Iraq that justify lighter duty vehicles (which, at this point, is where, exactly?).
I am not a fan. But at least they’ll save a few bucks at the pump—just the set of priorities you want the government to have when it comes to the safety of those serving abroad.
Good point. I, too, am not sure exactly where in Iraq today light-duty vehicles would be useful. Maybe in the Green Zone, which is a pretty big area, or in more peaceful parts in the south. And by the time the vehicles are ready, things may be under better control in Iraq.
Thanks for chiming in—your observation is well taken, but does this fit the immortal motto of my boy scout heritage: always be prepared?
The Chrysler minivan lineup doesn’t seem well-suited to handling a whole lot of situations that seem possible in a place like Iraq. But then, I’m nobody to offer you lectures on military matters.
This is just the area of government spending where I think we should be least stingy—the area concerning the welfare of our soldiers. In my mind, people who risk everything for their country deserve to have their country go to the wall for them as well. If this move was made primarily for fuel economy considerations, that would make me sick.
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