Study of the Rapid Acquisition Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program and Its Impact on the Warfighter.

摘要

The purpose of this thesis is to document and analyze the benefits and shortcomings experienced by the various stakeholders of the Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program, particularly the warfighters. Were the shortcomings outweighed by the benefits in this particular program. Did the accelerated acquisition strategy used for the MRAP vehicle program provide sufficient benefits to the warfighter to become the model for future U.S. military major acquisition programs. The urgent need for a vehicle capable of protecting the warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire prompted the approval of an accelerated acquisition program for the development and purchase of the MRAP vehicle. The time from the initial needs statement in February 2006 to the first fielding of the first MRAPs was less than 18 months. This accelerated acquisition process provided tremendous benefits, however, it was not without its shortcomings. The thesis discusses both the benefits and the shortcomings of the MRAP vehicle program.