Iam builing the new Tamiya Hummer and I picked up the Verlinden, and Tamiya accessory set for the hummer and another kit I have. In both of the sets theres a square box, it kinda looks like a vent. It shows it going over the doors. My question is what are they used for?

Thanks,
Mike

Combat Identification Panels, helps ID vehicles Friend or Foe through various night and thermal sights. Prevents friendly fire

Sempre Fi
Melon

There called CIPs. They are a thermal identification panel placed on American tanks in Iraq so as to make them more easily identifyable to other American forces. This is supposed to stop the friendly fire incidents that occured during the first Gulf War.
Kyle
PS- Melon you beat me to the punch. Geez you're quick.

Less "wordy"

thanks for the replies guys. I thought they were some kind of added on armor for the vehicle, but there just for identification right?

thanks,
Mike

As far as I know, the panels are used for ID only but they may have some use as armor. Any of the enlisted members would be the ones to ask (Sabot, Epi, irocarmy, dbusack, etc.).
Kyle

Yup, just used for ID purposes. As you can see from some of the photo's coming out of Iraq, a lot of them get pretty dinged up. There is really no added protection, well, on the Hummer doors, just something else to slow down a round if it where to go through the door.
I know when we first got them in the 24th after Desert Storm, they where just "VELCROed" on the Bradley's. We dont have them yet in my National Guard Armored Division, so I'm not sure how they are secured now.
The best set I've seen so far are the one's that Eduard offer. They have a set for the M1A1/A2, Hummer,and believe they just came out with one for the M113. Also for the British Challenger. The Thermal part actually slides in and out of the holder. Check them out on there sight.

Here is the Eduard set fot the Hummer. It is in there Feb release flier and is not available yet. It should be out shortly.