DOD speeds production to hit MRAP goal

DOD speeds production to hit MRAP goal
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, November 18, 2007

The Defense Department has sent about 760 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to Iraq this year, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said.

The department hopes to send a total of 1,500 MRAPs to the U.S. Central Command theater of operations by the end of the year, less than six weeks from now.

On Nov. 8, the head of the Defense Department’s MRAP task force said it is possible more than 1,500 MRAPs could be sent downrange this year.

“I think we will do much better than that, but I’d rather not predict at this time,” John Young told a subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee.

Whether the DOD can meet its goal depends on whether MRAP manufacturers can significantly increase production in November and December, and whether MRAPs can be outfitted with gear quicker before being sent downrange, a Democratic staffer said.

On Wednesday, Morrell said the industry delivered 452 MRAPs to the government in October, which is 21 more than expected, but he conceded that November and December will be “tough” months for MRAP production.


Rest of article at: http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50351

massive resources into lightweight, fast, and incredibly fuel efficient cars, including hybrids, electric and fuel cell cars.

we put our resources into massive, gas guzzling people movers for a war zone

what is wrong with this picture?