Stryker praised by soldiers in Mosul for urban patrols
In Mosul Iraq soldiers hail the Stryker armored troop transport as faster quieter and safer than Humvees amid urban warfare. About 300 Strykers patrol northern Iraq since September 2003 with critics noting mud bogging e n gine strain and armor added to 5 000 pounds. The vehicle nicknamed the bird cage features wire mesh armor to deflect RPGs and shrapnel.