I'm a new armor modeler making a diorama with an M1A1, M2, and HMMWV together in the deserts of Iraq. Can anybody fill me in on how the numbering should go on them and what the "" "^" things mean? Sorry, but new to this. Thanks

There is a good article written by Pete Becerra in the features section here on US modern armor markings. The inverted "V" used in Desert Storm is a friendly forces (coalition chevron) marking.

The "V" you see today on US Army tanks represent what platoon the vehicle belongs to (a platoon is the smallest combat armor unit). When the chevron is to the left of the number, it is a 1st platoon tank, above the number is 2nd platoon, right of the number is 3rd platoon, below the number is 4th platoon (not normally found in an armor unit).

When the chevron is to the right or left, it stays to the right or left regardless of which side of the vehicle it is on. So it would face forward on one side and backwards on the other side.

Any particular unit or vehicle you want to build?

Thanks. Any unit would be fine, just trying to make them look a little more realistic. If I put the chevron to the right on the tank would the M2 and HMMWV also have it the same way?

No, not necessarily, those vehicle would not be in the same platoon of the same company. They could be both from a first or second or third platoon, but not from the same unit. The M2 and M1A1 would not even be from the same battalion, but they would be used next to one another with cross-attaching. The HMMWV would be from the tank or infantry battalion and the 2-digit number on the side of the tank or M2 would be the same as the HMMWV. The HMMWV would most likely not have the chevron since it in maneuver battalions they tend to belong to the HQs or staff.

Thanks for your help. You guys have a great site