Why THIS Never Replaced the Humvee 

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My unit was first assigned to do convoy escort duty when we first arrived in Iraq and the ASV was my team's vehicle for those first few months. And most of the IED strikes I was a part of were while in the ASV, she can take a beating. It was also blessed with real working AC if you can believe that, our LT insisted on riding with us even though he was not supposed to as we were the lead vehicle in the scout element.

We had these in 2007 in Iraq. We kept hitting IEDs so often we kept having to acquire new antennas... Then one day an EFP took one out through the wheel well, took the TC commanders leg off and my buddy almost lost his foot. Everyone survived but it burnt to the ground. I liked it more than the HUMMVEE and wish we had them in Baghdad 5 months later...

So, I was a 19K, that reclassed to 11B when I left active duty for the National Guard. In 2006, my unit was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq. Because of my tanker past, I was assigned as a driver to one of our platoon's 2 M1117's. I got to tell you, compared to the uparmored Humvee, the M1117 was a Cadillac! Smooth ride, versatile, and inspired our confidence, especially after our first firefight. I still remember the sounds of the small arms fire bouncing off our hull. We also survived an IED, with moderate damage. One week later, our M-1117 was back in action! It was a great truck, and I was honored to have been the guy in charge of it!

First time I saw one was 2005 in ramadi. We were just stopping in for fuel and the Army rolls up with that. My Marine brain goes “wtf is that” and without missing a beat the SFC sees me confused and just yells “it’s ours, you can’t have it, you’ll just break it” 😂

My team was assigned the ASV in 2009 in Iraq, I was in a MP unit. Loved this vehicle, one of the best vehicles I ever used. The AC was straight from a Blue Bird bus, at least that is what they told us while training on it. Because there was not a gaping hole in the roof, you actually got cold inside of it. Another plus for my team, it uses the Cummins 6.7 diesel thats used in the Ram trucks, since we were a National Guard unit, my gunner was a mechanic for Ram trucks and was trained to work on that specific engine. The only part that sucked about the ASV was going out every few months with a torque wrench to tighten down all the bolts on the attached armor panels. I was not happy when they took them away to send to Afghanistan. I ended up getting a Caiman MRAP as a replacement, which is also a very nice and great riding vehicle. Unlike the MaxPro, it actually had a great ride due to the suspension, almost like you floated over the bumps.

Our Cav Squadron had two for each Troop, running convoy security up & down Rte Tampa, Iraq 07-08. Our team consisted of a 5-ton, with mine rollers out front, a couple of humvees in the #2 & #3 spots, me in the ASV to act as a "floater" and the rear truck was another 5-ton carrying gear, parts, fuel etc. There were very few people who liked this machine, outside of those of us who used it. Mechanics didn't want to waste any time on 'em so everything was "10-level". Checking the armor fasteners would usually eat up your entire "day off". Was a tough dune buggy, flex vehicle and awesome unit...I miss it.

My brother lost his friend at sub base bangor wa when their v150 rolled over after the driver took a corner too quick. My brother was first on scene, turret gunner had his lower half crushed and my bro tried to pick up the 10 ton vehicle as he watched his friend die. After that v150s were dropped for humv that may not have been as armored but didn't roll as easy. This was in 2000/01. News helicopters ignored the fact it was a nuke base and tried to fly over to get a "good shot" but luckily for them command told the Marines to NOT shoot them down, yes, they asked for permission,.....twice. last thing ID do if a marine was just killed in the line of duty would be to then film said dead marine while being warned they are flying in restricted airspace and would be in such deep shit federally if they didn't leave the area. Because of the trees they wouldn't be able to see em anyway. Side story but everytime I see this m1117 I think of the v150 that killed my brothers friend.

I used the fire support configuration of this quite a bit while I was on a COLT team. It was called the M1200 Armored Knight and we absolutely loved them

I wish we had these when I was a platoon leader in Somalia in 1993. We did a lot of convoy escort missions, in un-armored Hummers. Meanwhile, the Marines had armored 8x8 LAV-25s, and the Moroccans had French-built 4x4 armored cars. As a cadet, I had written a paper advocating a medium weight, motorized option - between the heavy armored forces (hard to deploy) and the light infantry (quick to deploy but limited in firepower and tactical mobility). I was happy when the Army - finally - got the 8x8 Stryker derivative of the LAV-25.

As an MP Squad Leader in OIF 3 2004/2005, Baghdad. I was given one for my squad. The tow chain hook serial # was 113. So I received the 113th ASV made. It was the best vehicle to lead convoys. But it isn’t the best vehicle to take up the rear of the convoy. You can’t aim your guns too far down or it automatically cuts off so you don’t shoot up the back deck of the M1117. So it has its limitations as well. All in all, the best vehicle, IMO, to patrol and guide convoys through Iraq. As long as you aren’t the rear gun truck that is. Great job, Chris!

The Textron plant was right near me in Louisiana during the production run after 1998. Their HQ was actually in Slidell, along with some part of the production after Katrina. The Slidell facility did get some flooding, as half of Slidell was under water, but it was toward the edge of the major flooded areas of Slidell, so was able to take over some of the production fairly quickly. Up until the Iraq invasion they were almost exclusively used by MP units.

Wow. It sounds like this is the main vehicle we should have been using all along. I remember when I saw a whole motorpool full of these. I'd served 9 years and I'd never seen them before. Thanks, Cap!

We got these on our 3rd deployment. We were doing convoys from the Jordanian border. 12+ hours a day, cruising up abs down ied filled highways. The ASV was a huge upgrade over the humvees. More comfortable, better air conditioning, and we could wire our iPod into the trucks intercom. Some guys twit disliked the things, but i really kinda loved them.

Cappy, your grandpas repeating, ‘… ours is not to reason why, but to do or die…’, is from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem, ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’. Timeless and broadly used. Great reporting. I want one to go shopping in. No dimples or scratches will be carelessly left on my paintwork.

Served as a V-100 crewman during America’s Southeast Asia Adventure. My advice to current crew members, be sure to have the drain plugs in Before you try amphibious operations! 😮

Ah man I always like this type of armored car. Just like the V-150 used in the Vietnam war.

My great uncle served in Nam and drove Cadillac Gage Commando, they usually used to Commandos for convoy escort, infantry support in low intensity engagements and also they worked great if paired with an ACAV, and/or a Sheridan light tank.

I started out as a cold war 11B in the early -80's on M113's. During this time we watched the Bundeswehr deploy in Marders (tracked) and the Spahpanzer Fuchs (wheeled recon.), while the DDR, Soviets, and other ComBloc fielded both tracked (BMP) and wheeled (BTR's, BRDM's, OTR's, etc....). Wheeled with light to medium armor do have a place on today's battlefield - and probably would have had a place in the '80's. In early OEF we mainly used Toyota Surf as there were insufficient HMMWV's. This would have been nice to have. Great video Cappy.

These were very capable and proven vehicles during GWOT. We had one per squad in Iraq from 05-06'. They were very maneuverable, had impressive protection and shrugged off many threats that would have crippled a HMMWV. They were also great for static defense. That being said, mechanically they sometimes were difficult to maintain and typically required contractor expertise for many repairs. The turret while powerful and flexible when equipped with the 50cal + MK19, it could prove challenging to engage targets on the move due to not being stabilized. I'm fairly certain that these were supposed to be integrated into MP units for the Iraq invasion but many weren't due to the limited numbers mentioned in this video. At least that was the explanation I was given for why 1 out of 3 of our HMMWV's were soft skin, they were supposed to be replaced by M117s It was a Cadillac in terms of creature comforts, interior space, and internal coms. It also was just a blast to drive with the hatches open and seats raised to pop your head out of the vehicle while inside the wire.

Fun note for those interested. Canada's TAPV (Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle) is a heavier armoured upgrade based on the M1117 (with some problems encountered with early vehicles delaying the full role out such as technical issues). Will it replace the LUVW SMP (G-Wagon), no as its main duties are reconnaissance (Canadian Armed Forces YT has a video for Armoured Recce involving said vehicle), troop transport, command & control, VIP transport, patrolling, and military police duties). What it will replace is the RG-31 Nyala which to my knowledge was only really used in Afghanistan and the Coyote reconnaissance vehicles (LAV II) in the reconnaissance role. Even though the G-wagon (is comparable to the British Land Rover aka the "Mobile Coffin" or HMMWV/Humvee. M1113 SOV and Up-Armored variants are only used by Canadian Special Operations Forces Command) does have an armoured kit that can be fitted (or removed) in 8 hours by three soldiers. Think god though that its being replaced under the Light Utility Vehicle program (Ya, vehicles possessing built-in or bolt-on armour protection from IEDs and small arms fire).

Thank you for posting this video. I feel like I need to clarify some things & hopefully shed some light on this vehicle. At the end of 2005 I’m one of two people that was responsible for the design, testing & implementation of an up-armored Fragmentation kit for the M1117 that protected the vehicle from IED’s & some EFP’s. Textron New Orleans received the requirements for The MRAP and management determined that we could not meet the more stringent requirements and choose not to bid. However the powers that be at Mother Textron in Province, RI. Made us provide vehicles at the very last minute. These vehicles were tested and failed miserably. This failure led the Army to look more closely at the M1117’s limitations. To put things in a better perspective, the Canadian TAPV comes close, but would not meet the requirements of the MRAP. The newer family of vehicles do have & are outfitted with many ongoing improvements to enhance protection today.

The shortcomings of the Hummer were well known at the time of introduction. But the hummers were the follow on to the very soft, small and light M151 and the WW2 era Jeep. So its flat bottom no armor self seemed suitable to replace its predecessors. As it turned out it was pushed into a role that it was never designed to fulfill and was flexible enough to be uparmoured but its inherit design limitations (a flat bottom) were never overcome

South Africa had the Ratel, which first action in 1978. Performed very well in its intended role when dealing with a non-conventional war. Long distance vehicle with modularity in mind to mount different weapon systems.

Initially I was skeptical about the way these videos are produced, but I've slowly grown to appreciate the hot takes and high production/research value that you bring to the table on the decision making process that leads to some of the weapons systems we see deployed around the world - thanks man and keep up the great content!

Back in 1980 when I became an MP all we had were gun jeeps, M151 w/M60 (lovingly called The Pig) we graduated to open HMMWV’s then received turtlebacks and finally ASV’s much much later. Meanwhile the Air Force had Peacekeepers (armored Dodge 880 pickups) and V100’s. The Be All You Can Be army I joined you were either a heavy (meaning tracks) or a light fighter in LPC’s (leather personnel carriers). We still had Vietnam vets who had used V-100’s and gun-trucks. The brass refused everything about us needing armor. The M151 armor kits sat unissued in a CONEX until disposed of.

I road the V-100’s from 68-72 I had 60’s 50’s even a 106 recoilless rifle. Had RPG’s glance of the angle plate and the solid wheels lost rubber to mines but still moved on at least 9 countries have generations of this vehicle.

The ASV was awesome, the commanders seat was probably the most comfortable place to be on a long convoy.

We used the 706 Commandos in the Air Force in at Howard in Panama in the late 70's and early 80's. Had them at Clark in the Philippines also. Nice vehicles.

Very good clip, Cappy! These vehicles led the way on convoys while in the sandbox. They are survivable against IED’s, but the soldiers were still messed up with armor punctures (shrapnel) and spine compression injuries. They’re waaay better than HMMWV’s for combat. The MRAPs are pretty much the next upgrade-although I’d like to see an enclosed turret like the ASV has instead of a gunner up top (who’s exposed to bouncing Betty mines, rollovers, etc). Keep up the good work! I watch every one of your videos.

We have these in Canada, called the TAPV. Almost every dislikes them, lots of problems, not enough room from crew, and the leadership is actively scrambling to figure out what to do with them and shuffling them around because nobody really wants them. Better to get a LAV which can also carry dismounts

Looks just like a South African Ratel. Amazing vehicle

Making military grade equipment is so difficult. Deferent equipment for different scenarios with SO MANY scenarios that can pop up. It's no wonder the materiel that is so custom and proprietary is SO EXPENSIVE. Great insight in the episode.

At least one of the textron facilities building this vehicle was in my home town of Slidell, just across the lake from New Orleans and yeah Katrina demolished my city. The textron plant on front st. was in a low lying area prone to flood and they had probably 15 feet of water give or take. I remember when they were cranking these out one after another bc you would see them being transported on 18 wheelers all the time and still occasionally do see them being transported through town although I'm not sure why bc I thought the plant closed down.

I was in Kuwait during the invasion running generators, the Army would come to our shop and go through our scrap metal bins just to add to their hummers. It was sad to see and the one troop that spoke up to one of the politician(I can’t remember who) and things started to change.

In the 1970’s the Detroit police used the Cadillac Gage version on the streets for patrolling. It used to be common to see them.

I miss my m1200 knight, was definitely a vibe.

I operated one out of Bagram in 2007. Fantastic light armor. Very mobile off road. Very fast. Wish they made a 5ton version with a larger cargo space in the back. SA is alittle restricted. Even in the turret. The turrret is the same as the marine AAV. It’s full manual with a periscope. But it’s fully enclosed. Even has night vision.

We used rubber gym floor mats taped into our plastic flap doors to drive from Kuwait to Balad in 04 (first replacement cycle) - not the most pleasant drive but we made it without issue other than a trailer flip. As someone in signal we were all very happy to have 25th ID riding convoy leapfrog security for our BN's convoy - same with the overhead air support we had flying up and down our nearly 700-800 piece convoy. But because we were signal our Humvees had crazy suspension and engines as they had huge shelters on the back - made for great "fabricated" up-armor kits. I eventually saw one from my Company near Syrian border in 08.

My platoon was out multiple times a day on IED calls for months in Iraq in 2003-04 with nothing but soft shell vehicles before the first 1114 showed up. Even then there were only 2 per platoon, one for the PL and one for the platoon sergeant. It's a miracle we aren't all dead

In A'stan, I think in 2010, we stopped using these due to their being relatively vulnerable to IEDs there. Then we gave them to the ANA. I think the issue was that it wasn't a purpose-built MRAP, with the same level of IED protection as the MRAPS, and an IED of not-all-that-big size going off under it would readily penetrate. It 'looks' like it might be proof against IEDs/mines, but most of its survivability (compared to uparmored HMMWVs) came from its height/ground clearance, not a true v-hull as found on the MRAPs. When 101st fielded the M1200 FIST vehicle (1x per recon troop or infantry company), I asked the techs running our NET what vehicle was needed to recover this if it became significantly mired. They said an M88. They didn't have much of an answer when I noted that our entire brigade didn't have a single M88. We were a LIGHT infantry brigade combat team. Never mind that this was the largest troop maneuver vehicle and stood out like a sore thumb, or that it created a singular maintenance headache. I also think you are confusing variants. None of the US versions I saw had the troop capacity you mentioned. I'd like to hear if anyone else saw those that could seat 8 plus crew. I never knew them to seat more than 2 passengers beyond the crew, and it wasn't comfortable or spacious, but I have no real first-hand knowledge. The M1200 only had a crew of 3, I think, and no other room.

We had 2 per platoon in our infantry company in Iraq as lead scout vehicles. Our company had one M1114 HMMV with a mine roller got hit. The crew was shaken but the vehicle damaged not too bad the mine roller did it's job, that was mid tour from 1st Platoon. In my platoon we had our M1117 hit an AP mine that was command detonated and the front wheels were flattened on both sides but the belly plate was not penetrated but only scratched the paint. Crew survived along with our medic riding with them. This happened on Route Tampa just South of Mosul in March 2008. The crew got lucky that they didn't flip.

First vehicle I crew on during my time in Iraq. Ended in one deployment to be on m1117, m1151, Max Pro and an RG 33. I got swapped around during the middle of the deployment over folks going on leave as a driver and gunner. Fun times. But the M1117 largest downside was lack of stabilized turret. Off road on the move, forget hitting anything as it's even worse than free handing a .50. The power traverse was a freaking .25 cent toggle switch which I found very odd coupled with ww2 feeling traverse hand wheels. Very strange after being on Bradley's. But automotive wise and off road, not that bad. Max Pro you hit loose sand you would be stuck, the m1117 you had a chance to get through it. Hit the lessen tire pressure button, get out of the obstacle, reinflate tire for hard ball. I liked the vehicle in terms of it being a 2 axled armored box. Better in some way over the m1151 and Max pro. But it seriously needs a better turret and armament. Turret is one-man cramped poop show with body armor on. Can easily get stuck on things going in or out of the hatch which can have lethal side effects. Loading the mk19 was awkward, with the 50 being a bit easier if memory serves. But that NO stabilization was daft. You end up with what is in effect a ww2 armored car with a worse armament with basic light amplification sights. Whatever bean counters came up with that, shame on you.

I don't care what anyone says about the ASV, I loved mine and I stand by it. It was built to speed to the front lines and back and was designed for MPs. Route recon. Fording rivers. Rushing a high value prisoner to the rear to be exploited. Enough armor and armament to not be caught off gaurd on its own. I swear if some engineers gave that thing a redesign or a little but of updating it could still be a viable vehicle. People that hate it forget it wasn't designed for Iraq or Afghanistan wars per se. It also was what we had on hand and was already in need of updates. I did all the operator required maintenance on mine and it never failed me. I also laugh at when people put it in the wrong spot in convoys or got pissy about its turret. Of course when it's not in open ground, and alongside open turret vehicles. The M117 is a cold war holdover that worked for its intended purpose.

Very interesting. SADF during the 'Bush War' also developed these types of vehicles around the mid '70's, leaning towards non tracked, armored, and heavily mine resistant options. I'm sure the modern stuff is more tech kitted and capable, but for the time they were awesome. Later versions are still current and used today. The Buffel (transport), Ratel (IFV). Arguably the Rhodesians also inspired a lot of the thinking with their efforts although the the War on SWA and Angola border was far more suited to Mechanized assualt.. The SADF Ratels, in their various configs formed the foundation of mechanized assault with gun up to 90mm and also AT missile variant (Ratel Z-T3)

Thanks for this, I’ve been putting a model of one together for some time now, and reference material for the vehicle is quite rare.

I love your objective and analytical takes on all things military. Keep doing what you're doing. Proud to be a spare part.

We used the V100 and V150 in the 70s. Great vehicles.

It's a shame these things weren't as developed or as widely used in the US. Had a couple of them in the back of our motorpool that had been sitting for years and were never touched or maintained for as long as I had been at the unit. I always wondered what they were even there for or what they even were in the first place. Pretty cool lookin vehicle though. Great video!

Another great video from Cappy & Co. However, as a life-long Masshole...I admit that I was SHOCKED to hear that many armored vehicles are produced within the People's Republic of Massachusetts. Part of me want's to point this out to my "representatives"...but most of me wants to be quiet and ensure that the people defending me get the BEST!

When I was stationed at Ft. Wainwright, AK in 2014-2017 I remember seeing a handful of these parked in a distant far-off motor pool in a forgotten corner of the base. I was told that the MP's were signed for them and that they never moved lol

never thought id hear you quoting poetry charge of the light brigade

We had these in my MP unit until probably late 2020, only used them a few times but they were pretty cool. .50 cal and mk19 could fit in the turret at the same time, so decent firepower. Also it has an air filtration system to help against CBRN attacks

You do a great job covering on going conflicts but I love videos like these

Excellent summary and analysis. Kudos. You keep your comments grounded and interesting.

When the South Vietnamese put a V100 at the front of convoys, the rate of ambushes declined significantly. One American advisor recalled questioning the value of this tactic and was sceptical but he happily ate humble pie when he saw the impact the machine guns and grenade launchers carried had on insurgent sabotage groups first hand. The reports from Vietnamese infantry and convoy drivers, as well as V100 crews were glowing.

The Philippines have this, The American V150 commando in service with the Philippine Army to fight insurgency across ph archipelago, and Philippines have Bradley too called the M113.

Unfortunately Ukraine hasn't gotten these yet. Report back in September said they will require another 18 months before delivery. *eye roll*

If you wonder why American vehicles are typically in desert color, it's because that's the base primer that is ready for additional camo paint when they arrive to their destination. It doesn't mean they stay that color.

I mean this thing seems far better than a HUMVE for most modern combat roles. Not all but, most.

Love this video, I've seen and heard of the guardian a couple times but never understood it's purpose thanks for the video.

Yes, "production" was a reason it was out of the competition, but that's not all. It was due to the parts availability and the ease, cost, and time of repair! The engine being in the rear and having to be taken almost completely apart to repair minor things was an issue- it was not easily accessible to fix. The repairing of the armor plates and turret part was another. Additionally, if something happened to the turret, it was almost always deadlines until fixed, which often require it being taken off. Lastly, although it had somewhat of turret retainers, during a bigger blast or rollover the turret was prone to popping out or breaking, usually requiring a new turret which required being sent out of operation for long durations of time to specialized mechanics.

Tracks or wheels... The eternal struggle. They both have pros and cons. Massive con for wheels is - mud. And Ukraine has unbelievable amounts of it! It is so thick that even tracked vehicles get stuck, which means wheeled ones are in even worse situation. However, if they keep to hard surfaces (roads etc), these will work just fine...

I was expecting a mention on the chaimite... :( originally an unlicensed copy, saw some 600 produced by portuguese company Bravia for domestic use but also for a respectable number of international customers. The reason for this was that the country was at war, and Americans refused to sell the vehicle for use in war, so, somehow, they got a couple of staff who have worked on the American vehicle and even managed to bring one unit along. The use in war ended up being very limited but it became famous has a symbol of the revolution who ended dictatorship and the war in Africa. After that, the story didn't end, with portuguese forces sending the vehicle to multiple international missions. Its still in limited service, with some special nonstandard versions, although its mostly replaced by the Pandur II since 2008ish.

In 1988 I attended a fair where the USAF had armored truck (not humvee based) with M-60 on top, as base security response vehicle. Interesting how USAF cared more about their SP's than army about any of it's soldiers. Speed works for safety in open terrain/wilderness, but urban ops limit routes to on streets only.

I THINK YOU NEED TO LOOK UP STH FOR CORRECTION: I am pretty sure that not a single M1117 has been visually confirmed in Ukraine so far which indicates that they have not been delivered yet and also I think they were mentioned in news reports that there is a (makor) delay with the delivery. Ukraine could really hace used these to protect troops from shrapnell during the counter offensive, it is a real shame these have not been delivered yet.

Humvee was great --- in a reasonable role. That's why you stockpile a range of equipment from heavy to light.

November 10, 2023 - I never gave much thought as to why the M1117 wasn't used more by the Army and other services. As usual, Cappy has done a great job answering a question which many of us never really thougt to ask. I offer my prayers ✝🙏🏽 for those service members that died and suffered injuries, because the Defense Department didn't give them the equipment necessary to survive doing their jobs.🤨 Another example of the Military learning the hard way, at the expense of service members lives.

This sounds like the greatest US military vehicle that I’ve never heard of

It was mostly used for Military Police and Convoy Security duties so it was not seen as an normal Infantry vehicle.

Matvs, maxxpros, caimans, along with up armored Humvees were always our chariots oconus during the later OEF years in our line units. But always thought these may have been better suited in more scenarios than they took part in with maybe some small mods here and there.

Chris, there was a first generation pre-cursor vehicle to the Guardian. The first-generation ASV was designed as an MP support vehicle. It was neither expected nor designed to be a troop carrier. The first generation vehicle was way too small. They only had enough room for crew gear. In 2003, I worked for the Combat Development Section at the MP School. I had the honor and pleasure of working for long-retired Major Carson, who while on active duty in the late 80s or 90s was the combat developer for the ASV. Basically given no guidance beyond 'Design a modern replacement for the VO-100,' he first did a thorough literature research, including into counterinsurgency operations in South Africa, where the IED threat was real. Then-MAJ Carson realized that although no one in the Army was talking about land mine warfare, the ASV needed the V-hull design to defeat the IED threat, along with hydraulic seats to protect the crew when an IED would literally blow the vehicle into the air. No sense designing a vehicle that survived the explosion but broke the spine of crew members! (This design feature was later incorporated into the hanging seats in the MRAPs.) Since MP officers have no training in armored vehicle design, MAJ Carson spent several weeks and several visits to Tank and Automotive Command in Detroit to develop specifications for the vehicle. He told me the TACOM folks were impressed and pleased with the well-thought specs, as the vehicle was developed with few major problems, went quickly through testing, had an exceptionally soft ride, and proved to be successful in its intended role. As convoy support vehicles, Iraqi insurgents were reluctant to attack convoys with direct sniper fire or close quarters battle when accompanied by one or more ASVs. Somebody, I assume the Infantry School, developed the larger troop carrier variant. It's clear that 90% or more of the Guardian is based on the MP ASV. MAJ Carson's foresight and wisdom in designing the ASV paid dividends to all the future infantrymen riding around in the Guardian. I retired in 1998 so I never rode in either vehicle. I'm personally glad the Guardian has been so successful. Great video, too.

No lie, I didn't even know these existed. This is all news to me. They certainly look like a better option than a humvee.

I see T&P video, I watch. Keep 'em coming Chris! Top notch content as always!

Nice video Chris! We have it in Greece we are very happy about! I think we are using it for getting faster in areas that are in trouble or will be! I hope they can get a light energetic self protection system like trophy ( exist already light versions ) and something against loitering ammunition and drones and it will be much more effective in the modern battlefield!

Similar to our Bushmasters great video mate

Tremendous analysis chappy! I thought I knew everything about the M117.

Another hood classic from cappy cheers from down under 🤙

That vehicle is so small and tight I barely fit in it. The Canadians got the TAPV which is a little bigger. Over all this is an excellent vehicle for the job it does.

we weren't trying to replace the humvee with this, we were looking for an additional vehicle that could be used in areas with a higher incident or probability of IED's going off

*Ch-53... Love the content dude you keep this ex squaddie from across the pond happy every time your notification comes thru!

In 2004 I was sitting in an IED/ counterinsurgency "death by PowerPoint" presentation when it dawned on me that one day these lessons would be used to suppress the American people. That was the moment my heart left the Army, and I have never been happy to see mil tech since.

My favorite content creator

love the channel, thanks for your service

GOOD JOB-CHRIS--You highlight, again, how, i the end, the military is ALWAYS fighting the LAST WAR-Cheers

Sadly, the US hasn’t delivered these to Ukraine yet. They promised 250 last year under USAI program but that requires building them new rather than using presidential drawdown authority to send from existing stocks

Any experience how the M1117 handles compared to the HUMVEE replacement? BTW great documentation!

I didn’t know this vehicle excited. Looks awesome!

6:53 The guys i spoke to that removed the doors said it was because the doors got stuck after ied/rpg impact, making the humvee a prison. I've never heard a guy say they removed the doors for ''extra speed''.

Great report T& P team!

Thanks for all your hard work brother!

Great vid, Chris! Thanks!

Really interesting. Never realised it was such a useful and serious operational vehicle, or even that it compares so well to the MRAP. Always thought it was money-saving joke. Thanks for the info! Definitely a vehicle type worth considering instead of light utility vehicles for forward rear areas.

I've always liked the Commando series and thought they were badly underutilized. Before GWOT, the few in Army inventory were used by the MPs. Would it be accurate to say that their use has become as 'Stryker Lite'?

Amazing work again Cappy!

The variant with the single barrel small diameter cannon turret reminded me of the WWII M-8 Greyhound vehicle.

I remember back in the day when we tried a motorized division. 9th ID? It was supposed to be a hybrid of light and mech infantry. I don’t think it lasted long.

I preferred the knight varaint the best

Who else was watching this while in an armored vehicle?

In 06-07 we used ASV’s and LMTV’s as gun trucks. The problem with the ASV was that the fuel tanks were in the front, second if you was wearing body armor in the driver’s seat or the TC’s seat you could not get out through the driver’s or the TC’s hatch, the only way out was to unlatch the driver’s seat fold it down and crawl to the back and go out the side door(a lot of times they wouldn’t wear their body armor, so they could get out easier). So when the ASV got hit by an IED on the TC’s side, it would disable the vehicle, it always caught on fire and the TC was usually injured bad enough that he needed help, or he was unconscious, or he was dead. Depending on what condition the driver was in dictated what was going to happen to the TC. Usually the gunner would help the driver climb out if he was injured, then they would try to get the TC out through the tight space if he was injured or dead, usually the fire burned him up. All three of the times that I saw an ASV get hit on the TC’s side and it caught fire, the TC died a terrible death. All of the ASV gunners always had problems with visibility. It was difficult.for them to watch their area of responsibility or spot and shoot targets in fire fights. This was what I saw and experience, maybe everybody else was just luckier then others not to experience what I saw.