The five members of a New Jersey National Guard unit who nearly drowned trying to drive underwater are not receiving punishment for what officials described to The Star-Ledger as their "over confidence."
According to a National Guard spokesperson, the two trucks were en route to another part of the state when they were dispatched to Manville. Unaware of the water depth and the 46-inch fording depth of their LMTVs they proceeded deeper and deeper into the water until they were stuck forcing other rescue units to rescue the rescuers.
"The chain of command is taking the incident seriously," the spokesman said. "They know the soldiers went in with the best intentions. They were perhaps a bit too confident."
America's National Guard: Over-confident and under-prepared.
Photo Credit: Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger
Watch two New Jersey National Guard trucks drown trying to drive underwater
The LMTV is a highly capable truck designed to move anything anywhere for the military. They're also popular rescue vehicles because of their ability to drive in high water. More »