M-113 with bar armor

[Roy_A_Lingle]

Hi Folks!

Received my October issue of Army Magazine today. The October issue is the 2006-07 Green Book which lists just about everything you would like to know about the Army. On page 371 is the following photo. I notice through out the section on equipment, where an item has a name, that name is used along with it's Letter-Number designation, for example M88A2 Hercules. The only designation/name in the section on this old track is M113 Family of Vehicles (FOV).



A little follow up my use of the term "A0" when I am talking about the origianl version of a vehicle. This issue of Army I found the term M2A0 and M3A0 used on page 370.
"The new A3 variants reflect the latest iterations of a fighting vehicle family that includes the Bradley M2/M3A0, A1, A2, A2 ODS, IFV/CFV."

Spot Report!
Sgt, Scouts Out!

[JimWeb]

- Roy_A_Lingle

The only designation/name in the section on this old track is M113 Family of Vehicles (FOV).

My contacts in iraq refer to them as 'birdcages' so M113A3 Birdcage it is...

[Sabot]

M2A0 and M3A0 were placed into use because they had a longer service life than most combat vehicles. We still had A0, A1, A2, A2ODS and A3s in service with forces all at the same time. When two guys are talking about an M2 or M3 they are usually in the same unit and each knows which variant they have.

But in writing, which is normally communication between two differing entities, you've got to specify which variant. Using "A0" takes away the confusion that you may be referring to the M2 or M3 FOV generically. It specifies that the vehicle you are talking about is the original version.

[Roy_A_Lingle]

Hi Sabot! Hi Folks!

Are you saying that the use of the term 'A0' is an offical term when talking about the Bradley FOVs? Or is it just a common sense term that troops have picked up, something "Slick 60"?

I have been confized so many times when someone is talking about an item and I don't know if they are talking an individual model or the group in general. For example, M4 Sherman, is that the original version or the Sherman FOVs? Using the term 'A0' just makes common sense to me. That was why I started using it on other systems that are now retired. Like M113A0 for the mo-gasser verision which was retired a long time ago.

Interesting!
Sgt, Scouts Out!

[Sabot]

Yes, M2A0 and M3A0 are official when used in communications. Technical manuals (TMs) still use M2 and M3 though.

[Dontos]

Here are a couple of shots I took at the 'Armor Conference' back in May.





This vehicle (below) is the Museums 'ACAV' used in demos. It is an M113A2 but 'posing' as a Vietnam era M113A1 'ACAV'.



We do have an -A1 on static display.

Don

[SFC_Jeff_Button]

Damn fine photo's Donto's, we need more pictures from you there at Knox!!! Is that you in the "ACAV"?

[Dontos]

- SFC_Jeff_Button

Damn fine photo's Donto's, we need more pictures from you there at Knox!!! Is that you in the "ACAV"?

I do have a bunch...

I try to provide specific requests since there are so many Patton Museum photos floating out there on the internet.

Yeah, thats me. It was taken the day we rolled this vehicle out for a Reunion group. We have two 'ACAVs' used in exhibits and Demonstrations.

Don

[JeffStringer]

Really nice photos everyone. I have never seen the 'bar armor' on the M113.

Learned something new!


Jeff

[SFC_Jeff_Button]

Dontos, as far as I'm concerned, I don't see enough pictures on this forum. Post everything you can, and I'd bet no one would complain. As I'm sure most people on this DG know, I post pic's whenever I can. I believe a picture is worth a thousand words. You got any plans to get Texas / Ft Hood way?, if so, let me know.

[Roy_A_Lingle]

Hi Dontos! Hi Folks!

Just a suggestion.

Some detail shots of the inside of one of those M113s would be nice.
There are a number of model kits on the market and very few photos available of the enterior of that track.

I would love to see all the photos you have of the M113 'Birdcage' if there are any more!

Great photos, thanks!
Sgt, Scouts Out!