Armor: July 4, 2000

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The Army has begun issuing M2A3 "Digital Bradley" fighting vehicles to the troops at Fort Hood. The upgrade includes digital fire control, second-generation forward-looking infrared, an integrated position system, and digital displays for the commander, driver, and dismounted squad leader. The Army plans to upgrade 1,109 early M2s to the M2A3 standard at a cost of $3.8 billion, and then wants to upgrade even more of them. Defense officials warn, however, that upgrades to existing heavy armor equipment are under funded and may not happen if the Army moves into Medium Brigades.--Stephen V Cole