Hey all-
Was searching the Army website when I found this:

Those ballistic shields look like the ones the Army puts on loader's M240 on M1A1s.
Kyle

Actually, it's the reverse. That ballistic shield was being issued in limited quantities prior to being mounted on the Abrams. Our scout platoon had one, and although they didn't care for it at the time, they never stopped using it.

Some interesting things about that picture. The gunner's turret armor's the older type (thinner, no angled rear), but they have the newer style gun shield. The nearest fella on the ground is wearing the VIC-3 style earcups that can be worn underneath the ACH. You can see the wire running around on the back of his neck, and the slight bulge of the speakers covering his ears. Of course, the lead truck's extra lights are not stock, but are added by the industrious crew/mechanics. And the extra antenna's, I know what they probably are, but they probably aren't a discussable topic.

There are things sometimes that you miss about having a well maintained vehicle to work with.

Jed

I recall seeing a few of those running around LSA Andaconda. That and there were also ballistic shields that were solid all the way around the turret.

Sarge18




As a former drive the "extras" just make you a bigger target!

Jim

They are most likely for anti-IED jamming devices..

They do define you as a more valuable target. And as installed in my unit, and briefed by our S2, were considered SECRET, and not available for discussion. Not sure of the current classification. *shrug* Everyone through normal means can figure out they are an anti-IED device from the news reports, but going past that concept into "how do the wires hookup", or "how long was the antenna", or even "how are they used in a tactical environment" may not be items that are capable of being talked about, since these questions, when put together as a whole, provide information. Sorry for the soapbox spiel, but some recent experiences have brought the Intelligence/Counter-Intelligence world into some new light for me.

Jed Sargent