Knowledge

Prior to our 2008 deployment to a small fire base in Iraq, our unit was told we’d be getting three M114 HMMWVs equipped with the Automatic Fire Extinguishing System. Since no one knew anything about the AFES, we were given a nice PowerPoint presentation to explain the system’s capabilities. While the presentation was informative, it later became apparent that a few of us didn’t pay close attention to it.

Today’s Army vehicles provide Soldiers with more protection against enemy threats than ever before. These advancements, however, have come at a price for some crews who’ve had to cope with restricted outside visibility and altered vehicle handling. As the Army continues to field and improve its combat vehicles, the need for effective crew coordination is essential for Soldiers to safely and effectively complete their mission.