Modest Proposal. The US Army should combine its Mobile Protected Firepower and Recce Vehicle requirements.

This is a quick and dirty modest proposal.  We've seen Saudi MRAP type vehicles being taken apart by Houthi Light Infantry in Yemen.  We just heard of the proposal to upgun the JLTV, which the Army wants to use in the Recce role, with a 30mm cannon.

I don't know which way the Army is going with this.  Are they looking at a rebirth of the Armored Cavalry concept of fighting for intel?  Is the idea that they need heavier firepower in case of those 'chance' encounters?

Regardless the JLTV is a sub-optimal solution.

The answer is staring them in the face.  Combine the Mobile Protected Firepower and Recce Vehicle requirements and have a light tank in the recon role!  Properly equipped (meaning at least every third vehicle in a troop with a sensor mast) they can perform passive scouting, with the proposed main gun they can engage anything up to (and possibly including) main battle tanks effectively, and they would be able to properly screen the main force if we ever (highly doubtful) see a rerun of Desert Storm.

What do you guys think?  Personally I believe this proposal sings!