A technical is a type of improvised fighting vehicle, typically a civilian or military non-combat vehicle, modified to provide an offensive capability. It is usually an open-backed civilian pickup truck or four-wheel drive vehicle mounting a machine gun, light anti-aircraft gun, recoilless rifle, or other support weapon.
The term technical describing such a vehicle appears to have originated in Somalia. It is thought to derive from use by the Red...
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A technical is a type of improvised fighting vehicle, typically a civilian or military non-combat vehicle, modified to provide an offensive capability. It is usually an open-backed civilian pickup truck or four-wheel drive vehicle mounting a machine gun, light anti-aircraft gun, recoilless rifle, or other support weapon.
The term technical describing such a vehicle appears to have originated in Somalia. It is thought to derive from use by the Red Cross there who were often forced to bribe local militias to avoid being attacked and robbed. The money used for such bribe would be budgeted as a "technical expense" to hide its true nature. Technicals have also been referred to as battlewagons, gunwagons, or gunships.
Among irregular armies, often centered around the perceived strength and charisma of warlords, the prestige power of technicals is strong. According to one article, "The Technical is the most significant symbol of power in southern Somalia. It is a small truck with large...
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