“I recognize the logistical challenges faced by the military, but after several years of substantial congressional funding for fully armored vehicles, it is disturbing to note that troops in theater are still not properly equipped,” Matheson wrote.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported this week that many trucks used by soldiers attached to the Utah-based 146th Transportation Company still lack the type of armor that would help vehicles withstand
roadside bombs. Others rely on "hillbilly armor," pieced together from scrap heaps.
The 146th's vehicles are expected to have armor installed by the end of this month, company commander Eryth Zecher told a Tribune reporter in Iraq. Until then, efforts are made to avoid sending trucks with inferior armor on dangerous missions.
"You hate to tell your soldiers that you have to make a choice concerning their safety, but that's what we've had to do," Zecher
said.
Matheson also inquired as to why Humvees with the best armor available - Level 1 armor - were parked in Kuwait while soldiers in
Iraq were driving Humvees with Level 2 armor, which is added to the vehicle later.
The Tribune reported that Level 1 armored Humvees were sitting idle at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait while Level 2 Humvees were being used in the field. Soldiers in the Utah-based 222nd Field Artillery reported shrapnel injuries in their legs during roadside bomb attacks because the Level 2 armored doors do not close tightly.
“I question why there are still vehicles housed in Kuwait when it seems clear that they are needed by troops in Iraq," Matheson said.
On Wednesday, the Senate defeated an amendment by Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., seeking to add $360 million to a Defense Department spending bill for additional vehicle armor. Utah's senators voted against the measure, but said it was because vehicles are already being armored as fast as possible and more money wouldn't help.
Congress has already spent $4.1 billion to armor vehicles over the last several years. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said he had discussed the armor situation with several senior Pentagon officials and will continue pressing the issue.
