SHOW: CBS Evening News (6:30 PM ET) - CBS April 14, 2004
Soldiers driving military convoys in Iraq
ANCHORS: DAN RATHER
REPORTERS: JIM ACOSTA
DAN RATHER, anchor:
In Iraq, the recent surge in attacks on truckers carrying supplies for US troops has been aimed at both military and civilian convoys. But while many civilian contractors have suspended deliveries until the violence ceases or eases, for drivers in uniform, that's not an option. CBS' Jim Acosta has the Inside Story.
JIM ACOSTA reporting:
These are dangerous days for American military convoys on what could be the world's deadliest roads. Take Private Matt Maupin and Sergeant Elmer Krause, two Army reservists classified as 'unaccounted for' after ambush on their convoy. Krause completed one tour with the Navy and then joined the Army.
Mr. BARRY CHILTON (Family Friend): That was his love. His son was first, his family. But--but Elmer, he--he loves the military.
ACOSTA: Trained in truck driving, not combat, they're among the thousands of mechanics, clerks and cooks who work these convoys that are vital to the military's supply lines. They are also easy targets, lacking the skills and the protection to fend off ambushes.
Mr. JOHN PIKE (GlobalSecurity.org): The problem is that in an insurgency like this, everything is on the front lines, everyone's vulnerable to attack.
Unidentified Man: (From videotape) What's your name?
ACOSTA: If the story sounds familiar, it is. Jessica Lynch and members of the 507th Maintenance Company became POWs after an ambush on their convoy. One year later the Army insists it's learned its lesson. Now all convoy personnel will be made battle-ready during new live-fire exercises.
Lieutenant General DENNIS CAVIN (US Army Training): We weren't training the individuals on how to dismount the vehicles, how to attack a strong point or how to take on the enemy wherever they're--wherever they're firing from.
ACOSTA: These soldiers are no longer, as the Army puts it, in the rear with the gear.
Lt. Gen. CAVIN: So what we're doing now is training these soldiers in how to react to these ambushes, how to react to coming under a--fire in a convoy.
ACOSTA: When Elmer Krause and Matt Maupin's company was deployed, they didn't have that training. Their mission was to drive trucks. But they landed in a war that doesn't care about job descriptions. Jim Acosta, CBS News, New York.
© Copyright 2004, CBS Worldwide Inc.
