Armor: April 6, 2003

Archives

U.S. troops in Iraq using the M-2 Bradley had learned to adapt to heavy combat in Iraq. They have increased the amount of time spent on maintenance, to deal with the dust storms and constant movement. The 25mm cannon is sometimes boresighted twice a day, and they have found that the empty 25mm brass cases have to be cleared out of the catchers and turret rings regularly, otherwise the brass will pile up and cause the turret to jam. The furious close in fighting with Iraqi irregulars has led many Bradley crewmen to pick of AK-47s and ammunition and use these for additional vehicle protection. It's easier to pick up another loaded AK-47 than to take out an empty magazine and insert a new one.