Take a look at the picture below:



High resolution version: http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/ae82f18a8e1b160b852568ba007e7e5e/cf9bbd9234b5adde85256e9100462c15/$FILE/040509-M-1250B-003.jpg

Looks like typical M997 Ambulance, right?...

Wrong! This is US Marines new mobile command and control vehicle. On the photo below you can see some of interior equipment:



High resolution version: http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/ae82f18a8e1b160b852568ba007e7e5e/19b5f6741be6069b85256e9100485550/$FILE/040509-M-1250B-004.jpg

According to the information from USMC web site:
"The mobile command and control vehicle is currently a Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 24 asset, but can be used by the MEU commander as a tactical, mobile control center. The vehicle can be configured for a particular commander’s command and control needs.
The vehicle is stocked with the latest communications equipment, including a 17-inch LCD screen where near-live battle information can be displayed while the vehicle is moving. These capabilities make it easier for the commander to hit the ground and begin coordinating with his Marines and vehicles immediately.
With the MEU’s upcoming deployment to Iraq on the horizon, the Marines are looking for innovative ways to give them the advantage on the battlefield."

Rgds,
Pawel

Looks like a "field mod" because of a lack of Comm shelters perhaps?

Thats what I was thinking.

During our units '91tour at the NTC the Battalion S-3 used a M-997 ambulance vehicle converted to a command vehicle that was fitted with extra radios and battlefield map of NTC. This is just an enhanced version utilizing the electronic battlefield command and control capabilities. The unit I was with was motorized so we did not have tracked vehicles so the M997 was the only vehicle in our TO&E with the room for what HQ needed that wasn’t a 5-ton. The Humvees where easier to hide in a depression of ravine than the 5-tons with shelters. I would imagine that any "Light" battalion would be using this vehicle for this purpose with all the high tech gadgets that are being used in today's military.

Pawel- I was the Nuclear, Biological, & Chemical defense NCOIC for 26 MEU back in '88-'90. We had two softskin HMMWV's linked by a custom made plasticized tent which we used for a CP. Since the Ambulance conversion comes w/ A/C (read: overpressure system), I recommended to our CO that we use these for our CP, as they could be armored and proof against Chem/Bio attacks. I went so far as to measure the interior and draw up a sketch of workstations, and got with Mine Safety Appliance Co. for specs on filters that could be attached to the A/C for NBC security. If I recall correctly, Our prototype would have cost an extra 11,000 USD ( Mostly for the supplemental armor). It made it as far as Division before some bean counter decided safety & survivability were too costly. Guess we were just before our time...