First M-ATVs arrive in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Two mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles arrived at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on Oct. 1, after being offloaded from a C-17 Globemaster III. The M-ATVs arrived less than a day after leaving Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 30.

The M-ATV's are the first of their kind in Afghanistan and support small-unit combat operations in highly restricted rural, mountainous and urban environments that include mounted patrols, reconnaissance, security, convoy protection, communications, command and control and combat service support.

Transporting M-ATVs by aircraft can be accomplished in a day, where sealift would require approximately 26 days. An order for more than 6,600 M-ATVs are expected to be fielded during the next year.

The M-ATV is designed to replace the up-armored Humvee in Afghanistan. The M-ATV will carry up to five personnel. The C-17 is from McChord Air Force Base, Wash. and was operated by a crew from Charleston AFB, S.C.