Composite covers used on light tactical vehicles begin to play an important role during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom when blowing sand and heavy winds virtually destroyed canvas tops and doors. Our warfighter’s operational awareness, health, and equipment were jeopardized until hard covers and doors were introduced. With current vehicle armor requirements composite materials have given way to metallic solutions in the cab area unfortunately “lessons learned” regarding the benefit of environmental protection and a lockable and secure cargo area were not realized again until recent maintenance costs and loss of equipment began to erode class nine funding.