Can i build the Academy M2 straight out of the box and say that it represents a Bradley that took part in Operation Desert Storm and feel good about myself?

Sure, the 24th ID used the M2A1 and it is visually similar to the A0. There are some bustle rack differences, I also think the firing ports were not used, but I am not sure and will have to check my technical manuals. There were more visual differences between the M3 and M3A1 than between the M2 and M2A1.