Currently nearing the end of my Dragon M1A1 AIM build but I would like to know if the CIP's were removed from Abrams involved in the fighting around Karbala. I've seen some photos from that period which seem to suggest CIP's being removed from coalition armour. I can see the reasoning behind this but I wondered if anyone can confirm this. Once I've completed the project I'll be putting some pictures up for viewing.

Well, I can't give you personal experience, but I'll try to dig around and ask a friend who was there.

For the most part, though, you could probably rely on the laziness factor. If the CIP's are installed, we tend to leave them there. When the fall off, we tend to leave them off. Usually if there's a good chain of command involvement, though, you'll see a little more dedication to keeping the CIP's on when they fall off or are torn off.

I'll be seeing my buddy today, so hopefully will have something.

Jed

The CIPs were used throughout the invasion phase (OIF 1) up till we reached Baghdad and shortly after. Once we transitioned to a stability operation and fighting insurgents (late summer '03), they were not really needed or used. Many units removed them. I agree with Jared above though, if they were lost in battle, they were usually left off unless the issue was pushed. So yes, they should be on a 3ID tank fighting at Karbala.

Thanks for the replies so far guys, I can see a case for a vehicle with one or two panels missing. A compromise I suppose...

Talking with my friend who was in Karbala for a bit, his recollection is that CIP's were hit or miss. Just depended on whether or not they'd managed to stay attached, or the crew had cared to put them back on if missing.

Jed