HMMWVs Lack the Firepower and Protection for Bosnia Role

and these logistical convoys.

HMMWYs. though, are able to run countless miles on these roads without damage. This lack of destruction to the infrastructure can save the United States Anny significant money in maneuver damage compensation 10 host countries during a peacekeeping operation. and can promote efficient military movement.

In addition 10 preservation of the infrastructure. up-armored HMMWYs also provide soldiers adequate protection and survivability. The armor of the XMJ 114 protects against projectiles 7.62mm and smaller, against shrapnel from 155mm artillery and smaller, and against land mines. In addition, its tires can continue rolling even when they become flat from enemy fire or rough terrain. lbe XM 1114 HMMWV is also equipped with combat locks on each door which allow it to function effectively in the riot situations that soldiers often encounter in tense peacekeeping or peace-enforcing operations. Therefore. against most third world threats encountered in operations other than war. the up-annored HMMWVs protect the crew from sniper fire. riots, and terrorist attacks. Although an up-annored HMMWV platoon is excellent in military operations other than wac, it does have limitations. lbe primary one, is that the unit does not project the image of brutal and overwhelming force that a Bradley or MIA 1 platoon does. An up-annored HMMWV platoon does not have a 25mm or 120mm direct fire weapon, but carries amounted.50 caliber machine-gun or a Mark- 19 automatic grenade launcher. These smaller weapons allow the XMI I14 platoon to protect itself and suppress most threats in a peacekeeping operation such as Operation Joint Endeavor, but do not give it the firepower to destroy enemy armor. 1berefore. a combination of up-armored HMMWVs, Bradleys. and M IA1 tanks is necessary to protect our soldiers and react to any potential enemy threat.

One other weakness of the XM 111 4 platoon is that 19K and 19D soldiers lack lfaining with HMMWVs. The U. S. Army maintains its edge in military operations primarily due to the versatility and intelligence of its soldiers. Hence, units must train their soldiers on various vehicles and weapons systems. My up-armored HMMWV platoon in Bosnia was made up of 19K tankers who had not trained on HMMWVs. Because of this lack of experience, the soldiers needed a crash course on maintaining and operating the new vehicle. Because 36 While oonducting a patrol. 4th Platoon. Apadle Troop. 1·1 Cav. exchanges information with 1st Platoon and Serbian police just prior to national elections in Bosnia·Herzegovina. of the quality of these soldiers, they adapted and performed excellently.

Units, though, can prepare in advance by licensing and certifying their tracked vehicle drivers on the user-level-maintenance of other vehicles, such as HMMWVs and 5-ton trucks. because many of them will need to temporarily transition to one of these vehicles when deployed. Therefore. J -I Cavalry has adap(ed its predeployment preparation and instituted an aggressive user-Ievel-maintenance program on various vehicles and weapons systems. which will contribute to the versatility of its soldiers in the future.

The XM 111 4 up-armored HMMWV platoon has a limited number of weaknesses. but they are far outweighed by its strengths. The up-annored HMMWV is versatile and flexible. as noted, with its fuel efficiency, its mobility, and its survivability. With these attributes. it can effectively perform in a variety of roles. Thus, with the aid of a small heavily armored force, the up-armored HMMWV platoon should be the mainstay of military operations other than war. American forces in Operation Joint Endeavor have tested this mix of XM 1114 platoons and heavy annor platoons and have shown it to be effective. The United States Army should continue 10 develop these experimental HMMWVs to confront future threats.

1LT Jonathan C. Byrom, an Ohio native, graduated from the U. S. Military Academy in 1995. He completed Armor Officer Basic Course and then attended both the Scout Platoon Leader Course and Airborne School. His first assignment to 1-1 Cavalry in Buedingen, Gennany, took him immediately to Bosnia where he worked as an assistant 83. He then took an up-armored HMMWV platoon and ran numerous 9SCOIt missions and patrols throughout Bosnia, culminating in the national elections in September 1996. He is currently a scout platoon leader in Apache TI'OOj:), 1st Squadron, 1st U. S. Cavalry.

Ed. Note: The following reaction was written after the riots surrouruJing late '97:r elections in Bosnia suggested another viewpoint. HMMWVs Lack the Firepower And Protection for Bosnia Role by LTC Michael Prevou While I appreciate LT Byrom's article for adding to the professional debate about the future of annor. I disagree with the assertion thai the up-arrrtOr'ed (M 1114) HMMWV should be the mainstay of operations like Joint Endeavor/Joint Guard in Bosnia. Based on recent experience, mixing units with HMMWVs and heavier Bradley IFVs and Abrams tanks appears to have merit. Furthermore. I am concerned about the tone of this and other articles that advocate efficiencies over combat effectiveness. With the future of annor in the post-COld War scenario in debate. will we grasp at quick fixes or develop a vision and along-term solution? While the up-annored HMMWV is great to patrol the countryside and perform administrative tasks, like weapons Continued on Page 56 ARMOR -