The FReeper Foxhole Remembers The Battle of 73 EASTING - 1991 - Mar. 10th, 2003

http://www.ciar.org/~ttk/mbt/mbt/mbt.at-desert-storm.bourque.ht ^ | Stephen A. Bourque

[SAMWolf]

Damn! I love the looks of the M1 Abrahms.

[SAMWolf]

Odd, how history repeats it's self.

Boy! Ain't that the truth.

[PhilDragoo]

Iraqi T-72 tank hit with DU sabot

[IVote2]

Thanks for the ping.

Jen

[PhilDragoo]

The 2nd Generation Forward Looking InfraRed sighting system (2nd Gen FLIR) will replace the existing Thermal Image System (TIS) and the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer. The incorporation of 2nd Gen FLIR into the M1A2 tank will require replacement of all 1st Gen FLIR components. From the warfighter perspective, this is one of the key improvements on the SEP. The 2nd Gen FLIR is a fully integrated engagement-sighting system designed to provide the gunner and tank commander with significantly improved day and night target acquisition and engagement capability. This system allows 70% better acquisition, 45% quicker firing and greater accuracy. In addition, a gain of 30% greater range for target acquisition and identification will increase lethality and lessen fratricide. The Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) provides a hunter killer capability. The 2nd GEN FLIR is a variable power sighting system ranging from 3 or 6 power (wide field of view) for target acquisition and 13, 25 or 50 power (narrow field of view) for engaging targets at appropriate range. M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank

[SAMWolf]

Some great pics and facts PhilDragoo. Thanks.

If the Republican Guard liked the old M1's they're just gonna love the new models.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Evening, Sam and everyone. Better late than never, :-)

[SAMWolf]

Evening Victoria. How was your Monday?

[Victoria Delsoul]

Hi Sam. Busy day today.

How's it going?

[SAMWolf]

Not bad. Typical Monday

[Victoria Delsoul]

LOL, it looks just like you.

[SAMWolf]

LOL! It's hell getting old.

[SAMWolf]

The Armor branch traces its origin to the Cavalry. A regiment of cavalry was authorized to be raised by the Continental Congress Resolve of December 12, 1776. Although mounted units were raised at various times after the Revolution, the first in continuous service was the United States Regiment of Dragoons, organized in 1833. The Tank Service was formed on March 5, 1918. The Armored Force was formed on July 10, 1940. Armor became a permanent branch of the Army in 1950.

There are currently 16 recognized Armor Regiments and 15 Cavalry Regiments in the Regimental system for the active Armor force. These numbers include one Armor and two Cavalry Regiments for the training base at USAARMC. The lowest numbered CONUS-based battalion of the regiment will usually be designated regimental home-base having regimental responsibility and will maintain the regimental colors and memorabilia. When all battalions are OCONUS, usually the lowest numbered OCONUS battalion or squadron assumes regimental responsibility and maintains regimental colors and memorabilia.

There's absolutely no difference between armor officers and cavalry officers. They are in a sense the same. Armor officers have a unique opportunity to serve in both heavy tank battalions as well as various cavalry organizations throughout their military career. Although the missions differ throughout the many organizations, there is no better unit than another. Armor branch discourages repeat assignments to the same type of organization.

Lieutenants serving as a platoon leader in Korea clearly get an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and receive professional development at an accelerated rate when compared to the majority of their Armor officer peers. Training in Korea is intensely METL focused due to 'real world missions', and leaders can rely on getting a priority placed on personnel and resources directed to Korea. In the end, that means more training and fewer distractions for junior armor officers assigned to Korea.

The history of Armor and Cavalry is intertwined with the history of America. From 1776, when General Washington recommended the establishment of one or more mounted units in the Continental Army, the history of the mounted branch traveled on with that of the nation.

In March 1833, the First Regiment of Dragoons was formed. In every war since, cavalry or armor has played its vital role. Mexico - when cavalry led Scott's and Taylor's armies, and culminated the war with the capture of Chapultpec Castle. The Civil War - when cavalry of blue and grey struggled through bitter years. The Indian Wars - when cavalry fought to protect what was gained and expanded our horizons. The Spanish-American War - when cavalry rode to victory in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Mexico again - when the cavalry pursued Pancho Villa during the Punitive Expedition.

On 26 January 1918, the Tank Corps of the American Expeditionary Force was formed and on 12 September 1918 went into initial action at St. Mihiel. Ten years later, the Experimental Mechanized Force was formed at Fort Meade, Maryland, but it lasted only two months.

The exigencies of the service prevailed and the foundling armored force was swept to and fro until the fall of 1931. The fledgling Mechanized Force came to Camp Knox, Kentucky. In 1936, the 7th Cavalry Brigade (Mechanized) was formed at Fort Knox.

On 10 July 1940, Fort Knox became the Home of Armor with the creation of an Armored Force. Kentucky tankers fought to the bitter end on Bataan, and the 26th Cavalry fought the last horse-mounted action in the Philippines.

But it was not to stay, and tankers assembled again to defend liberty. Korea and the Army Organization Act of 1950, when armor was named one of the basic branches and specified as a continuation of cavalry. Between Korea and Vietnam, a new doctrine came into being, air cavalry and attack helicopters came into their own. New days, new doctrine. Armor advanced with the times. Combined Arms was the theme, with infantry, artillery, and aviation working together with the Combat Arm of Decision. Operation Desert Storm - when this potent mix of force and doctrine overwhelmed Iraq.

The heritage began in cavalry - it continues in armor. The spirit of the attack, armor shock and firepower, the will to fight, to close rapidly with the enemy - these are today and tomorrow the hallmarks of armor.

Globalsecurity.org

[ishmac]

It must have been hell for guys like Holder during the reign of Hitlery and Klintler. If there were any justice in this world, he'd have his fourth star.

[ishmac]

Awesome pick of The Colonel, PhilDragoo!

Holder will always be "The Colonel" to me, no matter how many stars he gets.

Damn shame they practically deactivated the 2 ACR after Desert Storm.

[SAMWolf]

[ishmac]

It seems to me that pic hung in the HQ at the Sudkaserene in Nurnberg...No, maybe I just saw it in some commemorative book somewhere. Can't remember. It's late around here, and I'm going to bed.

It's a good likeness of the Colonel, and I think that's the old XO kneeling on the map. Great memories, thanks SAMWolf!

[SAMWolf]

Good Night ishmac. Glad you enjoyed the thread.

[Jen]

That's a neat graphic Victoria, but you always find good ones! Hope you are doing well.

[Jen]

Thanks for bumping by!