Ive bought eduards p.e set 22055 for m1a1/a2 and part 38 is an octogon that fits in middle of the rear turret basket. Am i right in thinking this is a cip? As the side cip's are a square and all pics ive sourced are square and only on side of the abrams turret.. can anyone identify is it a cip? Or something else?

No, the octagon panel was used to hold a colored number panel that denoted a unit identifier as part of European exercises, most commonly during REFORGER (REturn of FORces to GERmany) exercises. There were octagons, circles, squares, diamonds, etc. with geometric shapes and letter/number combos on them.

Hello Anthony,

From what I can remember, there were several geometric shapes used as temporary/semi-permanent maneuver markings on US vehicles. For example, one tank battalion might use a yellow triangle with black letters superimposed to identify various companies, while another might utilize a yellow rectangle and so on.

I don't recall seeing an octagonal shaped CIP in the past, but, that does not really mean much...lol

One thing that might be of benefit to you is the Verlinden NATO maneuver markings.

Respectfully,
Allen

The panels were usually round or four, six or eight sided. I've seen wood, cardboard and metal. Some were unit made, others issued. They could follow the reforger geometric symbology or a unit one or even just be a "tango" bumper codes. e.g. "A-11" in red for platoon leader's tank. Real lazy stuff but sometimes soldiers are real lazy. (Fort Knox armor standard operating procedure had first platoon as "red" )

Pretty sure there was a Technical Bulletin going over temporary maneuver markings placards and markings. I know an illustration in the markings manual showed a hexagon placard as an example since it would best fit all the other shapes possible.