Editor: James R.

Hill
Copyright © 1999
by CONCORD PUBLICATIONS CO.
603-609 Castle Peak Road
Kong Nam Industrial Building
10/F. B1. Tsuen Wan
New Territories. Hong Kong
Acknowledgments
http://www.concord-publications.com The author wishes to thank the soldiers of US
V Corps in Germany and Yves Oebay , Greg
All rights reserved. No part of Stewart and Peter Siebert.
this publication may be reproduced.
Glossary
stored in a retrieval system or ID = Infantry Division
transmitted in any form or by any AD = Armored Division
means. electronic. mechanical. AR = Armored Regiment
Armor = Armored Regiment
photocopying or otherwise. without Bn = Battalion
the prior written permisSion of ACR = Armored Cavalry Regiment
Concord Publications Co. CAV = Cavalry Regiment
MBT = Main Battle Tank
AD (FWD) = Armored Division Forward
We welcome authors who can help B Horse = Slang for Black Horse. nickname of 11th ACR
expand our range of books. If you CFV = Cavalry Fighting Vehicle
would like to submit material. Three Sisters = Area near Fulda (Germany) on the
inner German border dominated by six hills
please feel free to contact us. B6selager Recce competion = Biannual competition
of NATO reconnaissance units
We are always on the look-out for new. CMTC Hohenfels = Combat Maneuver Training Center
Hohenfels. Bavaria. Germany
unpublished photos for this series.
NTC = National Training Center. Fort Irwin. California.
If you have photos or slides or USA
information you feel may be useful to MILES = Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System
future volumes. please send them to us using low-power laser projectors and detectors to
simulate combat in exercises
for possible future publication.
LCAC = Landing Craft Air-Cushioned
Full photo credits will be given upon MRE = Meal Ready to Eat. US Army combat ration
publication. Ironland = Nickname for US 1st AD garrison position in
Friedberg. Hessen. Germany
REFORGER = Return of Forces to Germany. Annual
ISBN 962-361-638-4 USAREUR deployment exercise during the Cold
printed in Hong Kong War era

2
 INTRODUCTION

The basic concept for the M 1A 1/HA/A2 main battle tank whose existence is indicated from the outside by thin
founded on the US Forces operative and tactical antennae.
-equ irements for a modern battle tank. Armor, firepower,
obility, and reliability make the M1Al/HA/A2 ready for the MIAIHA Hull and Powerpack
~ Jht. The hull and turret of the M 1A 1HA are constructed of
welded flat armor plates. All previous American main battle
rom MIlo M 1Al HA (Heavy Armor) tanks had cast hulls and turrets.
The M 1 Abrams was developed under the control of the The 1,500hp Textron Lycoming AGT multifuel gas turbine,
_S Army to give the crews the most updated protection located in the rear of the hUll, can accelerate the 62.6-ton
::ossible. The armor of the Ml (and IP Ml) delivered in 1984 heavy tank up to 69km/h (43mph) on roads and up to 48km/h
...'as a big step forward in protection against direct fire. The (30 mph) over rough terrain. With 1,900 liters (502 gallons) of
-ext main step was the M 1A 1 in 1985. It offered better diesel fuel the vehicle has a range up to 466 kilometers (289
::rotection for the crew, and the new German 120mm miles) on roads. If the main engine is not operating, the
,ioothbore gun M256, produced under license by Watervliet Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) in the turret bustle rack can supply
~-s enal, gives this Abrams version an increased firepower in power for the vehicle's electronics. This helps eliminate high
::;omparison to the M1 (105mm M68A1 main gun). With the fuel consumption while the gas turbine is running in neutral.
'20mm smoothbore gun and the new ammunition The suspension is an improved torsion bar type, with shock
j eveloped in Germany), the M 1A 1 is capable of destroying absorbers on the first, second and seventh road wheels. With
'= ery other tank in the world with high precision at long a ground clearance of 48 cm (18 in.), the Abrams tank can
-:::nges. Another technical advantage that contrasts with the climb over obstacles that are 1.07 meters (3.5 feet.) high and
::'senal of the Warsaw Pact states was the introduction of the 2.74 meters (9 feet) wide. They can ford rivers up to 1.22
• ,. AI HA. The first M 1A 'I HA (Heavy Armor) were delivered to meters (4 feet) deep without preparation , and up to 1.98
_3 troops in Germany. The M 1A 1HA provides 70"10 more meters (6.5 feet) deep with the use of a fording kit.
:: -otection to the crew members than the older M 1. Only a The new T-158 tank track has a longer life span than earlier
C s :'/ minor modifications to the turret assembly were track, and the removable rubber pads make it more cost
- e::essary to fit the German gun. Until 1991 most US tank effective.
:::::Jttalions and cavalry regiments in Germany were equipped
• th the upgraded M1A 1HA version. M l A 1HA during JIDesert Storm 91 "
Approximately 2,000 Abrams tanks saw action during
~ ·ret and Weapons "Desert Storm 91", 1.223 of which were the M1A 1HA variant.
The main reason for the improved survivability of the Prior to the Gulf War, US Army Command believed that only
, , ,b., 1HA Abrams was the uparmored turret. The armor is a the M 1A 1HA could provide crews with adequate protection
. - j of sandwich of armor consisting of plates with depleted against the best Iraqi tanks . But there were not enough
_,::;.,ium and Chobham armor built up in layers. The exact vehicles of the HA variant to equip all tank units in the desert.
': : , bination and structure is still a secret. A multi-purpose air­ The tank and cavalry units from the US VII Corps based in
:: -d itioning system became standard in the M 1A 1, replacing Germany had the largest stock of M 1A 1HA tanks. In Saudi
- ::; former A/C air cleaners. The new system sends clean air Arabia a production line was formed to upgrade all arriving
- -:: t he crew compartment. A subsystem then distributes this M 1A 1 tanks to the HA level. At the end of the Cold War and
~ . r to the soldier's positions. at the time of the fall of the Berlin wall in Germany, there were
J uring the Gulf War, knocked-out Iraqi tanks bore silent 865 M 1A 1 tanks available in REFORGER depots. In October
-- 9SS to the high degree of accuracy of the 120mm 1990 these tanks were shipped to Saudi Arabia to be
~ ::o hbore gun up to a distance of 300 meters! With the modernized, Until the ground war began on 24 February 1991,
- ::J9rn fire control system , stabilization for the gun, laser more than 1,200 M 1A 1 and M 1A 1HA were repaired and
:: - J9finder, and thermal sights, the M 1A 1HA can fight battles upgraded in Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia .

~ - ::er all conditions , At night or in the daytime, in dust, fog or Through this program two tank divisions and one

:: - and even while the tank is moving, the rounds always mechanized infantry division got M 1A 1HA or upgraded M 1A 1.
=-- ::: -heir target . The crew is able to select between different On the night before the ground war began , the last HA tanks
_ - i unition, for example, M829A 1 APFSDS (Sabot) were hastily delivered to a cavalry unit. The next morning this
_, :: :/head rounds or M830 HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) . In unit opened the attack against the Iraqi positions. This
: :.::: -ion to the commander's M2 .50-caliber machine gun, improvised upgrading program was one of the cornerstones
- -=- I.:)ader has access to the M240 FN MAG58 7.62mm for the successful American offensive, After the ground war,
- :. ::;I'lne gun , and there is also a coaxia l-mounted 7.62mm the Germany-based US VII Corps had 618 M 1A 1HA tanks in its
- ::: ::nine gun in the gun shield . inventory. The XVIII Airborne Corps had 129 M 1A 1HA MBT. The
: c e 1995 the M 1A 1HA have been equipped with new USMC leased 75 M 1A 1HA from the Army before the ground
:= :;ARS (Single Channel Ground-Air Radio System) radios, war began. This Abrams replaced most of the M60A 1 tanks
3
from 2nd and 4th Marine Tank Battalions, • Embedded diagnostic system
During Operation "Desert Storm", the M 1A 1HA had a • Improved fire control system (FCEU)
significant advantage as far as reliability compared to the • Radio Interface Unit (RIU)
modern Russian-built tanks, The M 1A'I HA was the winner of • SINCGARS radios
the ground war, fulfilling all expectations. Modern Iraqi T-72M • Rapid transfer of digital situational data
tanks stood no chance against the American 120mm With the System Enhancement Program (SEP), the US
arrowhead round with its depleted uranium cores ("Silver Army will upgrade a total of 1,079 old M1 tanks to the M1A2
Bullet"). Although most of the T-72s were nearly covered and standard , In addition to these 1,079 rebuilt tanks, the Army has
protected with sand walls and the fighting distance was up to 62 newly produced M 1A2 and 19 pilot vehicles in their
3,OOOm, most American rounds hit and destroyed their target. inventory,
The kinetic energy from the Sabot rounds was so great that
the turrets of the T-72s were lifted right out of the hulls without M1A2s in Foreign Service
an explosion of the ammunition inside the Iraqi tanks. Saudi Arabia has already ordered 315 M 1A2 MBTs, which
During the 100-hour war, the highly motivated US tank have now all been delivered (1999), By 1996 Kuwait had
crews operated with the slogan, "One round, one hit, one purchased a total of 218 vehicles in the M 1A2 configuration,
kill", When M1A 1HA were hit by the 125mm rounds of the T-72 Some future potential customers of the M 1A2 MBT Abrams are
tanks, there was no penetration and no one was wounded. Greece and Turkey, but both nations prefer the M1A2
There were a few cases of friendly fire - M 1A 1HA against configuration equipped with the German Euro Powerpack
M 1A 1HA - but no round could break the heavy armor, and diesel engine. But by the summer of 1999 there had been no
all tanks damaged by friendly fire were repaired, orders,
The change in the USMC's tank fleet was accelerated
after the Gulf War. Today all 716 M60A 1 have been replaced The Future of the M 1A2
with 476 M 1A 1HA MBTs. The Marine M 1A 1HA tanks receive The M 1A2 will be the main battle tank in the tank fleet of
specific USMC modifications, These include the Deep Water the US Army and the USMC for the first decades of the 21st
Fording Kit (DWFK), battlefield override, digital electronic century, The M1A2 weapon, ammunition, and electronic
control unit, a missile countermeasure device mounting kit, components represent today's highest level of technological
position locating reporting system, as well as other achievement, Military research has revealed that the tank
modifications, development firms in other nations (Russia , in particular) will
not be able to build a comparable battle tank until the year
M1A1 MBT in Foreign Service 2015, Given this fact, the M1A2 SEP will not get a 140mm main
The first M1A 1s to be exported were delivered to Egypt, gun in the near future,
which ordered 555 M 1A 1 Abrams for its army, Two of them The continuous upgrading of the electronics systems and
were delivered in 1990, and another batch of 29 tanks was software programs is the basis for "in time" communication
shipped in 1991. Parts for 530 more tanks were also shipped to with other weapons systems, Some successful trials with the
Egypt, and the tanks were to be assembled in a factory there, digital communication and control systems based on the
The production of the Egyptian tanks was completed in 1998, Inter-Vehicular Information System (IVIS) have taken place
The Egyptian Army's M1A 1 MBTs are not fitted with the special with a modified M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle and an OH-58D
heavy armor package like the M 1A'I HA tanks of the US Army helicopter, There are also plans for a "Fire and Forget"-type of
and USMC. ammunition with long-range tracking and observation sights,
The future will decide if the M 1A2 is the last US battle tank and
M 1A2 MBT Abrams whether weapon carrier systems like the Future Main Battle
The M1A2 is the newest version of the M1 family, All of the Tank (FMBT) or attack helicopters will replace today's
wartime realities and the experiences that the M 1A 1HA went common tanks,
through during the Gulf War were factors considered in the
creation of the M1A2 , This tank is a product of advanced
technology in the age of electronic information systems. All
hardware and software in the M 1A2 is up to date, and the
information transfer is digital with Bus-systems, The M 1A2 is still
on the production line of General Dynamics Land Systems
Division, Ohio USA.
The M 1A2 program includes:
• Commander Independent Thermal Viewer (C1TV)
• Improved Commander Weapon Station (ICWS)
• Driver's Integrated Display (DID)
• Onboard position and navigation equipment

(POSjNAV)

• Distributed data and power architecture (DECU)

4
 Tactics,Equipment. Mobllltv and Firepower of the M111 Main Battle Tank Abrams

=- us
' A.2

- ch
-:ld
:- :m.
;: ::Ire
' A2
:: ck
,- no

c.=:- of
: .:: 1st
- :lic
; :::01 In 1984 fourteen M1 (M1 E1 version) tanks were upgraded for trials with
' :.nk The historical roots of the battle tank can be traced back to the heavily the 120mm smoothbore gun. The whole turret had to be modified for the
_ ored knights of the Middle Ages. In the 20th century, tanks play the same heavier gun. After this trial and test program, the US Army permitted the
Nill
: 2. i in modern warfare. Heavily armed and well protected tank units can production of the new M1A1 Abrams tank with the German 120mm
3ar : s:ide a battle when deployed in a concentrated force. The punch of Rheinmetall smoothbore gun. The gun was adopted into the Army's
-- ;]in - : dern tank units can breech the enemy lines and destroy them, (Walter inventory under the code number M256. (Walter Bohm)
==-m)

t :lce
-- : 8D !n cooperation with supporting weapons systems, the
' ~. 1 dominates every battlefield. During WWI, tanks had
_3 of
- " :ask of protecting and supporting the infantry units,
~ ltS . -: ~ 2. if mechanized infantry units protect the flanks of the
_nd .£- , attack. Without this support, tanks become easy
...2.-;&ls. (Walter Bohm)
: : ile
: y's

The M1 main battle tank is the first American tank since

World War Two to feature welded construction. All previous
bailie tanks had a cast hull and turret. General Dynamics Land
Systems trials showed that a welded construction provides
more protection for the tank crew. Another advantage of the
new technique is easier handling on the production line and
during future maintenance and upgrading programs, The turret
and hull are made up of modern Chobham armor, single armor
plates that are welded together, which is the same system used
on British Challenger 1 and 2 tanks. This armor gives the tank
crews the best protection available today against all modern
antitank rockets and tank guns . (Walter Bohm)
5
 Here we see the big M1 Ai HA (Heavy
Armor) turret, with its effective M256
smoothbore 120mm main gun. The equipment
on the muzzle is the muzzle reference sensor.
This sensor controls the bending of the barrel of
the main gun, which bends all the time a little bit
because of the difference in temperature
between the hot gun and the cold air. The
loader is siluated on the left side of the turret
and controls the FN MAG58 7.62mm machine
gun. On the other side is the tank commander
with the heavy M2 machine gun. US troops
have used this machine gun without general
modifications since WWII. This Abrams tank is
equipped with the MILES II training system. On
the side ski rts of the tank are the battle
markings of the "Iron Dukes", 2nd Bn., 37th
Armor, Charlie Company, 1st Platoon. These
markings were used in 1998. (Walter Bohm)

"Thunderbolt", the first Mi. After the trial

and test program, the new American battle tank
was named M1 and received the official
For transporting the Abrams MBT over long distances, the US Armed Forces use the Oshkosh M911 nickname "Abrams", in honor of General
tank transporter. By 1999 this truck will have been replaced by the new HET (Heavy Equipment Creighton Abrams , the "father" of the Mi. The
Transporter) M1070. The M1 070 has a higher payload of up to 70 tons and better mobility. The new HET first M1 delivered to the US Army was
was necessary for the future M1 A1/A2 versions. (Walter Bohm) christened with the name "Thunderbolt", the
same nickname as General Abrams' Sherman
tank during WWII. During the Battle of the Bulge
in December 1944, LTC Abrams was
commander of the US Army's 37th Tank
Battalion. On 24 December 1944, the 20 tanks
from 37th Tank Bn . liberated the troops of the
101 st Airborne Division inside Bastogne, which
was encircled by German tanks. It was Abrams'
own decision to plan and carry out this raid ,
against General Patton's orders. Based on this
tradition, the M1 Ai tanks from 37th Tank Bn.
Commander (bumper code HQ66) today wear
the famous "Thunderbolt" markings. (Walter
Bohm)

The tank driver's position is in the middle of

the hull, directly under the main gun. His seat is
in a semi-reclining position. (Greg Stewart)
6
 -:::avy
256
": , ent
~ -sor.

,-- ::: 1of

-::: bit
. .=.:u re
r The
. -rret
:"-: 1ine
~~ --der

- :ops
~- ,Hal

"" - ;< is
.- On
': 3ttl e
37th
--ase
'- 1

This interior view of an M1A1 turret shows the loader's position. The
'.',1A 1's interior is similar to that of the M1 (105mm) - very crowded and
",cking in necessary elbow room. (Greg Stewart)

Behind the gunner on the turret's right side is the tank commander's
position. The commander is provided with six periscopes, which cover 360
degrees. The trigger for the M2 machine gun is also in this location. (Greg
Stewart)

~ - 'his
• an.
, ear
°Jier

Lightning and Thunder. The M256 120mm smoothbore gun

demonstrated its capability during Operation "Desert Storm", satisfying all
_" -;} the GCDP (Gunner's Control and Display Panel), the gunner expectations. The combination of thermal sight, fire control, and gun
:: e 0: -~ :;,2 appropriate ammunition for the next target, then controls the stabilizing systems give the M256 main gun a high first-hit rate under all
i-::3t is -=-:::: :he round travels with the laser rangefinder. He then pulls the conditions - while moving , in bad weather, during the day or at night - to
=-.: ~ . ' : - [ e main gun. (Greg Stewart) a battle distance up to 2,500 meters. (Greg Stewart)
7
 In contrast to the M1 (105mm) tank, all M1A1s are painted in the 3­ Here 3000hp works to carry out an unusual recovery operation. Due te
color NATO camouflage scheme after they leave the production line of the failure of the M88A 1 recovery tank from D-Co.(34), 2-37th Armor, ar
General Dynamics Land Systems. This camouflage was developed in M1 A 1HA from 1st platoon hauls a broken-down Abrams from 3rd platoon te
cooperation with the German Bundeswehr. The colors are bronze green the maintenance point. This scene took place during Exercise "DukeE
(RAL 6031), leather brown (RAL 8027) and tar black (RAL 9021) . (Walter Thous\" in January 1999. (Walter B6hm)
B6hm)

Today the M1 A 1HA Abrams

tank battalions have the following
structure: The battalion has four
companies; each company has
three platoons; each platoon has
four tanks. Each company has two
additional M1A1 tanks for the
company commander and the
company executive officer. The
battalion has two additional tanks
for the battalion commander and
the battalion XO. In the 1999
structure there are 58 M1A1 tanks
in a tank battalion. In the near
future the US Army will reorganize
for the 21st century. Heavy Division
(Force XXI) and the tank battalions
will be reduced to three fighting
companies. (Walter B6hm)

ROM (Refuel on the move) . M978 Oshkosh fuel trucks refuel M1 A 1HA tanks of the 2nd Bn., 37th Armor (nickname: "Iron Dukes"). The Abrams tank
needs a lot of fuel. The internal fuel tanks have a capacity for 1,900 liters (500 gallons) of JP8-Jet fuel. While traveling at a low speed and when the engine
is in neutral, the fuel consumption of the Lycoming Textron AGT 1500hp gas turbine is extremely high. A digital engine-control system will become standard
in the new M1A2 tanks, which will make the fuel consumption more effective. (Walter B6hm) .
8
 The M 1A 1HA can fight in all k.inds of terrain. Its superiority on the battlefield is
based on its high cross-country speed and mobility. With the upgraded T-158 tank track,
: J<es the Abrams can climb over obstacles 1.07 meters (3.5 feet) in height and 2.74 meters (9
feet) in width. On open roads the Abrams has a full speed of 70 km/h (44 mph). In cross­
country travel , it can reach a maximum speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). (Walter Bohm)

"1 order to remove the M1 tank's powerpack, the turret

- _;: Je tumed to the nine o'clock position. Troops need less
..; - ?or hour to pull out the powerpack, while maintenance men
-:~ :1 -nore than four hours to pull one from the old M60 tank.
==- '",;; Stewart)

The crew of this M1 A 1HA from the "Iron Dukes", D-Co ., 3rd Pl atoon, 2-37th Armor
waits for marching orders after a simulated NBC attack during Exercise "Dukes Thoust
99". The tank crews in the US Army, such as this M1A1HA crew, are equipped with
M42A2 protective masks. Note the mounting of the Hoffman device (gun fire simulator)
and the missing side skirt. The crew has mounted a spare road wheel and a driye
sprocket on the turret. (Walter Bohm)

;- ,, - -on T-bar, this M88A 1 recovery tank pulls the

_ -::- - g AGT 1500hp gas turbine out of an M1A1HA
~ ~ - :7: h Armor. During the development of the M1 ,
_ _ -" .'!as often criticized because this drive was
~- .: - tanks. Most of the space in the engine
- - - - ~-- : -eeded for the support systems such as the air
=. - " _:: system and gearbox. The automatic gearbox
_ ::" : ?ord two reserve gears. Beginning in 1998 the
-~--- - " 2 -: service for USAREUR's tank fleet will be done
., : ' . ~ Saar in Germany. A contract for this was "Bugs and gas": CBW (chemical/biological warfare). The M42A2 protective mask of
_= ~ : - _·SAREUR and the German Diel Company. the M1 A 1HA tank crews features a silicone rubber face piece with an internal peripheral
: -.=.- :5 Land Systems created a special training face seal, a rigid binocular lens system, gas-aerosol filters, a drinking tube, and a
- ~ - 3.:ize the Diel servicemen with the M 1 microphone. The radiac equipment detects and monitors nuclear radiation. (Walter
:. -,, - 8 oh m) Bohm)
9
 The crew of an M1A1HA from 1/1 CAV fills up ammunition racks with
M829A 1 APFSDS (Armor Piercing Sabot) rounds. The complete round
weighs 7.16 kg (16 Ib). The American M829A 1 arrowhead rounds have Another kind of ammunition put to good use by the Abrams 120mr
threefold the kinetic energy as BM-22 arrowhead rounds from Russian T-72 main gun is the M831 HEAT-TP-T. The M1A 1HA carries 15 HEAT rounds i­
tanks. (Walter Bohm) its racks. (Walter Bohm)

The 1I1HI of 11th left ["Black Horse',

B lack Horsc Land . The I Ilh A rmored Cava lry l'lcgiment (ACR) /\CR le fl Vietnam in 19 72, re placing the 14111 CAY Regiment in the are
"Black Horse" was based in tI,e Fulda Gap area. D uring tile Cold War, ne ar Fulda. II w as II,e lask of I 1111 A CR unil s to c onlrol and obser\'
Ihis a rea closc to Ihe German border n ea r tI.e Germ c1T1 lown of Fulda more tl.an 368 km (229 miles) o f bord erline ,md 10 b e tl.e eyes an'
Wi:1S one of Ihc m ain largels for Ihe w arsaw Pacl forces. TI,e I III', ACR ears lor II I e US V Corps units in I-lessen (US 3rd Armore d Div isio n) an
was an e lite un il. The "8 I-Iorse" w as a composite 01 II,ree different RI,einl and-Pfa lz (US Sit, Inli:1nlry Div ision). Thc I 1111 t\ CR use
squadrons . each one I.av ing 27 M I A 11-1/\ ivlBTs and 41 M3A I CFV observa li o n points (O P) Alpl. a . Ind ia , Romeo <1l1(j Tenn essee near III
Brad ley vellicles. ;\Iong witl. Ille lank squadrons cam e a helicopler border (Nickname: Three Si s lers) to observ e the aC liv ilies o f the SoviC"
squadro n w ilh ;\1-1-64 /\pi:1d\es. Aflcr Operation "Fisll Hook", the I I tl. 8th Gardc I\rmee b y d ay and nighl.

Shoulder badge of 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

("Black Horse").

During the 1980s, the "Black Horse" Regiment was upgradec

continuously. The M60A 1 MBT was replaced by the M60A3 MBT. Then thi
Only 3rd Squadron , 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) "Black troops received the new M1 (105mm), followed by the M1 A 1 and, finally, thE
Horse" used tactical numbers on the turrets of their M 1A 1HA for a short time. M1A1HA. In May 1991 the 11th ACR deployed to Kuwait for Operatior
This was similar to the German Bundeswehr Leopard Panzerbataillione. The "Positive Force". This photo shows a new M1 A 1HA of B-Troop, 15'
number "341" indicates a tank from 3rd Cavalry troop, 4th platoon, 1st tank Squadron (Iron Horse), 11th ACR with OPFOR markings during thi
from 3rd Squadron, 11th ACR. L-Troop (Leadhorse Troop) belonged to the "Boselager Competition" reconnaissance exercise in the spring of 1990 j"
Blue Forces during Exercise "Caravan Guard 89" in Germany. (Walter the Fulda Gap area. Notice the skull with the number "11" on the left turre
Bohm) plate. (Walter Bohm)
10
 T~e 11 th ACR was a frontline unit during the Cold War. Located as they were
directly in front of the "Iron Curtain", the unit always received the newest equipment, like
the upgraded M1 A 1HA. Notice the plate between the ammo boxes on the turret basket.
The ammo boxes are for the crew members belongings. The plate with the symbols was
used as battle markings in the late '80s. Difficult to understand, these signs were
replaced by the digit-and-arrow markings beginning in 1990. (Walter Bohm)

In 1993 the 11th ACR was withdrawn and deactivated. Three years later the unit
was reorganized and reactivated in the Mojave Desert of California. At Fort Irwin in the
NTC (National Training Center), under both simulated and live-fire conditions, maneuver
forces use tanks, helicopters and howitzers to train for attack and defense operations.
(Greg Stewart)

The "Spearhead" division was located in the center of Germany in the

area near the city of Frankfurt. During the spring of 1988, this division was
equipped with the M1A1 Abrams MBT. The special feature of this new
Abrams version, the M256 120mm smoothbore gun (Rh 120), was
developed by the German Rheinmetall company. The American company
Watervliet Arsenals produces this tank gun under license for the M1 A1. The
photo shows an M1 A1 from 2nd Bn. , 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd AD,
whose slogan is "Victory or Death". Notice the battalion insignia under the
standing crewman . (Walter Bohm)

Speed! The powerful Textron Lycoming AGT 1500hp multifuel gas

~-:: 3ration turbine allows the M1A1 Abrams to accelerate up to 70km/h (44 mph) on
I: :J, 1st roads, with a fuel consumption of 4.1 liters (1 .1 gallon) of diesel fuel per
-9 the kilometer. Before the Gulf War (1990-91) , all M1 A 1 tanks used the old-style
- 990 in T-156 track. Seen here is a photo showing an M1 A 1 from 4th Bn. , 32nd
~. turret Armored Regiment ("Red Lions"), 1st Brigade, 3rd AD ("Spearhead"). They
played the 'good guys' during Exercise "Caravan Guard 89". (Walter Bohm)
j j
 During the last days of December 1990, the 3rd AC
was ordered to deploy to Saudi Arabia to contin uE
Operation "Desert Shield". This photo shows M1 A1 HA=
from 4th Bn., 8th CAV, 2nd Brigade ("Iron Brigade"). 3rd AC
("Spearhead") waiting for railway transportation in the tow­
of Gelnhausen in Germany. The tanks are marked with t h~
new battle marking system on the turret and side skirts
The first digit, "6", symbolizes the battalion (4-8 CAV),
second digit, "1 ", stands for A-Company. The position of th7
arrow marks the platoon. Also visible is the spearhea
insignia of 3rd AD. (Walter Bohm)

Another examplE
of the battle marki n;
system used by t h ~
"Spearhead" divisior
This division symbol ,
the same one used b
the US troops in Worl:
War Two. Behind tho
spear point is H-o
number "2", whic
stands for the 2n:
Brigade, 3rd AC
(Walter Bohm)

M1A1HA Abrams during Operation UDesen Storm 91"

Burning Hell in Kuwait. The 3rd AD ("Spearhead"), who code-named Blaze of Glory! An M1 A 1HA Abrams from 3-66th Armor, US 2nd AC
their part in the assault "Desert Spear", destroyed the Iraqi 10th Armored (Forward). The 2nd Armored Division (FWD) remains in northern German
Division and units from the 17th and 52nd Iraqi Divisions during their with one brigade. The unit was adopted into the 1st 10 (Mech.), "Big Re~
advance to Kuwait. Saddam Hussein's Iraqi Army created one of the largest One", as the division's 3rd Brigade. Together with the 1st 10 (Mech.), the 2r,:
environmental disasters in the history of the region when they set fire to the AD (FWD) broke the Iraqi lines of defense. During the night of 26/2­
oil wells in Kuwait. The fire and smoke of the burning oil wells turned day February 1991 the 2nd AD (FWD) took part in the fight against th o
into night, nearly eliminating visibility. With oil wells ablaze, an M1A1 from Tawakalna Division of Iraq's elite Republican Guard. The 2nd AD was als;;
US 3rd AD enjoys a break in the fighting. The tank is marked with the involved in the fight against Iraq's 37th Brigade (part of 12th Iraqi Division
insignia of 4-67th Armor ("Bandits") on the turret. The arrow marking near These events are more popularly known as the Battle of Norvolk. FivE
the coalition insignia identifies the tank as belonging to 2nd Platoon, Charlie M 1A 1HA tanks were damaged during this campaign. The pictured tan~.
Company. (US Army) which belongs to 2nd AD (FWD) B-55, 3-66th Armor suffered a variety c
damages. Note the missing mudflaps, the broken turret rack, and thE
missing tow cables and smoke grenade storage box. On the side skirts i,
the insignia of the coalition forces - the inverted "V". (Walter Bohm)

Another view of the results of the Battle of Norvolk. The tank's 120mm On the left turret frontplate of the tank from 3-66th Armor, 2nd Armorer
gun, which bears the name "Famine", suffered damage to its smoke Division (FWD) are the hand-written words "Blaze of Glory", an appropriatE
absorber. (Walter Bohm) name considering the fighting the unit participated in. (Walter Bohm)
12
 ,'j AD
: - ~i nue
-'HAs
, 'd AD
• 0 Town
' n the
::- ~ !-(i rts.
- . the ./
~ i the )

,~ l ead

:'.llple -'-"'o;:::m.... .­ if ,
The 54 M 1A 1HA tanks used by the 2nd Marine Tank Battalion featured
-,, -king
the an equal number of personal markings. Of particular note is the Afrika
: sion. Korps-style palm tree insignia and the M1 silhouette with the slogan "USMC
- : 01 is Retired" on the frontplate of this Abrams. (Walter Bbhm)
_,=0 by
,'/orld

-J the

the Before the ground war started, the USMC leased 76 M 1A 1HA tanks
,hich : - the US Army. Fifty-four of these tanks were used in the 2nd Marine
_ 2nd -~-., Battalion. The photo shows a Heavy Armor Abrams from the USMC
AD. : .. : Tank Bn. Notice the many slogans written by the troops: "Eat My Dust"
:.-e rear side, "Four Horsemen Rev 6" on the main gun barrel, "Mary Lou"
-~ :'.. :he machine gun , and "Bang" on the gun shield. (Walter Bohm)

The Road to Basrah . An M 1A 1 from the "Victory" Division, US 24th

Infantry Division (Mech.) , takes up a position near the Iraqi Basrah-Safwan
highway. The Abrams is marked with the inverted "V" chevron (the allied
coalition marking) and the arrows identifying it as a member of C-Company.
The two small squares stand for the 2nd Platoon. The bumper codes, as well
as the battalion and vehicle numbers, were covered during the war to make
it difficult for the media and the Iraqi secret service to identify the tanks.
Notice the desert sand-painted antennae and the voluminous stuff on the
turret. During Desert Storm the "Victory" Division was under the command
- s M1A1HA Abrams, which is a vehicle from 3rd Platoon, C­ of the US XVIII Airborne Corps. On day four of Operation "Desert Storm",
- :-:'..-;v. 2nd Marine Tank Bn., took part in the "1 ~O-Hour War" in Kuwait this unit operated together with the US VII Tank Corps. Abrams tanks
=~..:: -_ary 1991. The tank is marked with the tactical signs used by the
attacked along the Euphrates river valley forward to the city of Basrah to
:: :: Re:
-0> . 'lith appropriate chevron and dots for the platoon. These markings
destroy the last two Republican Guard divisions there. This last and biggest
-~ 2 -
. , :: s ioned on both the skirts and the turret rack . The tanks were leased tank battle during "Desert Storm", known as the "Battle of Rumalyah
t ~ Q· 2~
.~: h: - - - 3 Army and later returned after Operation "Desert Storm" had
Oilfield", lasted for 16 hours . (Yves Debay)
,0 : " I,,: _ _ : 3::' After this, B-Troop from 1-1 CAV, US 1st AD in Germany became
,, 'on _ :':mer of this tank. This rare photo shows the old USMC markings
- '=' ~,' ith the new 1-1 CAV insignia. (Walter Bohm)
~: :,,-.
. -= 'V
~- : t--:

~. -: 5 .~

~,, - 3 of 73 Easting. The M 1A 1s from

_ :: 2- ti Armored Cavalry Regiment
- = ~ . "Toujours Pret") was the
-= ;",ance unit for the US VII Tank
~ - - ey were tasked to find and hold
~..:. =e8ublican Guard units . During the
. :-~- JD n of 26 February 1991, the 2nd
-= - -:>~goon Battle Group" had first
, ,.1 an I raqi brigade from the
=- =- Di vision. The following battle
- " lled the "Battle of 73 Easting"
"'" , .-= Gombat area was specified on
-~ ;. ds as "73-easl" . During this
::onflict the 2nd ACR troops
destroyed the Iraqi unit.

13
 The M1 A 1HA from 2nd Platoon , D-Company, 2nd Marine Tar
Battalion has the word "Necrophiliac" painted on the bore evacuator of i­
M256 120mm main gun. (Walter B6hm)

-­
Another M 1A 1HA wearing USMC markings. This tank from 2r
-"-­ ---~----- Platoon, D-Company, 2nd Marine Tank Bn . is equipped with the frame for
mine roller system . (Walter B6hm)
-

lA1HA Irom Task Force Eagle during Ooeradon "Joint Endeavor 96"in Bosnia-Henegovina

On 16 December 1995 the newly organized peacekeeping force I FOR This Heavy Armor Abrams from A-Troop, CAV, which bears
(Peace Implementation Force) received orders to take part in Operation name "Atreus" on the main gun barrel, secures Checkpoint Alpha Two n€
"Joint Endeavor 96". As a part of this multinational force, the main forces the Arizona Road in Bosnia. Different patterned ID panels have been i
from US 1st AD based in Germany got their marching orders . All wheeled to turret. With the help of thermal sights, these ID panels make it easier i

and tracked vehicles of the participating units were marked with the white the US troops to identify their own vehicles. Through a thermal viewer the,

IFOR initials. Here an M1 A 1HA with a mine roller kit from 1st Squadron, 1st panels appear as dark squares on the hotter surface of the tank. (Wal:·

Cavalry Regiment (nickname: "Blackhawk") waits for transportation near a Bohm)

railway station in BOdingen, Germany. (Walter Bohm)

A side view of the same tank. Visible on the side skirts are the IFe
initials. In front of this is the battle marking using the digit "9" for 1-1 CAVa­
The IFOR peacekeeping force occupied all the important points on the the digit "1" for A-Troop (company). The chevron pointing to the right si:
map. Here an M1A1HA from Alpha Troop, 1-1 CAV (nickname: "Abbadon") indicates 2nd Platoon. The troops have mounted a tow bar on the rear s i~
guards Checkpoint Alpha Two near the Arizona Road in the Brcko area of of the vehicle . All fighting vehicles were equipped with ID or IFF (Frier
northern Bosnia. Note how the tank commander uses his poncho as a Foe) panels. The M1 A1 HA tanks have these plates on all sides of the turr,
sunshield. (Walter Bohm) (Walter Bohm)
14
 .:, Heavy Armor Abrams from B-Troop ("Bulldogs"), 1-4 CAV, 1st US I D The tank commander of this HA Abrams from 2nd Platoon, "Bulldog"
~: - ) controls Checkpoint Charlie in the so-called "Badlands" area of Troop, 1-4 CAV secures a road in the Malhala area. In this area there was
:22" 0 ~ Bosnia . B-Troop, 1-4 CAV nicknamed this checkpoint in memory of a lot of conflict between the Moslem inhabitants and the Serbian police. The
-; "~- o u s Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany during the Cold War era. photo shows the secondary arms on the turret of an M 1A 1HA: the
- _. ~ Jackground is a destroyed house. (Walter Bohm) commander's M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun and the loader's M240 FN
7.62mm machine gun. Every tank carries 1,000 rounds of 12.7mm and
12,400 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition in the storage racks. (Walter Bohm)

Another M1A 1HA from 2nd Platoon, "Bulldog" Troop, 1-4 CAV at
Checkpoint Charlie in eastern Bosnia. Notice that part of the side skirt is
missing and how the hull and turret have been dirtied by the crew's
footsteps. While operative, the 1-4 CAV belonged to the 1st ID (Mech .) in
Germany. During Operation "Joint Endeavor 96", the 1-4 CAV was under the
command of the 2nd Brigade, US 1st Armored Division. (Walter Bohm)

M1A1HA of US 3rd Infantrv Division ( echJ "Rock 01 the Marne"

=--= ; - ~ ng in 1987, the

= _:; 3rd Infantry
'sch .), "Rock of
upgraded its
- ·: as ed tank
~ ; .., th the new
- - - :: - oS . During the
- ?:: :: GER exercise
::; -all enge" in
- ~ ::. . the majority
- ~- =: Division tank
_ -:: - part using
-=-- . 3 . At this time
- - : -ed Division
-;: the M60A3
..0..- . _ Here a
: . •' 1A1s from
: ::' j Armored
, " sen on the
=_ ' ing a
near the
-~...._
..._ . : :-8 south of
- - ~ _1it belongs
- ,. ",- ; · : ~ O "Gold",
o-:~ during
- -- ~: . (Walter

15
 · ,
1'.

This M1 A 1HA Abrams has the nickname "Armageddon" painted on its 120mm smoothbore
gun. The tank belongs to 2nd Bn., 64th Armor, 1st Brigade ("Raider Brigade"), 3rd 10 (Mech.),
during the unit's last winter exercise "Winter Warrior" in March 1996 at the CMTC Hohenfels,
Germany. The 3rd 10 (Mech .) used the one-digit bailie markings to indicate company and
platoon until the division's return to the States . (Walter Bohm)

The 3rd Infantry Division rose to fame during We

War One in the battle near the Marne river. Famed·
their hard stand during this battle , the division 'I.
named "Rock of the Marne". The unit was deployec
Germany for 38 years. In mid-1996 they returned to :
United States. Note the blue and white patch of the c
10 (Mech.). The 1st 10 (Mech.) replaced the 3rd
(Mech.) in Germany. Only a few troops were transfer· ·
during this reorganization. Mainly the vehicle bum:
codes were painted over and the soldiers were issL
new s\1oulder patches. The letter "U" behind the fa.
digit turret number stands for uranium and sign if
heavy armor. (Walter Bohm)

At CMTC Hohenfels, Germany, the winter temperatures were often very cold. The tank
crews used the exhaust grill to warm themselves and to heat their MRE (Meal Ready to Eat)
rations, as is seen here in March 1996 during Exercise "Winter Warrior". The name "Attitude
Check" is written in white letters on this M1 A 1HA. White-lettered nicknames were a common
sight on the Abrams tanks of the 2-64th Armor. (Walter Bohm)

After two weeks in the mud of CMTC ~{)h"",t", ,_

vehicle markings were no longer visible. Only the tar
nickname "BTEP" is still vi sible on the gun bar'
Visible on the turret of this M1A 1HA from 2-64th Am
3rd 10 (Mech.) are parts of the MILES II training gE
(Walter Bohm)
16
 The-exercise numbers are reminiscent of the markings used during the
annual REFORGER exercises in Germany. The cable for the mine plough
winch comes out of the driver's vision block. The crew has decorated the
plough with painted 'eyes'. In a real war every tank company was issued
three TWMP. (Yves Debay)

From cold Hohenfels, Germany we travel to the hot Egyptian desert for
Exercise "Bright Star 97". After the 1st 10 (Mech.) replaced the 3rd 10
(Mech.) in Germany, back in the USA the 24th 10 (Mech .), "Victory" Division,
was renamed in 3rd 10 (Mech .). So the 3rd 10 (Mech.) became a part of the
US Forces' Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force that operated all over the
world. This M1A1HA, painted in desert camouflage, belongs to the 3-69th
Armored Regiment, 3rd In!. Div. (Mech). The tank with the TWMP (Track
Width Mine Plough) waits for orders . Notice the large exercise markings and
-,c": : : -- "Black Panther" on the turret. (Yves Debay)

__ ' ::
-

- _ : - -, s sr-built mine clearing roller system '''. _....

=: :] a I US battle tanks. With the support

- - -' '=-Xlvery tank, a mine roller system is

: - =-- ,1 A1HA from 3-69th Armor, 3rd In!.

. . es Debay) i~;:i~~';f;S{;';~i~ ' . .
" ...
~_. ; -

.:.;..

: - =. :s. Here an M1A1HA from 3rd Platoon, C-Company, 3­ The main problem for the American tank units at the beginning of
,""-:0 ' ;;3 during "Bright Star 97" with the mounted mine clearing "Desert Storm 91 " were the Iraqi minefields along the front line. To solve this
-­ ~ : 2.~ l e
markings on the skirts were taken over from 24th problem and give the troops a chance to overcome the obstacles , the
- - -­ ~5e symbols are totally different from other US Army tank Abrams tank battalion received Battalion Countermine Sets (BCS) . The BCS
- =- '~ : :he US Marine Corps insignia. (Yves Debay) is a combination of mine plough and mine roiler kits. (Yves Debay)
17
 .~
....
•

')l~ " ~:-

'.
. ". ..
... .­
~

The slogan "Speed and Power" is written on the gun barrel of the -Tank commanders from 3-69th Armor gather for a briefing dur ·
remaining M1 A 1 HA from 3-69th Armor, 3rd Inf. Div. (Mech). The very Exercise "Bright Star 97". The sandbox serves as a model of the train"
effective but hard-to-maintain air cleaning system protects the expensive area. In contrast to their vehicles, which are painted in desert camoufl
gas turbine blades against dust and dirt. The fine dust in the desert poses a the soldiers wear woodland pattern battle dress uniforms. (Yves Debay)
serious problem for the Abrams tank. (Yves Debay)

Shoulder badge of US 1st Armored Division

("Old Ironsides").

The Cavalry Squadron is a special unit in the US Army heavy divisi(

The CAV unit is a combination of helicopters, tanks, and infantry figh tl"
During Exercise ''Warlord'' in the summer of 1992, M1 A 1HA from 1st vehicles. One Cavalry Troop (company) is a mixture of 9 M1A 1HA MBTs, .
Squadron, 1st CAV secure a tactical operation center from the HO-Troop. At M3A2 CFV Bradleys, 2 M1064A3 120mm mortars, one M981 FIST-V c"
the time some M1A1HA from 1-1 CAV wear the old T-156 track. This tank one M577 command post vehicle. The photo shows an M1A1 HA Abra r
track has a short life span and was replaced by the new T-158 track. Notice and M3A2 Bradley from A-Troop (Apache) during winter exercise "Drago:
the different mounting of the left and right track. (Walter Bohm) Thunder 98" in the 7th Army Training Center at Grafenwohr. (Walter Boh-

The training areas of Grafenwc

and Hohenfels give USAREUR tc ·
and infantry units the unique possibi
of training in European woodland uno.
winter conditions. This M1 A H"
belongs to the 4th platoon of A-Tro!}
1-1 CAV. The tank is marked with i ·
usual V Corps battle markings. 0"
cavalry tank platoon has four M1A1 ~
Abrams. The smoke grenade stowa;
box must be removed in order to mOll'
the Hoffman device (gun fire simulate
Notice the name "Absolute" on L"
120mm gun. (Walter Bohm)
18
 . ~ ache on the Warpath" is the slogan
-·-·:op. 1-1 CAV. In a cloud of dust, an
- - -~, of A-Troop drives to CALFEX
-:-- -: -.ed Live Firing Exercise) Range 301
•
~ ·,,'snwbhr. Notice the black star
- =·s- the bumper codes on the first
o - :III. (Walter Bbhm)

~ -:"'m here is the sign of members of

- - : : : 1-1 CAV. (Walter Bbhm)

. : :n

- :.s:y Attack. An M 1A 1HA

_ ~- 3 from B-Troop
.:: -=- -: :s·') and an OH-580
: . ~hopper from E-Troop
:: : out Platoon) work
" 7 - during a "hasty attack"
- 7 -ange in Grafenwbhr.
- ~ ~ - ~ y can identify the tell­
- - S 3t exhaust from the
- ' ;::as turbine using infra­
= tisio­
. : ;-5. (Walter Bbhm)
, ghtir

' 3Ts, .

. ,::-.1/ a
- ' brar
: -ag o:
: ' 3bhr

-1 CAVALRY
-- 0 s the unit sign of the tank crew
':: ~ -3 of B-Troop. (Walter Bbhm)

-g Exercise "Iron Thunder",

- - = ' rom 69th Chemical Company
--,--- nate an M 1A 1HA belonging to B­
- -9 paints used for the 3-tone
.- ".;:: 8 are easier to clean. The 69th
_"- Company uses special vehicles
-= ' -;)3 Fox (NBC), the M1 059 Smoke
--=--=. and the M923TPU and M12A 1
~- nation kits. (Walter Bbhm)

19
 During a low-intensity phase of Exercise "Dra~ _
Lightning 94" in Grafenwohr, this M1A1HA of C-L
1-1 CAV secures a checkpoint. Thanks to the ~
training received in Hohenfels and Grafenwohr.
troops from US 1st AD were very well prepared for ­
tasks during the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. ­
number "3" on the tank is used to denote C-Troop
CAV. Notice the monster on the turret frontplate. ('1'.'0
Bohm)

Close-up of the monster painted on the

frontplate that serves to personalize the M1 A 1HA (.
Troop, 1-1 CAV seen in left photo. (Walter Bohm)

The 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment (nickname: "Blackhawk") has a long tradition that dates back to the dusty cavalrymen during the Indian \
It began with the fights against the Blackhawk Indians, Mexican War, Civil War and continued on to Vietnam (Quang Tin Province in the I Corps Tac:
Zone), duty as frontline troops during the Cold War in Germany, spearheading the 1st Armored Division's attack against Iraq, and being the first unit f
Task Force Eagle to cross the Sava river in Bosnia. It has 89 battle honors, the most of any battalion-size active unit in the US Army. The photos sho\',
M1 A 1HA fitted with the complete MILES equipment during Exercise "Iron Star 95" in CMTC Hohenfels. Note the radioactive monster on the turret. (WE...
Bohm)

During exercises in the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC), the 1-1 CAV fights
against the OPFOR (Opposing Force). The OPFOR unit, which is based in CMTC, is well
prepared to train the guest units. It is the OPFOR's job to train all USAREUR tank and
mechanized infantry units . The pictured M1A1HA of C-Troop, 1-1 CAV was "destroyed" by an The sign ("Blackhawk") carries
OPFOR T-80 (M60A3) in an ambush. This fight took place during Exercise "Iron Star 95". To slogan of C-Troop: "Comanche, Strike like Fire". (We
indicate that it has been disabled, the M1 A 1HA must turn its turret backwards. (Walter Bohm) Bohm)
20

IIII 111111.[ I
 - ~ : : sration "Desert Storm" in
~: h Bn., 67th Armor
~ -3andits") came back to
--: ' Kuwait. The unit is now
-.;; :: 'Tl mand of 1st AD. All
- - -: -ams are painted forest
being shipped to
- -- =crew of this Abrams from
-~ : - -- Armor prepares the tank
= ~- 9 exercise at CALFEX
- :: - - , e skull on the frontplate
:: ~- = :3 battalion symbol. The
- .,-; ': r th e mine roller is also
~: : - th is tank. The muzzle
-= ,,:, 'sor is fitted onto the barrel
"'"" ,', al er Bohm)

- - ; : 0 0 shows the insignia of

- -Ou tlaws", 4-67th Armor.
- :: :- ,)
- ---:-_; 1 the heavy autumn fog in
: ", - - 993, M1A1 HA of B-Co., 4­
- - : - ("Bandits") role across an
= iank bridge during a
- -= --=. :, exercise . The tanks are
- - ' : rest green overall and have
: - 3.\ markings . The reflecting
" :3 are helpful when the tanks
- -:- ? =rman civilian roads. (Walter

s the unit patch of 4th Bn.,

- - ')red Regiment ("Bandits") .
- ::-: -1m)

~ =: by step the forest green

_~ 'ro m 4-67th Armor were
~: in the standard three-tone
2 ; =. This heavy Abram s from
~= I n XO (HQ-65) carries the
: - s:!m bol (white skull) on both
.:. - :ne turret and the inscription
- - _,- on the gun barrel. The
:.a --ies t­ - : ' - e crew mem bers are written
= _(Wal:, " ~ ~te rs on the smoke grenade
-=-; =::Jxes. (Walter Bohm)
21
 This is a unique photo of an M1 A 1HA of A-Co., 4-67th Armor
("Bandits"). In spite of the new T-158 track, this tank is equipped with the
retainer ring on the drive sprocket, the same thing that was mounted on the
first M1 (1 05mm) version. To upgrade the life span and reliability of the tank
tracks, most M1A1HA were fitted with new T-158 tracks during Operation
"Desert Storm 91". The main advantages of the T-158 tracks are the
removable rubber pads. (Walter Bohm)

"Change of Mission". The 2nd Bn., 67th Armor ("Iron Dukes"), is the 2­
"Courage & Conquer", "Iron Dukes", 2-37th tank battalion from 1st Brigade, US 1st AD. Based on the long tradition, \­
front side emblem of the Armor, US 1st Armored 2-67th Armor was renamed in 2-37th Armor in 1998. Here M1A1 HA of B-C:
"Iron Dukes" of 2-37th Division (Rear side). 2-67th Armor pass a column of M2A2 IFV from the supporting 4-12th 1­
Armor, US 1st Armored after a battle in the "Superbowl Valley" in CMTC Hohenfels. (Walter Bohr'
Division.

A ribbon bridge raft built by the 502nd Engineer C

("River Rats"), 130th Engineer Brigade is used as at,,"
ferry. The crew from this M1A1HA of 2-68th Armor, 2­
Brigade ("Iron Brigade") wear life jackets for secu r
reasons. The ribbon bridge was developed by the SOl
Union. The bridge system first saw action during the 1
Arab-Israeli War when the Egyptian Army crossed the
Canal in October 1973. (Walter Bohm)

Ironland: M1A1HAAbrams of B-Co., 1-37th Armor. The 1­

37th Armor is one of the most famous tank battalions in the 1st
AD. The unit's history goes back to the 37th Tank Battalion
commanded by Creighton Abrams during WWII. The shape of
the arrow sign (battle marking) is typical for the US V Corps
units. The digit and the shape of the arrow on the side skirts and
on the plate on the bustle rack are identical. The arrow marking
on the vehicle identifies it as belonging to the 3rd platoon. The
digit "3" means 1-37 battalion, while the digit "2" stands for B­
Company. (Walter Bohm)
 M1A1HA Of US 1st Infant" Division (Mechanized) in GerDlanv
The US 1st 10 (Mech.), "Big Red
: -5" , replaced the 3rd 10 (Mech.),
-= :;:k Of the Marne", in Germany in
-,: ' 1 1996. The 2nd Brigade, 1st 10
~ c h.) has one Abrams Bn. (1-77th
-- or) located in Schweinfurt. The 3rd
=-; sde, which is based in Vielseck,
-=-3 two M 1A 1HA battalions (1-63th
Dr and 2-63th Armor) in 1999. The
" lD (Mech.) troops use a special
- _- Jer code system for their vehicles.
- : ) l irast to the usual marking system,
- 0 "rst platoon's code numbers do not
'=.; ., with 11, 12 and so on, but rather
- < 5, 16, and so on (for example,

_' : :>Iatoon: 25, 26, ...; 3rd Platoon:

-= 36, ..). The M1A1HA in front
'; : - gs to the 1st Bn., 77th Armor, A­
: : 3rd Platoon, in which it is the first
:::;--. Walter Bbhm)

A look at the turret roof of this

M1A1HA of 1-77th Armor, 1st 10
(Mech.) shows some interesting detail.
The blow-off panels above the
ammunition racks are modified with
additional pressure valves. Only a few
tanks became upgraded in this manner.
The additional valves became standard
with the M1A2 version. If the rounds
explode , the resulting pressure can
escape through the valves. (Walter
Bbhm)
£. ::':

I
1/

- -: ble. During a tactical march, the idler wheel on this M1A1HA The T-158 track. The new tank track for the M1A1HA is a double-pin
-~ : "I-77th Armor, 1st 10 (Mech.) was broken near Schweinfurt. The type with removable rubber pads. The track is designed to last at least 3,400
_ : . sed and replaced the damaged part with the fourth road wheel. kilometers (2,111 miles) before needing replacement. This is a 300 percent
- ~ aroken idler wheel can be seen on the turret. (Walter Bbhm) increase over the current T-156 track. (Walter 8bhm)
23
M1A1HA Abrams, Apache-Troop, 1-1 CAV, Checkpoint Alpha Two, Arilona Road, Brcko area in northern Bosnia, September 1996
Here is an example of a tank with the typical markings used during Operation "Joint Endeavor" in Bosnia. This M1A1HA, nicknamed "Abbadon·
painted in the usual NATO 3 color camouflage and wears the battle marking "91 " on the front side skirt. This digit represents the A-Troop (nickna
"Apache") of the 1-1 CAV. The arrow to the right side is the symbol for the 2nd Platoon. The stenciling IFOR on the side skirt stands for NAT:
"Implementation Force", and was painted to all NATO vehicles in Bosnia during Operation "Joint Endeavor". Note the additional "10 Panels" around the t~
for the friend-foe signature. These were mounted on all American tracked vehicles before their deployment to Bosnia.

USMC M1A1HA Abrams "Crater Magnet", 1st Platoon, B-Cov, with DWFK and TWMP, Mojave Desert 1996
This USMC M1A1HA in desert camouflage is equipped with the TWMP (Track Width Mine Plough) and the USMC typical DWFK (Deep Water Foro
Kit) for amphibious operations. The crew's nickname for their tank, "Crater Magnet", can be seen on the gun bore evacuator. The USMC uses a spec;;
marking system which is different to the Army system. The single black ring on the gun and the single black square behind the arrow on the track 0
represents the 1st Platoon. The black and white arrow is the symbol for the B-Coy. The lettering USMC and the vehicle's registration number were wasr
out by the weather. Notice the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) in the turret rack and the modified blow-off panels on the top of the turret. The drive sprocket WE ,
the older ring to prevent loose tracks.
24
 01 an unidentified unit, with M1 Banalion Countermine Set, Depot Fort Irwin, NTC
,' 1A1 HA with the typical NTC 3-tone desert camouflage . The tank is fitted with the MILES laser training system, M1 Mine Roller Set, and the CLAMS
~-o~- Lane Marking System) box on the rear. The Israeli-made CLAMS box is no longer used by the tank units because engineers had to clear mines by
-; a path through the minefields. The drawing shows a tank before the troops take it over from the depot. Before the training starts, these vehicles get
_ :=' i';{ unit markings by the crew.

S, 194th Brigade Task Force 1-10 Aft, National Training Center

. f>.2. Abrams, named "Another Bad Creation", belongs to the A-Coy of the 194th Brigade Task Force 1-70 AR during the troop trials with the brand
-~ : ::Jrams in the NTC. The desert camouflage was modified, with dark green patches all around the vehicle. For an easier identification during these
_: '-i als, the tank was fitted with big plates on the turret. The digit "A21" represents a tank from the A-Coy, 2nd Platoon , 1st vehicle. The tank is
- ~ the MILES Training System, which includes the Hoffmann device (simulates gun fire) on the turret front , the flashlight in front of the spare road
=:- ; additional antenna, and the MILES strips around the turret.
25
 All new-production M 1A 1IM­
tanks are fitted with the new T- '
track. The T-158 was developed jc -<
by the US Army Tank Autom c
Command , FMC Steel Products 0­
Goodyear. This M1A1HA from 2-c_
Armor, 1st 10 (Mech.) is equipped
two car tires in front to simulate a r
roller during an exercise with thE
502nd US Airborne Bn. at the 7th _
Army training center in Grafenwor '
August 1997. Notice the symbol 01
American armored troops
silhouette of the crossed swords ar ­
tank) on the smoke grenade sto\',o
box . The 2-63rd Armor tank crews
to mount the camouflage net on
barrel of the main gun. (Walter B6h­

Task Force 1-4 CAV, US 1st 10 (Mech.)

in CMTC Hohenfels. During Exercise "Spur
Response 97", the tankers prepare a "Zone
Recon" mission . Stored in the bustle rack
are water canisters , MREs and other
baggage . Above the ammo boxes is a
slightly damaged armor plate bearing the
battle marking. The barbed wire is used to
protect the tank in a holding area against
unknown visitors . Note the IFOR lettering
from the deployment with the Peace
Implementation Force in Bosnia on the side
skirts of this M1A1HA from Charlie Troop
(nickname: "Charlie Rock"). During the
annual training rotation at CMTC
Hohenfels, the 1-4 CAV was reinforced with
engineer and artillery units to build up a
task force. (Walter B6hm)

"Ace of Spades". The crew of this M1A1 HA tank (A-24) was

the best crew of this unit during the battle run at gunnery training
inside Grafenw6hr training area in the autumn of 1997. (Walter
B6hm)

This M1 A 1HA from 1-4 CAV's A-Troop is decorated with red star OPFOR markir ­
This tank plays the enemy role during a "Movement to Engagement" exercise. Du
this kind of Situation Training Exercise (STX), the maneuver units must attack the ene ­
forces while on the move . (Walter B6hm)
26
 - he 1-4 CAV uses the names of
-. =~
-=--.' (birch, ash, oak) to specify the
- =- lines for the attack during
~ " : 5e "Spur Response 97", During
; - 7 's! stage, the mixed unit with OH­

...-:. Narrior helicopters and M3A2

== ay CFV perform the
, - laissance role and identify the
=-- " with two BMP-3 and two BROM-
o ' ;cles, In the second stage, the

- -:30 Warrior helicopters identify an

=- 'unit's MTLBs and BRDM-2 and
--:y them. At the third level, at least
=- 1-4 CAV units training on the
~ :: - . -_=::X (Combined Live Firing
_ ----=- se) range 301 in Grafenwbhr,
_ c- offensive operation against a
- I armed enemy with T-72 MBTs

= ' .~ P 3 IFVs. At this stage of the

th e M3A2 Bradley CFVs were
: '::ed by the unit's M1A1HA
c::- 3 tanks. In fact, cavalry units like
- - ' .! CAV ("Quarterhorse") need
:c-s'sionally planned training to
-= - a their three totally different
: l systems: M1 A 1HA MBT, M3A2
CFV and the new Warrior
~. =:ers. The scenarios for the battle
~ ill at the cavalry unit train to
-: 2 a mission from different types
-:-connaissance up to an
~ = "'l ent and an attack against both
- o..-,d heavily armed enemy. Along
' l e challenge of getting
=- =.:ion between tanks and
_=,-3 comes the threat of 'friendly
.: = = ~i al units like 1-4 CAV, with its
" of equipment, need well
-;-'3 :l . disciplined and perfectly
~ : , ) Idiers. (Walter Bohm)

mored Combat and Obstacle Breaching with M1A1HA IDec.earing Equipment at CMTC

Hohenlels. Germanv

_-ant to Contact. The 7th Army Combat Maneuver Training Center

7 -Seven Steps To Hell") is located in Hohenfels, Germany. Based Before obstacle clearing can begin, the Task Force develops an "R&S
~ ::=i ence gained from the Gulf War, tmops here train on a battalion Plan" (Reconnaissance and Security Plan). The main focus of this plan is to
~ - s ( 'enemy' OPFOR troops in a variety of types of operations. become familiar with the special features of the obstacles. Recce operations
-=- = numerous offensive operations such as "Hasty Attack", are most often carried out with the support of engineers. There is an old
- - ~ .!l, i ack", "Movement to Contacf', as well as defensive operations. army saying: Whoever wins the recon battle wins the main battle. Wide open
: : - erstone of the training is learning how to breach obstacles and areas and large obstacles forced the armored troops to conduct a frontal
-0 r aids using mineclearing equipment. The photo shows moving assault. To keep the attack zone secret, the chemical company covered the
,- support troops from Task Force 4/67 in the "Superbowl Valley" breaching zone with smoke from their M1059 smoke generators. (Walter
- --:: -: l enfels. (Walter Bbhm) Bohm)
27
 Obstacle breaching .
breaching operation begins fro ­
flank . Usually troops try to open
paths through the minefield. This ~
the attack more punch and me.
recovery operations easier. Here tre
from O-Co. , Task Force 4/67 pic .
through a simulated minefield dL
Exercise "Iron Star 95" in C
Hohenfels . (Walter 8ohm)

28
 One more way to open minefields for armored troops is by using the
Mine Line Clearing Charge (MICLlC) system mounted on an M60A3
chassis. Here an M1A 1HA from 1-1 CAV takes care of an M60 MICLIC. This
system fires a rocket that pulls out an explosive line charge. When the line
charge explodes over the minefield, it opens a path through it. (Walter
8ohm)

This A-Company M1 A 1HA of 1-70th Armor, 3rd 10 (Mech.) has an

Israeli-made mine plough on its front side and the CLAMS (Cleared-Lane
Marking System) box on the rear. The CLAMS marking system was not
useful and is not applied today by US troops. The better way to mark paths
are the "Tippy Toms", fiberglass poles with a little plate on the top. The
"Tippy Toms" were dispatched from an engineer version of the M113
armored personnel carrier. (Walter 8ohm)

National Training Center

- 3 9 -=

o.
- C .' ­

~ largest
; center for US
_ :; based in the
~ Desert at Fort
::al ifornia. Here
CONUS-based
= J units train in
~ ~ d warfare up to
~- i and brigade
- Greg Stewart)
29
 ~~-:!--- ~ -..-. . .. '
After the personnel of the training units arrived at NTC, they took over
equipment and vehicles from the Fort Irwin depots. In this way transportation
costs were reduced and the unit's own vehicles were protected against
damage. (Greg Stewart)

M1A1 Abrams from H-Troop, 2nd Squadron, 3rd CAV in a battle agE
OPFOR. In NTC, troops of the 177th Armored Brigade acted as
opposing force. As OPFOR, they operate under the code name 60th G ~·
Motorized Rifle Division. The OPFOR units in NTC use visually moo­
"Russian style" American fighting vehicles. (Greg Stewart)

M1 A1 Abrams and M3A2 Bradley CFV from L-Troop, 3rd Squadron.

Cavalry Regiment ("Brave Rifles") painted in the typical NTC de "
camouflage . After the troops have adopted the vehicles, the soldiers ("" .
them with the unit's bumper codes and mount the MILES II system . (G.
Stewart)

A training rotc..;.
on the more than 3 :
square kilo me"
(1,863 mile)-\·
training area takes ­
weeks . The trair
begins with exerc i ~
up to platoon ?
company levels. ~
by step the troops IE.
combined warfare
tanks, infantry
support units. The
step is an exercise
.;.:. the regimental
brigade level. (CO
Stewart)
30
 An M1A1 Abrams
- 1-32nd Armor, 1st
- in the "Dust Bowl" !
~ e Mojave Desert
19 area . The tank
: 2 nted in the typical
desert
- :u flage scheme.
- : er codes have
--=- applied to the
- co plough. (Greg
- ;r!)

_ ght dust of the desert is damaging to all materiel, but especially to

~,,-:~ s. The old T-156 tank track has a short life span. In 1990-91 ,
~ ~-d during the Gulf War, all M1A1s were fitted with the better T-158
3 reg Stewart)

- - ; cl ose-up shows the layout of the NTC camouflage. The number

~ :he vehicle's registration number at the depots at Fort Irwin. The Under the burning desert sun, soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division
:- the turret is an experimental air hose that brings the air inlet to repair an M 1A 1 powerpack. Approximately 70 percent of the engine
~ : i the turret roof so the gas turbine can be protected against too accessories and compartments can be removed without removing the whole
~ :. (Greg Stewart) powerpack from the tank. (Greg Stewart)
3 1

11111
 '-." ~ -
The 24th "Victory" Division fights against the OPFOR at the NTC in the The 24th ID (Mech.) uses its own marking system, which was cree:­
summer of 1993. This M1A1 belongs to 1st Platoon, C-Co., 1-64th Armor, prior to the Gulf War. The arrow pointing to the left on the side skirts is
from 2nd Brigade, US 24th Inf. Div. (Mech). The battle marking system of the symbol of a tank from C-Company, 1-64th Armor. The number "66" iden:
24th ID (Mech.) is different than the one used by USAREUR V Corps units the company commander's tank. The "V" on the frontplate is the approp _
in Europe. The arrows should relate to the company letters (A, B, C, D) . The symbol for the "Victory" Division. (Yves Debay)
arrow to the left side means C-Company. (Yves Debay)

Shoulder badge of US 24th

Infantry Division (Mech.), the "Victory"
Division.

Like the USMC, the 24th ID

(Mech.) also uses small squares to
identify the different platoons. This
M1A1 with TWMP belongs to the 3rd
Platoon , C-Co., 1-64th Armor. Note the
baggage and other items around the
turret. (Yves Debay)

After the troops from 1-64th A;­

24th ID (Mech.) adopt the tanks '
NTC depots, they mark them with '.'
The small square seen here it
symbol for 1st Platoon, C-Com:­
(Yves Debay)
32

IIIII

 =-" more M1 A 1 from the "Victory" Division. This unit was the first heavy division to arrive in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 1990. At this time the division
.::- :9r the XVIII Airborne Corps and was still equipped with the M1 (105mm) and the M1IP. Note the Hoffman device mounted on the gun. (Greg Stewart)

Maintenance in the desert. The M1 hull has

improved torsion bar suspension, with seven road
wheels and four return rollers . The side skirts can
traverse outward for easier maintenance. (Greg
Stewart)

- l ul l and turret are of welded construction ,

.:.= - : in this photo. After the broken idler wheel
- .:..0: Dy a new one, the track was pulled over
--: 9rs by an M88A 1 recovery tank. Then the
:;: - -9cted and tightened the track. (Greg

33
 M1A1U from the US Marine Corps

A succeS5
landing opere:
depends mainly
conditions, speed "­
firepower. The LC­
Hovercrafts from ­
US Navy are
important key
success during
amphibious operal _
The LCAC comb ~ ­
high speed with a ~
loading capacity,
they need a quiet ~5
A Landing Craft
Cushioned (LCAC)
a payload of up t
tons, enough for
M1A1HA MBT. (G ·
Stewart)

After landing on a hostile beach with the help of an LCAC or LCU The USMC's Abrams MBTs are equipped with a Deep Water Fore.
(Landing Craft Utility), the "rolling iron fortress" - the M1 A 1HA of the USMC Kit (DWFK), interface hardware to accept the Position Locating Repor_
tank battalions - use their 120mm guns to support the arrival of the infantry System (PLRS) and additional tiedown points for stowage on board ship ;,
units. (Greg Stewart) during transportation on the Navy's LCACs. Shown here is an M1A 1HA
DWFK from the 2nd Marine Tank Battalion at Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U:
during the Combined Joint Task Force Exercise 96 (CJTFEX 96). C<..­
Lejeune is the home of the 2nd Marine Division. (Yves Debay)

The Deep Water Fording Kit (DWFK) was developed by Ge n~

Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) for the USMC and was produceo
TACOM (Tank and Automotive Command). The key parts of the DWFK ,
two vertical air-intake tubes located on the left side of the hull and a la--:
exhaust tube at the rear. Three men can install this kit in less ther
minutes, and it can be quickly removed by traversing the turret. (G:
Stewart)
34
 ~.; nrise in the
'==. In the first glow
.:.::. ght the Marines
.'1 cooperation
:: - s and support
_-; during a CAX
-;: 1ed Arms
- _ ::'3) in the Mojave
..= -~ The US Marine
operate in
- 5 of four tanks.
:; Stewart)

The USMC
ordered a total of 476
M1A1 Abrams to
replace the outdated
M60A1. This Abrams is
marked with the tactical
symbols of 2nd
Platoon, C-Company
(two black lines on the
skirts and on the
muzzle). (Greg
Stewart)

: -~ of the last modifications made to the USMC M1 A 1HA tanks is the

- - : )wered Auxiliary Power Units (APU) mounted in the turret rack. The
: 'ovides power to the thermal sight, air conditioning system and This USMC Abrams is uparmed with M830 HEAT rounds. Notice the
. .: systems when the main engine is turned off. (Greg Stewart) location of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) in the bustle rack . (Greg Stewart)
35
 Near a supply point in the Mojave Desert this M 1A 1HA receives fuel This is an M1 A 1HA Abrams from the 2nd Platoon, A-Company. No::­
from an Oshkosh MK 48/14 (8x8) heavy truck. These trucks have excellent the replaced track cover and the new main gun bore evacuator. (G '
cross-country mobility and can follow the M 1A 1HA tanks across difficult Stewart)
terrain. The MK 48/ 14 version is only in service with the USMC. (Greg
Stewart)

Although
USMC Abrams tar
have the new T-· ::
tracks, some of (t- "",
are equipped with .::
old retainer ring on ­
drive sprocket. Wo r.
of notice on this tan·
the clear view of :­
battle markings of ,:
Platoon, B-Compa ­
(Greg Stewart)

In contrast to the
USAREUR's battle
markings, the USMC
uses two larger,
colored symbols on the
tank's side skirts. Note
the modifications on
the turret and the APU.
(Greg Stewart)
36
 - fie Abrams tanks from 4th Platoon, C-Company still have the old radio system with the big antennae. As of 1995 all US Forces M1 A1HA had received
- - S.'iSINCGARS radios (Single Channel Ground-Air Radio System). (Greg Stewart)

- he USMC uses only a few markings on their M1A1HA tanks. Notice The most popular part of the Battalion Countermine Set (BCS) is the
- ="ow sign on the skirts (here for 1st PIt., C·Co.). Bumper codes are mine plough. The TWMP is the spearhead during breaching operations
-: only on the left track cover. Note also the markings on the mine against hostile positions . This system, which is patterned after Soviet mine
;-.. (Greg Stewart) rakes, was used by the USMC during the Gulf War. (Greg Stewart)

Before the USMC received newly built M1 A1HA tanks straight from the
:
... ..•,.......~........~ .. ~
, ~: ..; ..· ··.·,t
production line, 50 US Army M1 A1HAs were modified for use by the
Marines. Each tank was upgraded in 62 ways to bring the vehicle to USMC

" ~~.' .<~'\~'i~~J standards. The three rings on the gun barrel are the markings for the 3rd
platoon. (Greg Stewart)
37
 Since WWII American tankers have used o;?
cloth for easy identification from the sky. He r~
M 1A 1HA platoon continues the tradition du ri "­
tactical march in the Mojave Desert. (Greg Stewa-

The Combined Joint Task Force Exercise 96 (CJTFEX 96) was :'
national exercise with US Forces and British airmobile units. This exe r::­
was one of the largest maneuvers to ever take place in the United St, ­
The main point of the exercise was the reinforcement of a distant operE
US Task Force, such as what would be necessary to support the US tr _
in Bosnia. Here M1A1 with TWMP from 2nd Marine Tank Bn. pa5:
floatable bridge during CJTFEX 96 . Note the Deep Water Fording K­
traveling order on the turret roof. (Yves Debay)

Just as the air-conditioning system is essential to the crew of the M1 A 1

Abrams, the engine's air cleaners are very important for the gas turbine.
Continuous maintenance is necessary in the desert because of the
omnipresent dust. (Greg Stewart)
 M1 A 1HA, which belongs to
, IS
~ ::J atoon, C-Co., 2nd Marine Tank
~ participating in CJTFEX 96 in
- - Carolina. Modelers will want to
:= - )tice of the arrow signs painted in
.:In the 3-tone NATO camouflage .
..:. s on the turret is the 10
- - · ~:cation) panel. (Yves Oebay)

- , e higher fuel consumption of the M1 tank creates a lot of problems. This M1 A 1HA from 2nd Platoon, A-Co., 2nd Marine Tank Bn. supports
"" - 'l1phibious Ready Group (ARG) needs to stock up on fuel when the a Marine attack during CJTFEX 96. The tank is painted in forest green with
::; changes to the M 1A 1HA. This photo shows an M1 A 1HA from C-Co., arrow markings in black on the side skirts. (Yves Oebay)
_ .'arine Tank Bn. with the typical OWFK on the turret. (Yves Oebay)

~ brams tanks of the 2nd Marine

Sn. in a French camp at Canjuers
- 0 south of France. Tanks attached
, '..lEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit)
-:; 5i of a platoon of five. They
- ce live firing at the Les
- -.Oldiers Range in southern France.
~: Oebay)

39
 US Army and USMC units took part in Exercise "Bright Star 97" in .­
Egyptian desert. The M1A1HA from the 2nd Marine Tank Bn. were Ian: ,
from US Navy ships. The tanks were painted in forest green for poss :
deployment to Bosnia. This paint scheme was not a good camoufls ,
Ships of the US 6th Fleet are normally located in the Mediterranean choice for the desert, though . (Yves Debay)
Sea. The 2nd Marine Division , which has its home base on the east coast of
the USA, are under the operative command of the Fleet Marine Force
Atlantic (FMF-A). Since the Mediterranean Sea is also a deployment area for
the 2nd Marine Tank Bn., the ships of the 6th Fleet always have M1 A 1HA
tanks on board. The tanks use the French training area at Canjuers for live
fire practice. (Yves Debay)

The first pilot vehicles of the upgraded M 1A 1HA received the code ·
Block II". These vehicles should be equipped with the most advanced s
updated technology. The development of the M1 A2 Abrams began in 1S:
In 1992 the first five pilot vehicles were delivered to the Army for intens
troop trials. Here an M1 A2 undergoes trials at the NTC. (Greg Stewart)

The General Dynamics Land Systems Division (GLDS) in Lima, Ohio,

USA, produced ten M1 A2 prototype vehicles. Sixty-two additional tanks The M1A2 Abrams is easy to identify by the cylindrical Command!; ·
were built to upgrade the GLDS assembly lines for the standard M1 A2 Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) built by Texas Instruments. This sigh:
modifications. This M1 A2 pilot vehicle was fitted with additional armor plates mounted in front of the loader's hatch. With this sight the tank commanC?
for better protection. (Greg Stewart) receives more information and can oversteer the gunner. (Greg Stewart)
40

IIII II IIIII
 The M2 .50-caliber machine gun is standard on the M1A2. The troops
like this weapon and prefer it for fighting against infantry and soft-skinned
vehicles. The export versions of the French Leclerc and British Challenger II
tanks are also fitted with the M2 .50-caliber machine gun. (Greg Stewart)

Like the Leclerc and Leopard 2A5 tanks, the M1A2 is fitted with some
-"-'< Command and Control Systems (TCCS), FINDER , IFIS , and IVIS with
,r displays and colored map background. (Greg Stewart)

The tank commander can adjust his CITV to observe a particular part
of the surrounding terrain or he can oversteer with a joystick near his right
The Commander's Integrated Display (CID), a new control system , is hand. The CITV is linked up with the MIL-Standard 1553 Data-Bus. This
-8 display and memory system for all software installed in the M1 A2. (Greg makes the large wiring like that on the old M1/M1A1 no longer necessary.
: :awart) (Greg Stewart)
4J
 A close-up detail shot of the Improved Commander's Weapon Stc.:
(ICWS), which uses new wide-angle , laser-hardened periscopes , as we -
a simplified M2 .50-caliber machine gun mounting . The Commano~
Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) may be seen in front of the loac~
hatch . (Greg Stewart)

J
The gunner's station in the M1A2 , which is right near the commander's
station, is equipped with the Gunner Primary Sight and the Gunner's Control
and Display Panel (GCDP). Using the GCDP, the gunner can select the
desired M1 A2 weapons systems . (Greg Stewart)

The Mother of All Bad Creations. The US Army Central Commc·

supports the upgrading of approximately 1,000 older M1 tanks to the M -­
standard . The old M1 (105mm) gun had problems during the Ku \':
campaign knocking out Iraqi T-62 and T-72 tanks. (Greg Stewart)

This is a frontal view of an M1 A2 Abrams prototype. The 194th Brigade

Task Force 1-70 AR uses this tank painted in desert camouflage during troop
trials at the NTC. The M1 A2 Abrams upgrade program adds a wide range of
improvements, including the Commander's Independent Th ermal Vi ewer
(CITV), the Improved Commander's Weapon Station (ICWS), on-board
position navigation equipment (POS/NAV), distributed data and power In 1994 General Dynamics Land Systems received the contract for t­
system, an improved fire control system (FCEU), and a radio interface unit M1 A2 System Enhanced Package program (SEP) to upgrade old M1 tar·
(RIU). (Greg Stewart) to the M1A2 (S EP) configuration . (Greg Stewart)
42
 -, 1996 the US Army ordered 600
-::.aed M1A2 tanks (rebuilt MIs) .
. - :lnal M1A2 improvements are
='
= way to enhance the tank's digital
-and and control capabilities and
,,: j the second generation forward­
g infra-red sensors to the thermal
- ; . (Greg Stewart)

~ . ~ .- '.~'" ~

The future structure of the Army,

named "Force XXI" Heavy Division, will
reduce the number of tanks in a
battalion down to 45 M 1A2 Abrams,
structured in three companies. (Greg
Stewart)

The German Leopard 2 MBT uses the same 120mm smoothbore gun
as the M1 A 1/A2. The Leopard 2A6 version will be fitted with a longer gun
barrel that fires new ammunition possessing impressive armor-penetration
The electronic system in the M1 A2 Abrams is also fitted with a land capability. The US Army will test this new gun (named the L-55) for adoption
lavigation system (POS/NAV) built by Smith Industries. This system can to the M1A2. The trials with the American-developed XM291 upgraded tank
jetermine the tank's position with 98 percent accuracy. (Greg Stewart) gun still result in some technical problems. (Greg Stewart)
43
 The M1A2 Abrams is an evolved
and improved version of the M1A1.
After the first trials with the SEP
program in 1999, the first US tank
battalion should be equipped with the
M1A2 (SEP). Here we see an M1A2
during troop trials with the 1st Cavalry
Division in the Mojave Desert. (Greg
Stewart)

Some pilot M1 A2 tanks were f i ~=.

during trials with an automatic loa::;;
system for the M256 gun . This we>
reduce the crew from 4 to 3 soldi6-c
But high costs and technical proble ­
have forced the cancellation of ­
innovation. (The automatic loa c~
system successfully replaced
A • loader crewman in Soviet T-72 and ­
80 MBTs.) (Greg Stewart)

M1A2 in the Kuwait Armv Inventorv

I .

The Kuwaiti tank units received the M1 A2 earlier than the US troops. Here Kuwaiti M1 A2 from 35th Brigade take part in Exercise "Pearl of the West 96·
After a competition between M1 A2 and the British Challenger II (built by Vickers Defense Systems) in 1992, the Kuwaiti government decided to buy th ~
M1 A2. (Yves Debay)
44
 '. --~' ..-.~~ ­ -
nis Kuwaiti M1A2 from 35th Brigade is marked with Arabic symbols ori General Dynamics Land Systems offers the M1 A2 with the German
<= ~ rretand track covers. (Yves Debay) MTU883 1500hp diesel powerpack instead of the Textron Lycoming AGT
1500hp gas turbine. Greece and Turkey are interested in this configuration
of the M1A2. (Yves Debay)

Pictured here is a Kuwaiti M1 A2. Saudi Arabia also received newly

Th e long mudflaps are typical of the Kuwaiti M1 A2 from 35th Brigade. produced M1 A2s from GDLS. With these export orders, GDLS can close the
- aen 1994 and 1996, a total of 218 M1A2s were delivered to the Kuwait gap in production before the lines begin to put out the order for the US
ed Forces. (Yves Debay) Armed Forces. (Yves Debay)

- i<uwaiti M 1A2 Changes

: " during a desert
= The APU (Auxiliary
_-;i') became a common
the A2 configuration .
. ~ ,A. rabic lettering on the
,. es Debay)
45
 Personalized Bore Evacuators/Gun Barrels on M111 MBTs In Germanv

"BUFORD", B-Company, 2-63th Armor, US 1st ID (Meeh.). "ATOMIC DEATH", A-Company, 2-64th Armor, US 3rd ID (Meeh.).

"BLOOME"I "Eisen ScheiB werd ieh tun", B-Troop, 1-4 CAV, US 1st ID
(Meeh.).

"COMANCHE", painted on the

turret an M1A1HA of C-Troop, 1-1
CAV, US 1st AD. Note the "U",
standing for "Uranium", which
"ALL THAT..", A-Company, 2-64th Armor, US 3rd ID (Meeh.) signifies heavy armor.

"BLITZKRIEG", B-Troop, 1-1 CAV, US 1st AD.

"ARMAGEDDON", A-Troop, 1-4 CAV, US 1st ID (Meeh.) .

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-
"BALLISTIC", B-Company, 4-67th Armor, US 1st AD.
 "BANDIT", B-Troop, 1-1 CAV, "BAGHDAD OR BUST", B­ "BASTAR[)S FROM HELL", B-Company, 2-67th Armor, US 3rd AD .
_31stAD. Company, 2-67th Armor, US 3rd
AD .

rams Tanll Crew Helmet Graniti

: ·~w members of a commander's Abrams tank of 4-67th Armor ("Bandits"), US 1st AD. All helmets are painted with a skull.

-..: :ams tank crew of 3-77th Armor, US 1st 10 (Mech.) Tank commander of 1-77th Armor, US 1st 10 (Mech.).
47

Crew member of 1-1 CAV, US 1st AD. "ACES WILD", Abrams tank crew of 1-77th Abrams loader of 1-77th Armor, US 1st I:
Armor, US 1st 10 (Mech.). (Mech.).

Abrams tank crew from tank number "22" from B-Troop, 1-1 CAV, US 1st AD .

Tank crew of 1-77th Armor, US

1st 10 (Mech.).

48