I hope no one else has diaried this - my apologies if it is a repeat, but a Canadian Auto News journal ran the following recently:
REPORT: Stung by High Gas Prices, Uncle Sam Buys Minivans to Replace Army Humvees
Date Posted 05-23-2005
WINDSOR, Canada -- The U.S. Armed Forces have ordered 19,000 minivans and 5,000 Pacificas from the Chrysler Group for use as light-duty vehicles in Iraq and elsewhere around the world, displacing less fuel-efficient Humvees, according to the Windsor Star.
The switch to the gas-powered school-carpool mainstays is designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve passenger-carrying ability. The U.S. military has complained it is inefficient to use Humvees to carry a few soldiers at a time, especially in noncombat situations.
(see full article for more)
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Articles/articleId=105726
(more below the fold)
According to the article, the US has already put down the downpayment. This appears to be a done deal. As if our soldiers weren't endangered enough - how the heck do you armor-up a minivan? Is it safe enough in Iraq ANYWHERE for this type of vehicle? WTF?
We've let down our soldiers enough with poor planning, extended tours and lack of proper equipment. Maybe there is an adequate explanation for this - if so, I will listen gladly and shut up. Memorial Day weekend seemed like a good time to ask some serious questions about this.