A relatively new piece of equipment to the US Marines is the LAV-25. Used as a light AFV capable of carrying a few troops, it is also rather heavily armed and generally well armored. The Marines use the amphibious version that can ford waterways, but is not usable in surf. So new was this vehicle, that no tactics had been developed for it and so it was very much a case of starting from scratch. Eventually, the USMC developed proper methods of use and also started units whose sole equipment were LAV-25s.

The main reason for obtaining these vehicles was to use as part of the Marine's Rapid Deployment Force. It was expected that these troops would need these sorts of wheeled vehicle to operate in desert-like conditions. Though several companies initially offered prototypes, it was GM of Canada that won the order. The type is still being purchased, and older vehicles upgraded as the needs arise.

The LAV-25 almost immediately went into combat during the Panama operation then to Somalia, Iraq War I, Haiti, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq War II. Here it proved its usefulness in a variety of situations from troop support to general reconnaissance. In fact, the recce mission is probably the main reason the vehicle was added to the inventory. With its relatively high speed and good self defense abilities, it is nearly the perfect vehicle.

Author James D'Angina covers the full history of this vehicle from its development, use in the Corps and the various places it has seen duty. We get to look at several of its systems and how the LAV-25 has been improved over the years. All of this is accompanied by a superb selection of color photos and the illustrations of artist Henry Morshead.

Overall, an excellent reference into this fascinating and highly utilitarian vehicle and one that you should get for your library.

December 2011

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