Getting to Know the LAV

Few things are as intimidating to suspected criminals as the sudden
appearance of a camouflaged light armored vehicle bearing law enforcement
officers. And in California's war against illegal drugs, the two LAVs
operated by the National Guard are valuable tools in the struggle.

The California Guard's relationship with the Canadiandesigned LAV began in
October 1991, when the U.S. Congress directed California and three other
states to test the feasibility of using the eightwheeled, multiton
vehicle in counterdrug operations. The LAVs proved so successful that, upon
the December 1992 conclusion of the evaluation, California was allocated
two of the vehicles.

The LAVs' primary task is to provide protection for law enforcement agents
during raids on methamphetamine labs and other potentially dangerous sites.
Operated by Guard members, the vehicles offer shelter from both small arms
fire and from potential explosions of the highly volatile chemicals often
found in illegal drug labs. The LAVs are not, however, used to knock down
doors or demolish buildings or other structures.

A second important mission for the LAVs involves their use as observation
and reconnaissance platforms. Equipped with various optical and electronic
sensors, the LAVs can transmit realtime photos and other data to waiting
law enforcement officers, a task that can be accomplished with only one
crewman aboard the vehicle.

"The LAVs give us and the law enforcement agencies we support a range of
options that no other type of vehicle could provide," said one senior Guard
officer. "Their mere presence is often enough to head off trouble, and
their capabilities as personnel transports and sensor platforms really give
the law enforcement agencies a tool they would not otherwise have."

Steve Harding