August 31, 2007: The success of the Kongsberg PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) on Stryker, M-1 and hummer vehicles has led the U.S. Army to adopt the Kongsberg system as standard, and to order 6,500 of them (at a cost of $208,000 each). RWS is the key component of the CROWS (common remotely operated weapon stations). This idea has been around for nearly half a century, but years of tinkering, and better technology, have made the remote control gun turret finally work effectively, dependably and affordably.

CROWS is a real life saver, not to mention anxiety reducer, for troops who drive through bandit country a lot, and man the turret gun. You're a target up there, and too often, the bad guys get you. Not with CROWS. The gunner is inside the vehicle, checking out the surroundings (with night vision and telephoto capabilities). CROWS also has a laser rangefinder built in, as well as a stabilizer mechanism to allow more accurate fire while the vehicle is moving. The CROWS systems cost about $260,000 each (including the weapon), and can mount a variety of weapons (M2 .50 caliber machine-gun, MK19 40-mm automatic grenade launcher, M240B 7.62mm machine-gun and M249 5.56mm squad automatic weapon).

Since many troops have years of experience with video games, they take to CROWS quickly, and very effectively. This has further frightened hostile Iraqis, who are quick to attribute magical qualities to American equipment.