TUSKs now in Iraq.

[SGTGunn]

Those are the sponson boxes on the sides of the turret - basically steetmetal storage boxes, for tools and other stuff. They're on all M1 models.

I've got mixed feelings about the deletion of the RWS for the .50 cal. On the M1A1 it's not a big deal, as the .50 cal can be fired buttoned, but for the M1A2s that leaves the TC completely exposed (it's and old-school pintle mount). On the other hand, I've talked to a lot of folks who have used the CROW RWS on the M1114 up-armored humvees and they were not too impressed. Apparently the jump quite a bit when firing a .50 cal, and you have to re-aquire the target each time. Also you have to expose yourself to reload, and the gunner's "joystick" is apparently kind of flimsy and breaks easily. We have ALOT of uparmoreds on our FOB, all with newest armor/turret/survivability kits, and only one has the CROW and as far as I can tell, they never take it outside the wire. I have heard they're useful in an overwatch role, where the thermal sight comes in very handy. Mk-19's are also "out of favor" here - you rarely see them used on humvees. It's all M2 .50 cals and M240s. Apparenly the MK19s are considered overkill in built-up areas and cause to much collateral damage. Even the number of .50 cals is down for the same reason - the M240 has becomed the tool of choice as you're much less likely to shoot through 2-3 buildings and kill someone you hadn't intended too.

Adrian