Technical (fighting vehicle)

A technical is an improvised fighting vehicle, typically by a local irregular military forcecitation needed] and usually being a modified civilian vehicle or other similar machine. It is usually an open-backed civilian pickup truck or 4x4 on which is mounted a recoilless rifle, a machine gun, a light anti-aircraft gun, or another relatively small weapons system. A technical is usually unarmored, and can be considered a unit of light cavalry.citation needed]

The term "technical" used to describe such a vehicle appears to have originated in Somalia. The name is thought to have derived from use by the Red Cross there who were often forced to bribe local militias or be the victim of robbery and attacks. The money used for the bribe was then written off as "technical expenses".

Other terms for them are battlewagons, gunwagons, or gunships.

Terrain permitting, technicals have been used to dramatic effect in a variety of third world conflicts. They are employed in a few distinct modes; either while moving at high speed, indiscriminately spraying an area with fire, using spray and pray or some form of suppressive fire (in a manner similar to drive-by shooting), or approaching a fixed target rapidly, suddenly stopping, and firing aimed shots.citation needed] They are also employed to carry troops to a position for a rapid dismount, followed by the vehicle's mounted weapon being used in an offensive mode.citation needed]

Amongst 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 tripod machine guns mounted on the back. A warlord's power is measured by how many of these vehicles he has."