New Stryker variant hits streets in Iraq

MPs with 3rd Brigade can use non-lethal systems on vehicle

Pvt. Zachary Zuber/3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division

DIYALA, Iraq — Innovative technology has inspired people around the world to change their lifestyles. Modes of transportation and the transfer of information, have evolved over the past 10 years.

Today, Soldiers are not only able to communicate face to face with loved ones while deployed, but now have non-lethal capabilities to respond to demonstrations and protests without leaving their vehicles.

The 3rd Platoon, 66th Military Police Company, attached to 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, is employing two new Strykers that will change the way they do their jobs.

“The Strykers have a full-spectrum effects package,” said James Yeiser, field service representative for the FSEP. “It is an escalation of force defense system designed to keep the Soldiers out of harm’s way.”

This will be especially helpful during the upcoming elections where security is a primary concern for the MPs. Each FSEP Stryker is operated by four Soldiers, with their own television screens with real-time video streaming from cameras located outside the vehicle.

“These are good for a lot of things, even outside the MP world,” said Sgt. Blake Jones, a vehicle commander for 3rd Plt., 66th MP Co. “My favorite features are the 360-degree cameras that allow the vehicle commander to see everything that’s going on.”

Through this system, the vehicle commander not only sees everything, but is able to identify potential threats and designate targets to his team members, depending on his desired response.

“If someone shoots at you, the commander can send that target to the gunner, but if a target requires non-lethal force, you can assign it to the Long Range Acoustic Device controller,” said Jones.

Another feature of the package, the LRAD, is mounted to the rear of the vehicle along with a non-lethal shotgun mount.

This is where most Soldiers notice the difference from a regular Stryker. Most Strykers only have one remote weapons system, but on the FSEP, this second mount is also remote controlled, and represents the most unique piece of equipment.

“The LRAD is equipped with a phrase-a-lator, which allows Soldiers and interpreters to take certain English phrases and translate them into Arabic before a mission,” Yeiser said.

It will also play loud, annoying tones, intended to cause unruly crowds to disperse without any violence. If none of this provides the desired effect, a mounted shotgun is capable of firing non-lethal rubber buckshot to diffuse any serious situations.

One final feature helps Soldiers react to hostile actions without leaving the vehicle.

“There are four microphones tuned to detect bangs and provide an on-screen target for people in the vehicle,” said Yeiser. “This lets them see what the target is and react accordingly.”

As a complete package, this will change the way Jones and others in his platoon resolve situations with non-lethal force.

“This gives me a better visualization of what’s going on both inside the vehicle and outside and keeps us safer,” said Jones.

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