WASHINGTON — The Marines plan to buy fewer bomb-resistant vehicles despite pressure from lawmakers who are determined to spend billions of dollars on the vehicles.
The Marine Corps’ requirement would drop from the planned 3,700 vehicles to about 2,400, The Associated Press has learned. The Marines would not comment on the decision, but defense officials confirmed the cut.
About a month ago, the Marine Corps’ commandant, Gen. T. James Conway, said he was concerned his force was getting too heavy. At the same time, an independent study questioned whether the Pentagon was buying too many of the vehicles, which can cost as much as $1 million each.
Military officials and other experts have said the vehicles are not as useful or mobile in some terrain.
