The first of more than 2,000 mine-resistant all-terrain vehicles (M-ATVs) arrived at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, on Oct. 23, for use by troops in the field in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The new vehicles weigh less than half of than their predecessor, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP), seats four passengers and a gunner, and is designed to better protect its occupants from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other attacks. The initial shipment of eight M-ATVs will be used to train mechanics and drivers of units tapped to receive the vehicles.
