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This M1A2 SEP was at the Killeen 125th Birthday celebration as part of a large military display. I spoke with the Staff Sergeant / Tank Commander and he gave me a little info on this tank. It served in either OIF 2 or 3 with 1/8 Cav, then was left in theater where this TC drew it as part of 3-67 AR, 4th ID. After it's deployment with 3-67, it was a "piece of junk" per the TC. It was sent to Lima, Ohio for "re-fit" where it was upgraded to A2 SEP standards. This TC told me most M1's see a rebuild between 2-3,000 miles. This particular M1 had over 7,000 miles before being re-fitted. It would not have even been re-fitted had it not been hit by an IED. The TC then pointed out damage that was not repaired at refit, such as the smoke grenade launchers, and the small BB size hole in the side panel by the base of the barrell. The TC also told me the IED dented the barrell which was replaced. He also said all the side skirts on the side the barrell is hung out over were replaced as well. However they all looked the same and carried the same serial numbers on all plates on both sides. My 7 year old Morgan got to sit in the drivers hole and I had him stand next to the tank round for a size comparison, (Morgans 48inches tall). More pictures to follow of other display equipment.

Other items on display included an M109 Paladin, an MLRS, Mummer, and an M2 Bradley. There was also an LMTV and an Apache and Blackhawk. Helicopters are always a hit with my boys. I explained to them that I always sat where Jeffrey, (my 12 year old on the left) is sitting when I flew AirAssault missions with 1-503rd INF in Korea.

I actually thought someone might comment on the mileage of this M1 and its refit/ schedule. Any comments?!?!?!

Hi Jeff! Hi Folks!

- SFC_Jeff_Button

I actually thought someone might comment on the mileage of this M1 and its refit/ schedule. Any comments?!?!?!

Sometimes the mileage goes way over the normal turn in due to the situation were the vehicles are. It didn't surpise me.

While I can not comment on M1 mileages, I was assigned to a test unit at Hunter Leggitt (Sp-?) and we had 25 x M60A1s and 12 x M113A1s. If I remember right, the turn in mileage for a M60 was something like 6,000 for depot level rebuild and most of those 25 tanks had 10,000 plus miles on them. The place was about 25 or 30 miles from the nearest rail head (Camp Roberts) and the the local roads could not support vehicles that heavy. Sense the unit was a test TDA outfit and not a TOE unit with a combat mission, those tanks were not turned in unless some very major happiened to them.

To move tanks between the rail head at Camp Roberts and the camp, the Army would pay local farmers/ranchers for the right-of-way to drive and tow heavy tracked vehicles acrossed their land. The Army also had to pay for repairs to all fences that needed to be cut and pulled out of the way.

Some of my old history,
Sgt, Scouts Out!