Military Light Patrol/Mobility/Recon/Utility Vehicles. Do they have a combat role?

This subject came up with the discussion in the post that I made on the Poles putting into service a new light recon vehicle.  They aren't being held up by ridicule by me though because this trend is worldwide.  The USMC has been on the bandwagon for decades (the latest vehicle you can see below) and the 82nd Airborne has decided on using SOCOM's ride as a stop gap (above).

The question though is ... are they worth it?  Not the fun factor.  Oh God!  ATVs are fun!  Are they suitable combat vehicles?  On that point I wonder.

The idea is simple.  Transport a small unit undetected to a drop off point.  Once on the ground these light vehicles are suppose to provide the mobility necessary to get the job done and once completed move the unit to a pick up point.

Cool.

But I remember the Ukrainian Lieutenant that described his unit being surrounded and having to make his way back to friendly lines.  Nothing unusual there.  Its a constant in Military History.  What made it notable to me is that he described dodging enemy patrols, checkpoints, roaming armored fighting vehicles AND uavs.

Small units, in light vehicles...no armor to speak of...and depending on mobility and firepower to carry the day.

I just don't buy it.