ARMOR, November-December 1998 Edition

55 Pages·2011·3.16 MB·English

Stand To
An interesting theme runs through many of the articles capability to perform our Mission Essential Task Lists de-
in this issue. Although we didn’t intend it, and the article spite the stresses we are experiencing. Of course we all
come from all points of the compass, several stories know that it is far more preferable to spend time in the
make the same point: that despite an unfriendly, re- dirt moving vehicles, getting POL stains on our uniforms,
source-constrained environment, the heavy force is and sticking our ear plugs in than spending the same
struggling to find ways to keep itself trained. The strug- amount of time plugging in mice and getting another box
gle is not an Active Component struggle, or a Reserve of paper for the printer at the Simulation Center. But it’s
Component struggle. It is a struggle, branch-wide, to in- just a fact that opportunities to run things over, tear
novate despite dwindling training resources. things up, and launch bullets downrange are fewer than
they were a few years ago. The challenge then is how
Many units face what Jody Harmon symbolized in his
do we do them better and smarter when afforded the
cover for this issue ---- as they attempt to drive on and
chance?
accomplish the mission, the dollars just are not there
anymore. You may very well get some ideas on how to do that in
this issue. You might find this issue the springboard for
Complicating the issue is the increased number of mis-
your own initial or further thinking. You might be mad-
sions, many of them decidedly not traditional tanker and
dened by this magazine. Whatever your reaction, act on
cavalry battlefield fare. I won’t get into an argument with
it, so we can get better at what we do despite some of
veterans who remember other busy times in our Army’s
the current obstacles thrown in front of us.
history. Maybe we are busier than ever; maybe we are
not. But everyone should hear a recent personnel statis- A couple of administrative notes. We now have a file
tic that was briefed around here: the only MOSs more titled ‘‘Writing for ARMOR’’ that gives you specifics on
frequently deployed than the 19 Series are those in the how to submit an article to the magazine. You can E-
Special Forces. I submit that is a busy heavy force by mail us for an electronic version of the guidelines, or use
any era’s standards. regular mail for a hard copy.
So you are not about to read a whole bunch of reports This issue is our second created using Microsoft Word
full of belly-aching and teeth-gnashing over the lack of for the layout rather than the desktop publishing soft-
OPTEMPO, the effects of the current PERSTEMPO, or ware we used for well over ten years. This change was
the dissatisfaction with ammo allocations. You will read a transparent to the readership, but it wasn’t without some
bunch of good news stories. very real growing pains for us. We felt, however, that the
change would better serve those readers who wish to
Propaganda? I hardly think so. You will read how a
obtain electronic versions of specific articles. Before, that
number of units, all of them peopled by good and patri-
was nearly impossible; now it is a breeze, so ask away if
otic citizens of the Republic, have worked through their
you need.
own personal frustrations and figured out the best way
to get the most from their share of the pie. I take heart in ---- TAB
that.
When you hear how the CAARNG figured out how to Definition of Irony: The part of the Army that paid the
create a training site from some underutilized resources, biggest bills during the downsizing, the heavy force, is
and how common sense some of the initiatives were, now the part of the conventional Army called upon to
you will realize that we can maintain some measure of perform its mission most often.
By Order of the Secretary of the Army: Official:
DENNIS J. REIMER JOEL B. HUDSON
General, United States Army Administrative Assistant to the
Chief of Staff Secretary of the Army
05169
The Professional Development Bulletin of the Armor Branch PB-17-98-6
Editor-in-Chief
Features
LTC TERRY A. BLAKELY
8 Pushing the Envelope of Battlefield Superiority
by Robert S. Cameron, Ph.D.
Managing Editor
15 Leaders Conducting After-Action Reviews
JON T. CLEMENS
Often Deliver Substandard Feedback
by Colonel William E. Blankmeyer and Lieutenant Colonel Terry A. Blakely
Commandant
19 An NTC For the Next Century
MG GEORGEH. HARMEYER By Lieutenant Colonel Martin N. Stanton
22 Long Range Surveillance Scout System (LRAS3)
ARMOR (ISSN 0004-2420) is published bi­ by Captain Michel Jones and Sergeant First Class Christopher Wagner
monthly by the U.S. Anny Annor Center, 4401
25 KEY MAP: 10 Division Annor/Cavalry Geographical Locations
Vine Grove Road, Fort Knox, KY 40121.
26 LISTING: Active Component Units
Disclaimer: The infonnation contained in AR­
29 LISTING: Army National Guard Units
MOR represents the professional opinions of the
authors and does not necessarily reflect the offi­ 32 LISTING: Army National Guard Brigade Commanders List
cial Anny or TRADOC position, nor does it 34 Remember the Road to Bataan
change or supersede any infonnation presented by Lieutentant Colonel John M. Menter and First Lieutenant Michael R. Evans
in other official Anny publications.
40 PARK 'EM: The Last M60s Hit the Bullpen
Official distribution is limited to one copy for by Captain Roger T. Aeschliman
each annored brigade headquarters, annored 43 The 11 th Armored Cavalry Regiment:
cavalry regiment headquarters, annor battalion NTC's "Home Team" Battles with the Best
headquarters, annored cavalry squadron head­
44 Airborne Ground Cavalry
quarters, reconnaissance squadron headquar­
by Captain Gregory K. Stephens
ters, annored cavalry troop, annor company,
47 Annor in Korea
and motorized brigade headquarters of the
by Captain Andrew T. Berkowitz
United States Anny. In addition, Anny libraries,
Anny and DOD schools, HQ DA and MACOM 48 Testing the New XM 908 Obstacle-Reducing Tank Round
staff agencies with responsibility for annored, di­ 49 4th 10 Pioneers New Division Design
rect fire, ground combat systems, organizations, by Major Mark Newell
and the training of personnel for such organiza­ 50 TADSS Rides to the Rescue As Training Funds Disappear
tions may request two copies by sending a re­ by Colonel Ted Carmony
quest to the editor-in-chief.
51 Training for War, and Battling the Weather, Fighting Drugs and Helping
Authorized Content: ARMOR will print only Neighbors, It Was a High-Tempo Year for the 42nd 10
those materials for which the U.S. Anny Annor by Captain Richard L. Goldenberg
Center has proponency. That proponency in­ 52 Joint Services Team to Test and Evaluate Close Air Support at the NTC
cludes: all annored, direct-fire ground combat­ by Sergeant First Class Roderick McCottrell
systems that do not serve primarily as infantry
53 USAREUR Live Fire
carriers; all weapons used exclusively in these
systems or by CMF 19-series enlisted soldiers; 55 A Year or Reforging
any miscellaneous items of equipment which ar­ 57 Tactical Vignette 98-6, "Cobra's Counterreconnaissance Fight"
mor and annored cavalry organizations use ex­ 58 SOLUTIONS: Tactical Vignette 98-4, "Showdown at Bruechville"
clusively; training for all SC 12A, 12B, and 12C
Back Regular Army Officer Commanding Iowa ARNG Cavalry Squadron
officers and for all CMF-19-series enlisted sol­
Cover by Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. King
diers; and infonnation conceming the training,
logistics, history, and leadership of annor and ar­
Departments
mored cavalry units at the brigade/regiment level
and below, to include Threat units at those lev­ 2 Contacts 5 Commander's Hatch
els. 3 Letters 7 Driver's Seat
Material may be reprinted, provided credit is
given to ARMOR and to the author, except Periodicals Postage paid at Fort Knox, KY, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to
where copyright is indicated. Editor, ARMOR, ATTN: ATZK-TDM, Fort Knox, KY 40121-5210.
Distribution Restriction: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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November-December 1998, Vol. CVD No.6 .' .___________________________-'
Directory - Points of Contact

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U.S. Army Armor Center
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ARMOR Editorial Offices
MG George Harmeyer 2121

E-Mail: [email protected]
Edltor-In-Chlef
LTC Terry A. Blakely 2249 Deputy Commanding General (ATZK-DCG)
E-Mail: [email protected] BG R. Steven Whitcomb 7555
E-Mail: TBA
Managing Editor
Jon T. Clemens 2249 Chief of Staff (ATZK-CS)

E-Mail: [email protected] COL Frank J. Gehrki III 1101
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E-Mail: [email protected]
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Vivian Oertle 2610 \
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CSM David L. Lady 4952
Production Assistant E-Mail: [email protected]
Mary Hager 2610 r
E-Mail: [email protected] Directorate of Force Development (ATZK-FD)

COL John F. Kalb 5050

Staff Illustrator E-Mail: [email protected]
Mr. Jody Harmon 2610
E-Mail: [email protected] Directorate of Training and Doctrine Development (ATZK-TD)

COL William J. Blankmeyer 8247

E-Mail: [email protected]
U.S. Army Armor School
TRADOC System Manager for Force XXI (ATZK-XXI)

Director, Armor School (ATSB-DAS) COL Robert L. Westholm 4009

COL Richard P. Geier 1050 E-Mail: [email protected]
E-Mail: [email protected]
TRADOC System Manager for Abrams (ATZK-TS)

Annor School Sergeant Major (ATSB-CSM) LT C(P) James H. Nunn 7955

CSM J. D. Duncan 5405 E-Mail: [email protected]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mounted Maneuver Battlespace Battle Lab (ATZK-MW)

NCO Academy (ATSB-NC) COL Karl J. Gunzelman 7809

CSM Kevin P. Garvey 5150 E-Mail: [email protected]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Office, Chief of Armor (ATZK-AR)

16th Cavalry Regiment (ATSB-SBZ) COL Patrick F. Webb 1272

COL Michael D. Jones 7848 E-Mail: [email protected]
E-Mail: [email protected] FAX 7585
1st Annor Training Brigade (ATSB-BAZ) Special Assistant to the CG (ARNG) (ATZK-SA)

COL Scott R. Feil 6843 LTC Randall Williams 1315

E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]
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2 ARMOR - November-December 1998
The Origin of the ACAV: the unit colors or took care of the horses? the program is only as good as the soldiers
It Wasn’t Our Idea! What about the bugler who was there to lead that organize it. If we become complacent and
the charge into battle? What about those ease the standards, then maybe the best of
soldiers who made sure there was plenty of the best aren’t wearing spurs. The challenge
Dear Sir: ammunition? There were many contributors to is to have a tough, demanding program and
I very much enjoyed SFC Thompson’s the efforts of our cavalry troopers on horse- keep it that way through all the changes of
“Light/Heavy Integration at the JRTC” in your back. Without the efforts of those behind the command and NCO responsibilities. The
July-August 1998 issue. He is, however, scenes and those riding stride for stride with leadership of each squadron and regiment
slightly confused as to the origin of the Ar- the horse soldiers, the enemy may have been must pass on the traditions of the spur and
mored Cavalry Assault Vehicle (ACAV). The victorious. The Order of the Spur identifies keep it vibrant and meaningful. Another re-
Viets didn’t borrow it from us, we borrowed it excellence within an organization. Excellence quirement for spur candidates should be that
from them! comes in many sizes, sexes, and MOSs, and spur holders senior to them recommend them
many of them rode on those cavalry horses. for spurs. Additionally, the person recom-
In May 1965, I was briefed in Saigon that my Our organization, which is a part of the 3rd mending the candidate must have knowledge
prospective [South Vietnamese] counterpart ACR, has no 19Ks or 19Ds. We are the me- of the soldier’s performance.
was a madman using M113s as tanks, and I chanics, medics, chemical specialists, etc.,
must persuade him to stop. After joining my who help make it possible for our regiment to The last requirement, meeting the prerequi-
squadron and accompanying its deployed be a viable fighting force. sites of the Excellence in Armor (EIA) Pro-
troops in the field, I phoned back to report, gram cannot happen with the support MOSs.
“You’re right. He is using M113s as tanks. The next requirement discussed in the article There are some prerequisites of the EIA pro-
What’s more, it works! The 113 is the cham- states that, “Holders of the Order of the Spur gram that support soldiers can attain; how-
pion VC killer of I Corps. Spread the word.” should be at the rank of corporal or above.” ever, they can never be enrolled in the pro-
That opinion has some merit. Sometimes gram. The EIA program is specifically geared
My Viets were using jerry-rigged gunshields young soldiers are prematurely given the toward armor and cavalry soldiers. In the
and hatch armor made from whatever scrap opportunity to get their spurs. It is often debat- article, the students stated that, “Other CMFs
metal they could find. I managed to get the able whether or not young soldiers with little have their own methods for recognizing sol-
Ordnance depot in Saigon to standardize a time in service are seasoned enough to ap- diers of distinction, such as Expert Infantry
design and fabricate it in quantity using real preciate the significance of the spur or have Badge….” The Armor community’s EIA pro-
armor plate. The result was the ACAV. shown motivation, technical and tactical com- gram is a program of distinction. It just doesn’t
petence, leadership, and extraordinary skills have a patch or badge. EIA soldiers in Armor
U.S. units, beginning with the 1/4 Cav and
over a sustained period of time. Careful and Cavalry units should stand tall above the
peaking with the 11th ACR, were quick to
evaluation by the chain of command is critical rest. The EIA program is a great example of a
adopt the ACAV and use it well throughout the
to assessing the talent within organizations. program that is only as good as the people
war. I’ve even seen a few in TV coverage of
the Israeli Army. Unit leadership must have the motivation to and units that run it. Unfortunately, armor and
tell soldiers up front, their strengths and cavalry soldiers only realize the benefit of the
weaknesses. Recommendations for Spur program when they’re progressing from SGT
R.R. BATTREALL candidates should be based on the overall to SSG, because the EIA program is the only
COL, Armor (Ret.) assessment of the soldier. Sometimes you program that awards 50 promotion points for
[email protected] just can’t pin a rank on that. Once a soldier taking and passing a Level II written profi-
earns his spurs, he is still under constant ciency test. So the bottom line is yes, cavalry
Recent Letter on Spur Program scrutiny and must maintain the spur stan- and armor soldiers do have a program spe-
Spurs Objections, Calls for Change dards. If not, then units must disenroll them cifically geared toward distinction and excel-
and take their spurs. Disenrollment due to lence. Maybe we just need to do a better job
Dear Sir: unsatisfactory performance gives the com- of utilizing it at unit level. EIA prerequisites
mand a tool for keeping the program a suc- cannot be a standard for the Spur Program,
I was greatly alarmed and concerned about cess story. because it would alienate superior performers
the article on the Spur Program submitted by in other critical MOSs.
ANCOC Class 98-01D in the July-August Regarding the third requirement for Spur
1998 issue. The suggested guidelines for Programs for only MTOE and TDA cavalry Ultimately, the Spur Program must be a pro-
tightening qualifications and standardizing the units, I wholeheartedly agree. There is great gram of honor and distinction. Many great
program are extremely one-sided. Although tradition associated with cavalry units and soldiers throughout history wore the spurs and
the 11 sergeants first class make valid points troopers. A unit’s lineage and history are the represented them well. Many of those soldiers
about preserving the purpose and intent of the stronghold by which they link the past to the were not of CMF 19 descent. As long as units
program, they significantly miss the impor- present. Tradition in a unit can only make that maintain their focus on the program and treat
tance of all soldiers to a cavalry organization. unit stronger. It definitely builds pride, unity, it with the utmost of tradition and symbolism,
Soldiers of varying specialties have contrib- and esprit de corps. Spurs and cavalry troop- we cannot go wrong. If we allow the integrity
uted immensely to the successes of cavalry ers go hand in hand and it should stay that of the spur to become questionable, then
organizations throughout history. I would like way. individual units need to reassess their pro-
to take this opportunity to address each of the Requiring spur candidates to participate in a grams. We must remember that the greatness
basic requirements as emphasized in the major exercise such as NTC, JRTC, or CMTC of our units is not measured by the few, but
article. is a must. In our organization we require that the many that make up the team. Telling cav-
alry troopers, not from CMF 19, that they
First, the reservation of “The Order of the and many more prerequisites. Not only do our cannot participate in the Spur Program would
Spur” for CMF 19 soldiers only would be un- support soldiers have to deploy on a major damage the team. We in the cavalry are a
fair and unfortunate. Many soldiers serve exercise, but they must participate in a squad- family of one, sworn to serve our country to
cavalry organizations in many capacities to ron FTX, pass the CTT with 100%, complete the ultimate levels. The troops and companies
include: fuel handlers, maintenance, medical, an SRP and be deployable, qualify with their that compose the support squadron are ready
chemical, aircraft maintenance, etc. To say weapon, pass the APFT at 250 or higher, to fight and win right next to our armor and
that Spur holders should only be those that perform PMCS on all their assigned equip- cavalry brethren.
rode in the horse cavalry would slight those ment, and the list goes on. The program is
that belonged to cavalry units in the past. very difficult and leaves little room for excep-
Those soldiers that provided medical treat- tion. Additionally, spur candidates only get an CSM DAVID A. HARTZELL JR.
ment to our fallen comrades put themselves in opportunity to earn their spurs twice a year. SPT/3rd ACR
the line of fire. What about those that carried The bottom line on any Spur Program is that Ft. Carson, Colo.
ARMOR — November-December 1998 3
More on Maneuver Warfare: material, save aircraft? Contrary to the Holly- aircraft does not identify enemy vehicles or
Can We Change a Culture? wood stereotype of the Prussian automaton or targets, this is done by the pilots who crew the
Sergeant Schultz of Hogan’s Heroes, the aircraft. (This holds true for the ground scouts
Dear Sir: Germans simply were able to outthink the as well.) Our best asset in the OH-58D is the
enemy due to a military culture that started in tactical and technical expertise of the pilots
I am writing in response to the critique by the late 18th Century and endured through who operate this machine. Our sight system
SFC Stanchfield in the July-August 1998 is- many forms of government. I encourage those (Mast-Mounted Sight) provides both a thermal
sue of MAJ Don Vandergriff’s article, “Without who critique MAJ Vandergriff’s article to ex- imaging system, laser rangefinder, and a
the Proper Culture: Why Our Army Cannot amine The Roots of Blitzkrieg by James Co- television sensor, all capable of incredible
Practice Maneuver Warfare,” from the Janu- rum, The Dynamics of Doctrine by Timothy search techniques. The system, in its current
ary-February 1998 issue. Lupfer, Stormtroop Tactics by Bruce Gud- configuration, will not identify targets (unlike
It is funny that even today, maneuver war- mundsson, and A Genius For War by Trevor the Longbow or Comanche system). Addition-
fare, as a philosophy of warfare, is a term that Dupuy. It was only after 1942 and the strate- ally, in the ACR role, we typically work well
still carries a tremendous amount of emotional gic blunders over England and in North Africa forward of the ground assets, providing real-
baggage. Most of this stems from the defense and Russia did the professionalism and ex- time, accurate information to the ground force
reform debates of the mid-1980s, where a ceptional battlefield performance of the commander. Operating behind the scouts is a
dedicated cadre of civilian defense intellectu- Wehrmacht start to unravel due to extraordi- role used in the past by OH-58 Kiowa units.
als sought to reform our armed forces from nary casualties, especially among its cadre of This technique is still used, but typically not
the outside and change our way of thinking peacetime trained, long-service professionals. preferred. Having the largest concentrations of
about warfare. Our Army, being the conserva- Still, it bears looking at an army that was still Kiowa Warriors in the Army (32) in the 2d
tive institution it is, naturally resisted these able to generate a 5 to 1 casualty ratio against Armored Cavalry Regiment, affords the regi-
upstarts, especially their nerve at telling us the Russians in April 1945. Can we or should mental commander and corps commander
how to do our business when many of them we copy them outright? Of course not. But a with assets that can see the battlefield, digi-
had never heard a shot fired in anger. Sadly, high percentage of their practices are worth tally call-for-fire, send digital imagery (Im-
much of the debate took on the form of per- emulating. We must take advantage of our proved System), and record all that the pilots
sonal attacks and left the heart of the issues uniquely American characteristics. And initia- see on an 8mm tape. These reconnaissance
essentially unexamined. The irony of this is tive is one of those. However, if we have a platforms provide all of this plus an attack
that most organizations are incapable of re- culture that rewards the non-risk taker and capability of Hellfires, a .50 caliber machine
forming without significant outside influence, punishes those bold individuals who seize the gun, 2.75-in. rockets, and Stinger missiles.
and the Army responded in a predictable initiative and all the risks that go with it, we will Great article, and I enjoy reading more with
manner. lose that ability in our Army. And when the each new issue.
time comes for it, we will not have it in enough

Having said that, MAJ Vandergriff’s thesis is of our warrior leaders. I say we have that
quite simple. Assuming you have accepted culture now. CPT ANDREW KAUFMANN
the notion that the philosophy of maneuver Palehorse Troop Commander
warfare is a superior (faster and less costly) We must restore trust in our officer corps 4th Squadron, 2d ACR
method of winning in war, then we must cre- and destroy the cult of micro-management like Fort Polk, La.
ate a culture that will allow us to practice this. the scourge it is. These problems are due to a
Most historical analysis will support this no- culture that places the individual above the Excessive Simulation Breeds Training
tion. His assertion, which I support, is that our unit and fosters an unhealthy competition With Little Basis in Reality
current culture, which according to the Ameri- among brothers-in-arms for favor, resources,
can Heritage College Dictionary is “the totality promotion, awards, evaluations, and key jobs. Dear Sir:
of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, If we don’t, defeat on the field of battle, while COL Guy C. Swan’s letter from Fort Irwin
beliefs, institutions, and all other products of not necessarily inevitable (SFC Stanchfield’s (Jul/Aug 1998, pp. 3-4) is proof to me that our
human work and thought characteristic of a word, not MAJ Vandergriff’s), is highly likely. reliance on computer simulations has grown
community or population,” must change to Especially if the foe is determined to win, has excessive. The simulations industry has been
practice maneuver warfare. This culture of our solid technological resources, and masks his a gold mine for retired soldiers now in the
Army, not our society as SFC Stanchfield weaknesses while attacking ours. Look at how private sector. They have seduced policy-
asserts, is embodied in our system of promo- some of our SAMS-trained field grades tried to makers, who should know better, into believ-
tion, schooling, assignments, command selec- apply the MDMP in Somalia against an enemy ing that armor and mech infantry units can be
tion, emphasis on short-term results, micro- that didn’t fight by a doctrinal template. The trained on the cheap, and that none need any
management and zero-defects. These atti- result was a lot of raids that were busts, or longer scrape their knuckles disconnecting
tudes and mores translate directly into how we captured UN workers, or led to near-disaster. final drives in the dark.
lead, train, plan, evaluate training, command,
use reconnaissance, use supporting fires and My experience is that soldiers accustomed
such. This culture dissuades all but the most CHRISTOPHER M. COGLIANESE to the ease of moving computer icons have
exceptional leader from developing the bold- CPT, Infantry lost touch with the actual weight and volume
ness, tactical ability, and most importantly Fort Campbell, Ky. of ammo, fuel, parts, water, and food con-
trust to properly execute maneuver warfare. sumed by real units. These soldiers grow
We must change our culture, primarily in the spiritually and psychologically soft in the ster-
Role of OH-58D Is Essential
officer corps, if we are to stay ahead of a fu- ile indoor setting of the Sim Center, coping
In Brigade Reconnaissance Troop
ture enemy, especially one who is determined with rain, snow, mud, and insects only be-
to win and believes as much or more in his tween there and the gymnasium.
cause as we do in ours. Otherwise we are Dear Sir:
I commend 1LT Todd A. Napier of
very likely to meet defeat on the battlefield
In response to the article written by CPT USAREUR (“Maneuver Training: Overcoming
and suffer the same critique of the French
Felty (“The Brigade Reconnaissance Troop,” the Limitations,” Jul/Aug, p. 4) for creative
Army of 1939, the best army in the world until
Sep-Oct 98), I was disappointed to see his thinking. Yes, maneuver in HMMWVs is a
May 1940, when a more dynamic army swept
them to the English Channel in six weeks. lack of discussion about the OH-58D. He good fix to get around the long-standing
mentions the use of the helicopter as provid- USAREUR training restrictions he describes.
How were the Germans able to defeat the ing critical information to the brigade, as well
most technologically advanced army of the as providing overwatch for the scout platoon’s
time while being outnumbered in men and movement. Yes, this is true; however, the Continued on Page 39
4 ARMOR — November-December 1998
Armor Modernization,
The Key to the Future

by MG George H. Harmeyer, Commanding General, U.S. Army Armor Center

As the Chief of Armor, one of my big- soldiers until 2025. The fleet will consist such as Halon replacement, Vehicle In-
gest tasks is to ensure the viability and of four variants: M1A2 System En- tercom System (VIS), Battlefield Over-
readiness of our Army’s mounted force. hancement Package (SEP), M1A1 Digital ride, Pulse Jet System (PJS), select tita-
The Armor Center has forged a team that (D), M1A1, and M1. nium components, T-158LL track, and an
includes our peer subordinate commands Eyesafe Laser Rangefinder (ELRF) -
The M1A2 tank configuration repre-
in TRADOC, TACOM, PM Abrams, were part of production line improve-
sents a significant advancement in capa-
numerous companies in private industry, ments. All M1A2s will either be pro-
bility over the M1A1 tank in the areas of
and many other significant organizations duced with new production improve-
lethality, survivability, and maintainabil-
to prepare the way ahead for the mounted ments or be modified at field sites or de-
ity. The M1A2 MBT will evolve from its
force. This team has relied heavily on pots into the most modern configuration.
current configuration through a series of
constant input from the field about how 3 This program will ensure that our soldiers
pre-planned product improvements (PI).
to improve the M1 Abrams main battle are equipped with the best tank possible.
These improvements center on reliability,
tank. We are making tremendous strides
maintainability, enhanced command and The SEP program is the result of the
to equip our soldiers with the most mod-
control, better crew performance, and technological maturation of the second-
ern version of the M1 tank that we can
increased lethality. generation FLIR, the current com-
afford.
puter/electronic 3-5 year evolution cycle,
These pre-planned improvements will
and the need to make the M1A2 compli-
The Abrams tank fleet remains the cor- capitalize on state-of-the-art technologi-
ant with the Army’s digital Common
nerstone of our ground combat capability. cal advances. Most of the Near-Term
Operating Environment. The M1A2 SEP
We are currently projecting that some improvements are grouped into a System
will include the following major modifi-
variant of the M1 tank will be with our Enhancement Package (SEP). Others -
cations:
• Upgraded SEP electronics and C2
•
M1A2 SEP Second-generation FLIR and optical
improvements
• Embedded Battle • Under-Armor Auxiliary Power Unit
Command • 2nd Generation Forward (UAAPU)
Architecture Looking Infrared (FLIR) •
( FBCB2) • Mass Memory Unit Environmental cooling.
• Global W/ Built-In Growth • Integrated Thermal The Army will continue to maintain its
Positioning Management System edge as the world’s most lethal fighting
force as the M1A2 SEP is fielded.
System
Ideally, our goal would be to put an
• Under Armor M1A2 SEP in every Armor unit in the
• Enhanced Position Auxiliary Power U.S. Army, but currently we are not able
Location Unit to achieve this goal. The M1A1D is the
Reporting System next-best option to the M1A2 SEP. The
(EPLRS) M1A1D represents a solution to the criti-
• Eye Safe Laser
cal need for operational performance
Range Finder
improvements to the M1A1. With digiti-
• Improved Display zation, our Armor formations can operate
Color • Expert System at an increased tempo and commanders
can execute their missions well within the
Terrain Maps Diagnostics
Keyboard threat commander’s decision cycle.
Figure 1
ARMOR — November-December 1998 5
M1A1 D

High payoff improvements for the
M1A1 D are: • Colored Digital Terrain Maps
• External Auxiliary Power Unit
•
Integrated appliqué computer system
•
Far-target designation capabilities • COE Compliant • Improved Navigation
•
FBCB2 command and control system • SINCGARS SIP INC
•
Upgraded tank commander’s panel
• FBCB2
•
Eye-safe laser rangefinder Linked with Far Target
• Commander’s Color
Modernization of our M1 MBT fleet Tactical Display Location/Eye Safe Laser
means that the M1A2 SEP and the
M1A1D will continue to be the dominant
mounted maneuver systems in the world.
To ensure this, we must pursue an active
modernization program that capitalizes • VIS Intercom • Keyboard
on the most modern technological ad- System
vances that our country can provide. Our
Army must be able to adapt to the re-
quirements of the 21st century. We must
continue to maintain the capabilities of
combat overmatch that we currently en-
joy. • Enhanced Position Location Reporting System
As the Armor Center readies for the bi- Figure 2
ennial Armor Functional Area Assess-
ment to the senior Army leadership, we
Integrated Defense System (VIDS). Im- element of the modernization strategy
have revised the Armor modernization
proved ammunition and better target ac- that gives us the capability to bring tanks
strategy. This strategy mirrors the Army
quisition with next-generation FLIR are back to a like-new status. AIM is required
modernization strategy, and is the path to
required in order that we can maintain the not only for the M1A1 fleet, but will also
the future of the Armor Force. The key
capability of lethality overmatch. Our be needed for the M1A2 fleet as it
components of the Army’s modernization
first priority is to provide the M1A1 with reaches its 15th year.
plan are:
a second-generation FLIR for the Gun-
• Now that you have looked at the strat-
Fielding programs that enable infor- ner’s Primary Sight (GPS), starting in
egy and understand the basic building
mation superiority 2006, to maintain a combat overmatch.
blocks that will carry Armor into the next
• The M1A2 SEP, with its second-
Maintaining combat capability over- century, we need to explain the moderni-
generation FLIR has the lethality over-
match through selective moderniza- zation time line that will maintain our
match capability until 2012. In 2012, the
tion of combat systems. combat overmatch capabilities.
next-generation FLIR needs to be added
•
Conducting essential research and de- to both the GPS and CITV in order to
We have focused our modernization
velopment into leap-ahead science enable the tank to maintain overmatch
strategy for Armor on improved surviv-
and technology. until production and fielding of the Fu-
ability and lethality. These capabilities,
• ture Combat System (FCS). Additionally,
Re-capitalizing aging systems with coupled with the gun & ammunition ca-
FLIR also provides increased capability
product improvements, so as to pability upgrades, are the essence of Ar-
to avoid fratricide because it increases the
achieve status as a totally integrated mor supremacy through 2025 timeframe.
range at which the gunner and tank
force. The capabilities collectively provide Ar-
commander can positively identify a tar-
mor the ability to dominate distributed
get.
The Armor modernization plan, like the operations on the emerging Force XXI
Army modernization plan, consists of Conducting essential research and battlefield. Improved survivability and
five key areas. The first effort is to field development on modification to the target acquisition/fire control found in the
tanks that enable information superior- Abrams fleet and future Operations and M1A1D and M1A2 SEP will only mag-
ity. The M1A2 SEP and M1A1D provide Sustainment (O&S) cost-savers is the nify Armor’s capabilities.
excellent situational awareness and third component of the Armor moderni-

command and control capabilities. The zation program. In the near term, this As you can well determine, the Armor
M1A1D and M1A2 SEP provide us the includes the research, development, test modernization plan comprehensively
information dominance needed to pro- & evaluation (RDT&E) effort for VIDs covers all of the desired capabilities that
vide leaders a common relevant picture and other components that can be applied we need in the mounted, mobile system
of the battlefield, scaled to their level of to our existing M1 series of vehicles. In for the 21st century. The near-term Ar-
interest and tailored to their special needs. the far term, the RDT&E effort is the mor modernization program upgrades the
procurement of the Future Combat Sys- M1A1/M1A2 with increased situational
The second critical component of the
tem (FCS). awareness and re-capitalizes the older
Armor modernization plan is to maintain
models of the M1 with the AIM program.
combat capability overmatch through As we attempt to maintain the Abrams
The mid-term plan is product im-
selective modernization of combat sys- fleet through 2025 it is important that we
tems. The Armor modernization strategy have a viable program to re-capitalize
focuses on improving survivability with the fleet. The Abrams Integrated Man-
the latest armor packages and a Vehicle agement (AIM) program is the fourth Continued on Page 21
6 ARMOR — November-December 1998
Master Gunners - Vital to the Force
Rewarded By the Force
by CSM David L. Lady, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Anny Armor Center
There is a rumor being passed by some zations down to MSGs at division and the rank requirement. but commanders
soldiers: thai service as a master gunner is regiment. SFCs at battalion and squadron, may request waivers on behalf of their
no longer as desirable or as valuttble for a and SSGs at company and troop. The truly exceptional promotable SGTs. The
tanker or seoul's professional develop Conservative Heavy Division redesign prerequisites are:
ment as it once was. This rumor is incor- will eliminate 29 master gunner authori·
• SSG 10 SFC, volunteer, interviewed
"'" zations from the IOtai force by taking one
and recommended by their battal
company from each tank battalion. The
''Shoot first. kiU ftrst''' is the critical war ion/squadron commander.
second round of CINCOS reductions has
fighting skill for every soldier. The mas
eliminated so many Fort Knox instructor • Two years tank commander experience
ler gunner is the key advisor 10 armor and
authorizations that the 16th Cavalry may with 6 months on an MIAl or MIA2
cavalry commanders concerning every
have 10 reduce each master gunner class tank.
aspect of planning. preparing, and exe
cguratimnsg. tTahnek manadst eBr rgaudnlenye r gius ntnheer ye xppre0r-t fbeyw uerp g1r0a dfuouatre ss teuadcehn tsy e(aur)p. Ttoh ethsier tey1-itmwio· • TAaCb lseo vldmier sa s ma utsatn kh acvoem qmuaanlidfieerd w Titahnink
that every tanker. scout. and turret me nations do flO( mean that master gunnen; the last twelve months (RC soldiers,
chanic can rely on for the sound, current, are any less imponant 10 the armor force. qualified on IT VII or rrvm within
and doctrinally correct answer on any Master gunners are paying a bill propor the past twenty-four months). If the unit
rurret or weapon problem. The master tional to the entire armor force. There is has not had the M IA I or M IA 2 for that
gunner is the competent and confident still a healthy career development pyra long. successful· completion of NET
leader who eagerly seeks increased re mid for those who want 10 do the full job gunnery as a tank commander will meet
sponsibilily and who advances through of a master gunner. the requirement.
the full spectrum of armor and cavalry Commanders must look at their best • Ten·month in-service retention, after
assignments. Lei there be no mistake young staff sergeants and at their truly completion of the course.
about the vita] importance of the master
exceptional promotable sergeants when • GT score of 105; CO score of liD.
guMer to the readiness and combat ef
selecting prospective candidates. The unit
fectiveness of the armor force. • BNCOC graduate.
should get at least two years of service at
As stated in the review and analysis of company/uoop level from the new master • Passed TCGST within three months of
the latest master sergeant selection board, gunner. As CSM of 2-68 Armor, I would attending the course.
..... The best qualified are successful not accept new master gunners in the S-3,
• Secret clearance.
master gunners who have excelled as insisting that they complete at least two
TOE armor and cavalry platoon ser annual gunnery cycles and gain the All candidates must pass the height and
geants." Master gunners 3CCQUnt for less credibility needed to help design and weight/or body-fat content test prior to
than 5% of the Armor Force, yet 26% of execute the battalion gunnery program. admission. 1hey must pass the APFr
the CY 98 master sergeant selectees were Due to the ClNCOS reductions, I am prior 10 graduation. 1here are four gun
master gunners; 21% of the CY 98 ser· reconsidering the rank requirements: nery exams, and three maintenance ex·
geant first class selectees were master sending a sergeant first class may actually ams; the candidate has three opportunities
gunners. Three master gunners are cur hurt the NCO, if he does not get the to pass each exam and the APFr. Prior to
rently serving as CSMs in Four·Sw I» chance 10 demonstrate his skills al com beginning the Master Gunner Course.
sitions: Jack Tilley, John Beck, and Ben pany level before he must be assigned as each candidate should complete the Sen
Palacios. Don't let anyone tell a tanker or battalion/squadron master gunner. ior Instructor Operator (SID) course (they
scout that service as a master gunner is all have the opportunity). During the
Commanders and candidates must be
flO( an important or career-enhancing very wary of waiving or asking for waiv· Master Gunner Course, your candidates
assignment! win be trained in mounting, trouble
ers of prerequisites. The course is the
shooting, and employing the Tank
Master gunner authorizations have been hardest functional course that the Armor
affected by the drawdown: the CINCOS School offers, and is harder than BNCOC
Continued on Page 56
reductions rolled master gunner authori· or ANCOC. Only Fon. Knox can waive
ARMOR - November-December 1998 7
Pushing the Envelope of Battlefield Superiority:

American Tank Development
from the 1970s to the Present

by Robert S. Cameron, Ph.D.

“I was tired of being bombed all day series. Congress became skeptical about The M60A1 received passive night vision
and night. Then I was run over by Ameri- the Army’s ability to build a tank in a devices that intensified ambient light. On
can tanks, I have had enough.” timely and efficient manner.1 moonless nights, however, such devices
became useless. Therefore, the tank re-
(Iraqi POW statement quoted by MG The M60A1 made up the bulk of the
tained its searchlight, although its use
Thomas C. Foley during briefing at Army’s first-line tank force confronting
revealed the vehicle’s position. The ap-
NATO Commanders Conference, May Warsaw Pact forces in the Federal Re-
pearance of the night-sight-equipped T62
29, 1991) public of Germany. This tank was con-
in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War spurred this
sidered inadequate for offensive opera-
attention to night actions. Israeli experi-
This is the third in a series of articles tions or sustained off-road action. Al-
ence with the M60-series in the same
written on behalf of the Directorate of though one of the largest tanks in the
conflict revealed the existence of a shot
Force Developments. The earlier articles world, it lacked sufficient protection
trap between the turret chin and ring.
(Sep-Oct 97 and Jul-Aug 98) addressed against newer Soviet hypervelocity ki-
These areas received additional armor.
the design and development of the prin- netic energy rounds or shaped-charge
An add-on gunnery stabilization system
cipal tanks used by the U.S. Army from weapons. The M60A1’s fire control sys-
made fire-on-the-move a worthwhile
World War I to the 1970s. This article tem also suffered from a high failure rate.
capability. In test environments, the prob-
focuses upon the latter half of the Cold The tank’s poor night-fighting and fire-
ability of hitting targets while moving
War to the present. It identifies the M1- on-the-move capability further under-
increased from near zero to fifty percent.3
series tanks as the culmination of nearly mined its ability to fight continuous mo-
40 years of pioneering and developmental bile actions.2 A second set of improvements became
efforts in the design of tanks and their standardized as the M60A3 in 1978.
The Army needed a new tank. Congress
components. The M1-series provided These upgrades focused upon a fire con-
agreed, but it sought strict oversight to
U.S. Army with an overmatch quality trol system capable of a “… quantum
prevent excessive cost overruns. A new
long desired and it provided the spring- improvement in hit performance and
design would have to be cost effective,
board for further expansion of this supe- enhancement of range capability during
simple, reliable, possess superior surviv-
riority into the 21st century. The author adverse weather, smoke, fog, haze and
ability, and accommodate future up-
also wishes to acknowledge the guidance dust.”4 Key components of the fire con-
grades. It would have to be a major im-
and input provided by the command and trol system included a laser rangefinder
provement over the M60A1 to justify the
staffs of the Directorate of Force Devel- with a five kilometer range, a thermal
investment. Designing a tank to meet
opment and TRADOC Systems Manager sleeve to prevent gun tube warping, a
these criteria required time. In the in-
for Abrams Tank Fleet. wind sensor to provide input on wind
terim, the M60A1 would be upgraded
conditions, and an analog ballistic com-
In the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. Army through a series of product improve-
puter. The computer reduced the number
struggled to develop a tank superior to ments.
of manual calculations required of the
Soviet designs. These efforts resulted in
gunner. Data input included the range,
designs too complex and costly to pro- In 1969, the Senior Officers Materiel
wind, target tracking rate, atmospheric
duce. Instead the Army fielded tanks only Review Board recommended a series of
conditions, and ballistic solutions for
moderately superior to their Soviet coun- modifications to improve reliability, mo-
each of the four ammunition types avail-
terparts. By the 1970s, the emergence of bility, night operability, and fire-on-the-
able. With this input, the computer de-
the T62 and the proliferation of anti-tank move capability. Between 1971 and
termined the proper azimuth and eleva-
guided missiles threatened even this lim- 1975, the Army acted upon these recom-
tion for the gun.
ited superiority. Worse, the Vietnam War mendations. A top-loading air cleaner
drained funding from tank procurement. increased engine life by reducing dirt The computer increased the complexity
Of the reduced number of tanks actually intake. The Reliability Improved Selected of the fire control system, but — unlike
produced, many went to Israel to cover Equipment (RISE) engine, coupled with earlier systems — it simplified the gun-
losses suffered during the 1973 Arab- improved electrical components, in- ner’s action. It also possessed a self-
Israeli War. The cancellation of the creased service life. During testing, this diagnostic capability for troubleshooting.
MBT70 and XM803 programs, coupled engine averaged 5,000 miles of operation The new fire control system raised the
with continued problems with M60A2 before replacement. New T-142 tracks probability of a first-round hit to 75% at
and M551 development, left the Army with replaceable pads and provision of a 1,500 meters — significantly better than
with no viable replacement to the M60- deep water fording kit enhanced mobility. that achieved by Soviet tanks.5
8 ARMOR — November-December 1998