ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND: Two years after the Europe-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment requested more firepower to deter the Russians, 30 millimeter shells and Javelin missiles thundered downrange here at the Army’s oldest proving ground. Even standing at a safe distance, 20 yards from the closest of the two Stryker vehicles, I could feel the muzzle blast from the cannon, making my clothes flap. I could see the fireball from the Javelin hitting its target maybe a mile away.
This week, the Army was rolling out its newest combat vehicles, upgunned models of the eight-wheel-drive Stryker, to impress the press and Congress – and, of course, the Russian military.