Tradeoffs: Humvee armor

Life is about tradeoffs. Much of what you see in the media and from politicians ignores the tradeoffs. That is one reason why you can’t trust either.

From time to time, this blog will suggest some of the tradeoffs on important issues (and some not important ones) that ought to be considered.

Here is an example.

There was a lot of initial criticism from the media and politicians about Humvees having inadequate armor.

The more armor, the less chance of the occupants being killed from enemy action. On the other hand, armor makes the vehicle less stable and the more chance there is of the occupants (and bystanders) being killed from accidents involving loss of control (e.g., rollovers). Since the percentage of time Humvee driving is in combat conditions is low, there seems a reasonable chance that the overall Humvee related fatality rate is increased by adding armor.

I have no idea what the net effect has been. But the initial media and political focus on one side of the issue was misleading. Some of the media addressed the tradeoff later, with nothing like the initial misleading exposure. Politicians have yet to provide balance.

Here is a link to an article on the topic. I have no idea what the net effect has been. But the initial media and political focus on one side of the issue was misleading.

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