Can I remove the cross brace behind the front seats?

[broylz]

So I was looking at Hummer H1 interiors for build inspiration and noticed they dont have the cross brace behind their front seats. Has anyone removed that brace from a HMMWV? A couple more inches is always helpful being 6'-1" tall. (That's what she said!)

 

[JoeJrTheBarber]

Its your truck. You can. People have. Most people keep them in for safety purposes..

 

[TOBASH]

It is there to provide protection in a side impact.

Your call as to whether you want to roll those dice.

 

[broylz]

That's kind of what I figured and why I ask first. Definitely dont want to risk the side impact with my family on board.
Thanks guys.