Marines are now mulling reinforcing their M35 six-by-six trucks to prevent major damage from landmine explosions.
This, after a “hardened” M35 saved the lives of four soldiers in an attack in Patikul, Sulu this week.
Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said Marines are now planning to add one-fourth-inch steel plates on the side and floor of their M35 trucks for their adequate protection in case of landmine attacks.
He said the M35 truck in the Sulu attack could have been severely damaged and the four Marines on board badly injured had the steel plates not provided “force protection.”
He said the idea of “hardening” the trucks came from Lt. Col. Ferdinand Fraginal, chief of the Sulu-based 5th Marine Battalion Landing Team who is now involved in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf.
Arevalo said Fraginal initially reinforced their trucks with steel plates after his men found two landmines.
The military relies heavily on the M35 to transport troops and equipment. Most of the trucks though are now old.
The M35 trucks are also used in non-military operations such as search and rescue and disaster relief and rehabilitation.