Strykers begin combat operations in Iraq.(ALOG News)

Stryker vehicles carrying two companies of soldiers were attacked by automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades while on patrol in Samarra, Iraq, on 15 December, marking the first time the vehicles engaged in combat since their arrival in theater. Although the fast-moving,

eight-wheeled Stryker infantry carriers withstood the initial attacks, three vehicles were knocked out of commission several days later by enemy fire.

Stryker vehicles from the 3d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, arrived at a port in Kuwait on 12 November after a 3-week voyage from Fort