Bomb-resistant trucks in use in Iraq

QUANTICO, Va., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Marines in Iraq say they're now using mine-resistant trucks on daily combat missions rather than just for bomb disposal and clearing of roads.

"We have well over 400 (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected trucks) and are receiving dozens per week, every week," Maj. Jeff Pool, marine spokesman based in Anbar Province, said in an e-mail to USA Today.

Each MRAP costs between $500,00 and $600,000 depending on the equipment they carry, and the Pentagon has orders for 6,500 MRAPs and wants to acquire a total of 15,000 in 2008, USA Today reported Tuesday.

The MRAPs safety record in Anbar Province prompted the Defense Department to make them a top priority. Defense officials knew of their effectiveness but were slow to support their purchase, USA TODAY reported.

Until recently, MRAPs had been used primarily by military units in Iraq charged with bomb disposal and ensuring roads were free of bombs.