Army's Efforts to Protect Soldiers from IEDs Face Scrutiny

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski challenged the United States Army's progress in developing technology to counter the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threat in Afghanistan, a deadly and gruesome weapon-of-choice for insurgents. She questioned the Army's Chief of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, on the issue during a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, attended by Secretary of the Army John McHugh. Murkowski emphasized the importance of providing soldiers with the best possible tools to protect themselves from IEDs, citing the recent deaths of three Alaskan Army personnel in such incidents.

Key Takeaways:

• Senator Lisa Murkowski questioned the Army's ability to protect soldiers from IEDs, despite advancements in technology.
• The Army Chief of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, stated that the Army is aggressively pursuing robotic technology to counter IEDs.
• Murkowski encouraged General Dempsey to utilize Alaska training facilities, such as the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC), to prepare troops for war in Southwest Asia.
• The senator noted that Alaska's terrain and weather conditions are similar to those found in Afghanistan, making the state's training facilities well-suited for such purposes.
• General Dempsey agreed to make more extensive use of Alaska's training facilities.

Statistics:

• 3 Alaskan Army personnel recently died due to IEDs.
• IEDs have become a major threat to soldiers in Afghanistan.

Sources:

• Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, as quoted in the press release.
• "Army Chief of Staff General Martin Dempsey."
• "Secretary of the Army John McHugh."