The U.S. Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) is driving data-centric vehicle architectures that demand higher bandwidth, faster decision loops, and greater cross-platform interoperability. Despite these needs, stakeholders hesitate to adopt fiber optics because of perceived fragility, field-retrofit FOD risk, and soldier-handling concerns. This paper characterizes common fiber failure modes in ground-vehicle environments and demonstrates how system-level ruggedization, connector design, and qualified components mitigate those risks. Drawing on demonstrated experience with hardened optics, connector-integrated transceivers, sealed media converters, and rugged cabling, we summarize practical architecture and field maintenance procedures that enable reliable fiber deployment in vehicles. Results show that, with appropriate component selection, installation practices, and built-in diagnostics, fiber optics can provide a robust, maintainable backbone for future ground vehicle networks.