Strykers Take Hits from Pundits

A few months ago our helicopters weren't good enough. Now the press is after the lynch pin of our ground forces, the Stryker Combat Vehicle. From Ares and the AP:

Since the Strykers went into action in violent Diyala province
north of Baghdad two months ago, losses of the vehicles have been rising
steadily, U.S. officials said.
A single infantry company in Diyala lost five
Strykers this month in less than a week, according to soldiers familiar with the
losses, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to
release the information. The overall number of Strykers lost recently is
classified.

Ares says:

The AP story notes some disagreement about the vulnerability of
Stryker, however. Some soldiers and commanders interviewed in Baghdad said the
problem is that roadside bombs are getting more powerful and sophisticated and
are better hidden, making all armored vehicles more vulnerable than they used to
be. Still, others say the mounting losses are evidence that Stryker is more
suited to peacekeeping than urban combat.

I can remember how armchair generals years ago warned us that utilizing the light weight, thin-skinned Stryker in combat situations would be a catastrophe for the troops. 4 years into the war with minimal losses, until now, and they are ready to signal retreat. But I say, like our chopper pilots earlier this year, which were also taking excessive losses, the Strykers will adapt.

Also, Defense Tech has a fair and balanced review, stating:

The problem certainly seems to be IEDs, and even critics are quick
to point out that many of larger bombs being encountered lately, including the
much-feared and much-hyped explosively
formed penetrators (EFPs), threaten not only Strykers
but Bradleys and Abrams tanks, as well. But as the concept of the Stryker is
based around the idea of more mobility at the expense of armor protection, the
concerns are justified and warrant a close look...There's no doubt the Stryker
would be safer in a less-lethal environment, but isn't that true of any
vehicle?

Plus, Murdoc says "Even tanks are not invulnerable, you know".