Thread: M1117...A technological advantage or an AIR CONDITIONED COFFIN?

Originally Posted by ando1250

The M1117 (ASV-Armored Security Vehicle) is a fine vehicle indeed. Four wheels, armored and can have both M2 and MK19 mounted (and fire at the same time) in the floating turret. Very good vehicle, but what happens when an EFP rips through it and yo uhave to squeeze out of the hatches while wearing FBR? You get burned. Bad. Quick, very armored (more armor than the Stryker) and keeps as cool as a freezer. I guess it just depends on who you are (if you like this vehicle or not). If you're a little afraid of roling outside the wire then you'll love this thing. If you like to dismount and run down the enemy while throwing hot lead...then you'll dispise this thing.

This exact same thing happened to my squad leader on September 2, 2007. We were outside of Baghdad and his ASV got hit with an efp. The command told us he died instantly so we wouldn't think about him burning to death inside but I will never know for sure. The efp entered right behind the TC seat and into the gunners leg. It was the biggest explosion I have ever seen. I have trouble remembering some parts of the night but it seemed like the truck was burned completely to where you so see through it like it was just a frame in a matter of minutes. Our LT. tried to pull him out but it was impossible with Ssg White wearing his body armor. The only thing with big enough openings for you to climb through with armor on was the MRAP we got 20 days before our tour was over.

Just a week later we had an inexperienced driver flip an ASV over while speeding to block an intersection. When it flipped the turret just fell out of it crushing the gunner. So his family didn't even get the benefits of losing him to combat. In my opinion those vehicles needed a lot of work before being used over there. God Bless Ssg White and Pfc Phillips. We miss you guys.