binfordm715 : Why reflectors?

Why reflectors?
Post by binfordm715 on Aug 7, 2006, 1:15pm

Why did the military put reflectors on the trucks? Wouldn't they want to keep reflective stuff OFF combat vehicles?

Makes no sense to me....

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by teking on Aug 7, 2006, 1:42pm


Quote: <TABLE class=bordercolor cellSpacing=1 width="90%"><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE class=quote cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">Why did the military put reflectors on the trucks? Wouldn't they want to keep reflective stuff OFF combat vehicles?

Makes no sense to me....</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Uh ....... nope .....mmmmmm ...... nope. heck I don't know. Can't think of a good reason. Maybe they weren't intended for "combat" but just a base bound vehicle.

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by elwenil on Aug 7, 2006, 1:59pm

I believe the reflectors were covered in combat. I seem to remember reading about a kit or something for convoy vehicles to cover them.

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by bluesman2a on Aug 7, 2006, 3:02pm

a screw-driver and about 5-10 minutes and you can have them all off!!

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by kaiser715 on Aug 7, 2006, 4:14pm

Underneath the USFS green that was painted over the reflectors, mine had OD green paint. Guess that's how they "cover" them.

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by 40grit on Aug 7, 2006, 4:21pm

DP,
simple, yet effective, I like it....

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by fredrader on Aug 7, 2006, 4:38pm

The manuals say if paint isn't available to use mud etc to cover the markings,stars and I guess the reflectors and headlights..

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by k8icu on Aug 7, 2006, 8:41pm

Reflectors were for saftey when not in combat. I.e. on the highway, around post etc. In combat you were to cover your reflectors, head lights and any other shinny part of the truck. Yes even the windshield if folded down. Duct tape became the GIs best friend. Still think it is come to think of it.

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by brute4c on Aug 8, 2006, 8:34am

There is a correct canvas cover for the windshield.

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by porkchop on Aug 8, 2006, 10:30am

Duct tape is my best friend. and yes the reflectors are removed from all vehicles.

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by wrecker on Aug 8, 2006, 5:42pm

Goes along with lights off at night, lights on in the daytime. Headlights and all reflectors etc were duct taped over when in the field as a weekend warrior. On the highways, the hazmat placcards and all other DOT requirements were enforced for the most part. obviously, supplemental restraint systems and many other requirements for passenger vehicles didn't apply, but the reflectors, etc were there.

Re: Why reflectors?
Post by binfordm715 on Aug 8, 2006, 9:28pm

Thanks for the info, guys. It was something that never crossed my mind until I was putting the reflectors back on the truck. Seemed a little counterintuitive to me....