AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMad Max and the Potatodome
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forward Operating Base Yusufiyah, Iraq — It’s big and ugly. But the Iraqi soldiers like it.
U.S. troops here have nicknamed it “Mad Max.” It is parked next to the former potato factory that soldiers converted into their base.
Iraqi troops typically ride around in civilian pickup trucks that can’t stand up to insurgents’ roadside bombs. U.S. soldiers here have been pushing for more heavily armored vehicles for them. So Georgia’s 148th Support Battalion delivered last month.
Louie Favorite/AJC
Mad Max ready for patrol.
Welders from the battalion attached sheets of metal to the sides and front of the truck, strong enough to stop small arms fire and some roadside bombs. They even added a ladder to the back, so the Iraqis can climb in and out. It can hold as many as 20 in the back.
Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Mann, 41, of Foley, Ala., tapped its armored hide and proudly declared: “That is a piece of art.”
The inspiration came from the truck’s brother. It got hit with a roadside bomb in July. Six Iraqi soldiers were killed. The truck’s rusting carcass sits off to the side of this base.
“That was a heartbreaking day,” said Mann, who helps train Iraqi soldiers here.
The Iraqis say the truck is an improvement over what they have had. They laughingly call it “Stealth” because it is so heavy and slow. A twin nicknamed “Road Warrior” arrived Wednesday night.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By daPapa
October 15, 2005 12:25 AM | Link to this
Jeremy, thanks for telling this story.
My son was making friends with the Iraqi soldiers killed in the “bongo” truck that was blown up in July.
He is quite concerned for the safety of the IA soldiers and impressed with their bravery.
This reminds me of the story about a year ago when the US Army was embarrassed by the soldier asking why they had to dig through the junkyard to get metal to armor the US vehicles.
I hope this story snowballs into outrage at the pitiful equipment that the IA has been getting (or not getting). How do we expect the IA to take over protecting their own country when they aren’t getting adequate equipment?
By Warrior Welders
October 17, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this
I agree with daPapa- the IA should have the equipment it needs - at the expense of the Iraqi government. However, until then I am proud that our 148th Support BN has armored these vehicles and given them to the IA. Way to go Soldiers!! I am proud my soldier is a welder and along with other missions helped with this project.
This shows that our troops are not there to kill and destroy - they are there to protect, serve, help re-build a country and secure freedom for all. God bless their missions and keep our troops safe.
I look forward to the day they will all be home again. In late-May or early-June 2006 - there will be - O, Happy Day!
By Request
October 17, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Louie - how about a picture of Mad Max??????
By Good Work
October 20, 2005 05:06 PM | Link to this
148th Support Battalion - you done good! Keep up the good work. That’s an awesome looking vehicle.
Good luck on your new assignments and God bless all our military and keep you safe.