CAN THE U.S. MILITARY WIN WITHOUT ITS ARMY TANK?


By akirschbaum
U.S. Army Soldiers from Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division conduct mission rehearsals and a walk through with their Army tank vehicles for an upcoming mission during Decisive Action Rotation 15-02 at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., on Nov. 17, 2014.

For decades, the U.S. Army tank has been seen as a symbol of might and power since it has a significant role in warfare. But with the advancement of technology and warfare, is the symbolic tank still crucial for winning battles? Can America stand to its glory in battle without this big chunk? The military has a long history of using tanks to win on the battlefield. It has been used in World War I, World War II, and the Gulf War. However, as warfare becomes increasingly unconventional, the need for versatile military capabilities is more critical than ever over big machinery. Suggested read:Mobile Protected Firepower Contract Awarded for New Army Tanks

Understanding the Role of Army Tanks

In history, the Army tank has been used to be up close and destroy the enemy. It is an offensive weapon to succeed in ground combat missions and win. This weapon provides three specific combinations: protection, speed, and firepower. Speed allows the military to advance and move beyond the enemy lines. Protection permits tanks to be a shield for Soldiers from enemy attacks. Lastly, firepower: it acts as a large-caliber main gun, ready to blast anything on its way. In a survey in 2020, there were around 73,000 Army tanks worldwide. The United States is improving the Abrams tank with the M1E3 Abrams; meanwhile, France and Germany are developing the Main Ground Combat System. China has the Army tank ZTZ-99A2, Japan has the Type-10 tank, and Korea has the K2 Black Panther. Regardless of the evolution of warfare, Army tanks are still relevant, and armies still believe in their power on the battlefield.Related read: The Track Record of the M1 Abrams Speaks for Itself

The Versatility and Firepower of Army Tanks

Today, the role of a U.S. Army tank has been under scrutiny, challenging the need or use of these big machines. There is a thought experiment where the U.S. Army will be on the battlefield without their M1 Abrams tanks. They only need to rely on their capabilities in offense and defense.

Countering Enemies Without the Army Tank

The structure of the U.S. Army with its M2 Bradley infantry fighting tanks remains relevant today. Not to mention the array of anti-tank weaponry, Javelin anti-tank, TOW2B long-range, and AT-4 unguided rockets, the U.S. is fully ready to neutralize threats. With this powerful Army tank, there is a hit possibility of 90% against the enemy. In a defensive scenario, the U.S. Army can still win in battle without any tanks, if they have anti-tank systems. Plus, the cooperation in warfare of armored vehicles, infantry, attack helicopters, and artillery is a powerful force that creates a strong defense, showing the Army's capability to withstand and repulse its enemies.

Maneuvering Offensively in the Absence of Tanks

Without tanks, it will significantly affect an infantry operation, exposing them to the enemy and their vulnerabilities. Though this can be challenging, it is not impossible. However, this can be avoided with the help of a Bradley Fighting vehicle. Soldiers can get close to the enemy lines while avoiding a fire attack. But this should be well-planned for the operation to be successful.

Impact of Losing the Army Tank in Modern Warfare

The use of Army tankers is still essential in battle. Without it, Soldiers must rely on their instincts, sharp decision-making, and a well-planned tactic. Also, without an Army tank, they may need to operate on foot, causing a delay in the attack. Once they encounter any barriers, the infantry might need the help of a Bradley to transport them safely and conduct an anti-fire attack. Without the tankers, the U.S. Army may go forward or backward. Having this powerful machine in battle can still play a significant role in the fate of winning. An Army tank is still in need in modern warfare until such a time that more modern technology phases them out. Read next: The Bradley Fighting Vehicle Is Ready for a Range of Environments


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