U.S. COMBAT VEHICLES TAKE TOLL FROM ARMORING

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The U.S. Army has been saddled by a significantincrease in the attrition rate of its combat and supply vehicles in Iraq. U.S. officials said the widespread use of bolting additional armor onthe army's Humvee utility vehicle fleet has led to a significant increasein its attrition rate. They said the additional armor was wearing down thestructure of the vehicle as well as increasing the burden on the engine.