Waiting and Wanting to Go...

Another email arrived from Chris today and as you will see it describes a man who is ready to get going. More on that in a little.

Why the pictures of the strykers with the slat armor? Many have asked - why so long to stage in Kuwait? First and foremost you don't move an entire Cav Regiment overnight...it is a huge logistical task that takes time...no two ways about it. The second reason is the process of staging in Kuwait - the 2SCR is no different than any other unit...it's all about preparing...and they have a number of different counter-measures to add to get ready to join the fight - slat armor, or as some call it "bird cages," is part of the prep. Why is this upgrade important to them...and us?....read on...

The slat armor solution forms a metal frame barrier 50 cm ahead of the armored personnel carrier (APC). The cage detonates anti-tank shaped charge warheads such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) away from the vehicle and prevents its hot chemical reaction from boring through and causing burns, shock and shrapnel wounds. The slat armor weighs about 5,200 pounds, about 3,00 pounds lighter than the add-on anti-RPG armor plates. The idea behind the cage armor goes back to World War II and Vietnam. Troops improvised with chicken wire and other means to counter the RPG threat. More can be read here on slat armor if interested.

Is Chris ready to go? I'll let you decide for yourself...let me close with a look at Chris' thoughts...in his own words...

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 06:57:00

Hi mom!
Things are okay here...it's the hottest day since we've been here. I tried calling you last night but for some reason it wouldn't go through :[ There are ping pong tables here and I haven't met anyone yet to beat me. We've watched a lot of movies on our down time.

We got our Strykers in and they have the bird cages on them now (the RPG stoppers), or Slat Armor. The chow hall here is really nice, way better than Germany.

I just want to get to Iraq and get started. It's so boring here. And hot. I love you! Tell everyone I said hi.

So the preparation continues as those in place await the arrival of the rest of the 2SCR...hang in there buddy, its all part of the process to keep you guys safe...we love you Chris and are praying every day for you and the entire Cav Regiment...you will never know the folks all around the world who are thinking and praying for you guys...

v/r,
Collabman