Recceguy,
Really? Hmmm - I was under the distinct impression that our "C&R" variant was going to be the same G-Wagon version that the KSK guys were running in K'har. Their's was a completely open upper vehicle, shrouded in a roll-cage with a weapon station (AGL and HMG capable) on a ring-mount in the rear and a passenger soft-mount for an MG. Along with extra external stowage for fuel cans, kit, ammo, etc. Very much like the SAS "Pink Panther" Landrover, but with a roll-cage.
I guess my question is, if what we are currently fielding in Afghanistan is indeed the "C&R" variant (hard-top, fully-enclosed), then what does the standard vehicle look like? I can't imagine a vehicle configuration more ill-suited to light recce tasks, unless the standard version lacks the basic roof hatch and pintle mount? This is disturbing news indeed....
PBI - I can see where you're confused. Poor wording on my part. 3 PPCLI Recce Pl was equipped with the standard, fully-enlosed up-armoured HMMVWs in K'har. We "borrowed" them from the U.S. MP Coy because unarmoured Iltis were a "no go" (at formation level) outside of the airfield perimeter. A good call, given that the 2-3 km "belt" surrounding the airfield perimeter was arguably the most mined area in the world. It had been reseeded at least 3 times as the airfield changed hands between the Russians, and later the Taliban. The fully-enclosed "tin can" aspect of the up-armoured HMMVWs was a detriment, but we worked around that by dismounting at every opportunity to interact with the locals (C9 gunner providing overwatch from the roof hatch). At the end of the day, although the up-armoured HMMVW was a less than ideal patrol vehicle, it was a far cry better than rolling through the outlying villages in Coyotes or Bisons. The USMC had done that before us, and all they had managed to do was intimidate and annoy the locals by scaring children, killing chickens, and stirring up a lot of dust. Our success was firmly grounded in dimounting and encouraging personal interaction. Even with its "enclosed presence", the armoured HMMVW is reasonable platform for such activities - assuming that you roll down the windows and dismount to interact with the locals at every opportunity. A LAV is simply counter-productive - even if you have 4 troops standing up in the rear hatches waving and showering the locals with manna from heaven. The armoured vehicles are just too large and intimidating.
The version of the G-Wagon that I saw the KSK using in K'har would be the ideal compromise if fitted with some anti-blast belly armour. Recceguy, are you sure about what you said? If so, then it would appear that we have missed the boat - yet again....
