How Safe is it in Iraq?

We are extremely concerned about our soldiers in Iraq, especially those who ride in convoys. The most dangerous part of this war has been the roadside bombs and ambushes that attack vehicles driving in Iraq.

But I found this short article at StrategyPage.com that I found encouraging.

March 18, 2005: While half the casualties in Iraq are from roadside bombs, rarely does a truck carrying fuel or ammo get hit. Some divisions have gone an entire year with none of their fuel or ammo trucks being destroyed on the road. How can this be? Simple, the fuel and ammo convoys always get the highest level of protection. This includes air cover in the form of a helicopter, often a helicopter gunship. Lower priority convoys have to make do with a UAV, or no air cover at all. Air cover is not magic, the MPs or combat troops providing the ground escort also have to be watching carefully for camouflaged roadside bombs. It’s also important to vary the schedule and routes for fuel and ammo convoys. The chances of getting attacked on the road have always been low, but if you are out there several times a week, you are likely to experience at least one roadside bomb, or some gun fire, at least once in a 12 month tour. But if you take enough precautions, you can reduce the chances of getting hit bad, to near zero. And that’s what’s happened with the most dangerous cargo of all.

SSG Dan's unit transports ammo among other things. May God continue to keep him safe and bring all of our loved ones home safely.