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Blackwater offers training on MRAPs

RALEIGH, N.C. — Private military contractor Blackwater Worldwide is starting a course to train military personnel to maneuver heavy patrol vehicles that are prone to rollovers in the chaos of war zones.

Jim Sierawski, Blackwater’s vice president for training, said military vehicles are scarce to use for training because so many are overseas. Meanwhile, Blackwater, headquartered in northeastern North Carolina, has a surplus of similar vehicles at its disposal after failing to win contracts despite developing and manufacturing such armored trucks.

“We’re another school to go to — another training option and training solution for the military,” Sierawski said in an interview. “They get the same level of training they would in the military.”

The two-day courses, set to begin in December, will teach basic driving techniques common to all mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles — also known as MRAP. Participants learn how to climb and descend hills and control the vehicle at steep angles while instructors will focus particular attention on preventing accidents in the unruly and top-heavy vehicles.

Sierawski said participants will also learn how to operate with a run-flat tire, which doesn’t immediately deflate, that may be punctured by a bullet — something that’s often necessary when traveling through hotspots.

“It’s a basic course — it’s a safety course,” Sierawski said. “It’s nothing high-speed.”

Military leaders have praised the MRAPs for their strong shell that protects U.S. personnel, and thousands of the vehicles are being used in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the vehicle isn’t as agile as the Humvee — the trucks sit high on raised chassis and V-shaped hulls that protect their underbellies.

The military has warned troops to be careful behind the wheel after five deaths caused by rollovers and dozens of other accidents.

“Overseas, a lot of traffic accidents are happening because the guys aren’t used to the characteristics of the vehicles,” Sierawski said.

Blackwater said earlier this month that it has laid off an undisclosed number of employees after failing to win a government contract for its Grizzly armored vehicle to replace the Humvee. The Moyock-based company had also developed a newer version of the heavier MRAP vehicles before the military decided to stay with its current version.

Sierawski said the company was training instructors for the course and identifying areas on its Moyock campus where the vehicles can operate.