Soldiers Give Mastiff the Thumbs-Up

UK Ministry of Defence, A group of soldiers who have recently completed a six month tour of duty in Iraq have given the thumbs up to the Army's newest protected patrol vehicle, the Mastiff. 
 
The vehicles, derived from Cougars used by the American Marines, are six-wheeled mine-protected vehicles which have had around 50 modifications. As well as carrying infantry troops around danger zones with much more protection, they are also used by Royal Engineers and Bomb Disposal Teams: 
 
“For something off-the-shelf and added to, it's excellent. It gives good protection and good fire power,” said Captain Clive Phillips from 7 Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps based at Bielefeld in North West Germany. 
 
Captain Phillips volunteered to head up the special team, drawn from personnel in his unit, to undertake search operations and convoy escorts in and out of Basra City, Az Zubayr and Al Querna: 
 
“It's not the answer to every prayer,” he continued. “Other vehicles fit into a fleet but it's a good addition. People have confidence in it. It's equipped with a general purpose machine gun, and even a 50-millimetre heavy machine gun. And it can be fitted with a 40-millimetre grenade launcher which can throw grenades over large distances. 
 
“My guys were superb, they took the vehicle to their hearts. They took time to learn about them and helped to develop them. When we had it they looked after it and the infantry could rely on them to get them where they wanted when they wanted. 
 
“In all we had three battlegroups we helped to train to use the vehicle. We had to bring the new units up to scratch. As an experience it was a real eye-opener,” he added. 
 
The soldiers underwent intensive training which culminated in three weeks in Cyprus where they practised all their drills. Having received the first vehicles in December 2006 while attached to 40 Regiment Royal Artillery in Iraq, it was not until 1 March 2007 that the first patrols were deployed on to the streets of Basra. 
 
The soldiers' training and experiences with these vehicles has played a key part in the development of later models by feeding back their suggestions and advice through their Brigade to the project team. 
 
Private Rob Stewart, who was on his first operation, said: 
 
“It's one of the best bits of kit that I've had. Its protection is second to none. Its safety means that the infantry can do a better job and they can concentrate on their task. 
 
“We were involved in helping with counter explosive device work, strike operations and transporting people including the local police.” 
 
Lance Corporal Richard Murphy commented: 
 
“Its protection is phenomenal. It's one of the most secure vehicles I have seen. We were attacked in a number of different ways. It did some minor damage but everyone inside was okay.”