Returning from a long ride, we spotted an unusual sign at the Vassar Farm entrance (clicky for more dots):
Even more unusual was the sight of a matte black MRAP jouncing across the field:
I hadn’t noticed an uptick of the insurgency around here, but I suppose it could happen.
It looks like a Cougar HE 6×6 MRAP on loan from the DLA 1033 Program to the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department. The flat top suggests they dismounted the CROWS gun, which seems a definite step down in no-knock capability.
Some poking around showed the Poughkeepsie Police Department acquired a 107 mm Mortar Carrier some years ago:
The M106 is an impressive hunk of tracked armor, although it seems unsuited for urban warfare and would certainly scuff up the streets pretty badly. I don’t know if they scrapped the M106 in favor of the MRAP.
I’m hoping they don’t collaborate with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department to patrol the Rail Trail, even within the City limits.
The Smell of Molten Projects in the Morning 