What's the tubular device on the hull of this precariously balanced M113 It looks like a kind of folded antenna mast to me....

Just click on the picture to enlarge it :

TIA
Frenchy

I can't see the pics right now from work. But depending on what type of M-113 it is, most likely it is an antenna mast. I will check again when I get home and let you know.

Yes Frenchy, it is an antenna mast.

But you wnat to know something Frenchy, that "POOP" is scary! That happend to me back in ODS. We had just finished off loading a couple of M113, M548, and M577 from a C5 Galexy an d loaded them on flat beds. Well, the Saudi that was driving the truck I was on didn't want to tie the vehicles down because we where not going to far. I tried to show him that on the side of the M113 was written in big white chalk "BRAKES INOP!" Well, has soon as we took off, we heard a big load bang and we looked behind and on the ground was the M113. Well let just say we all stoped and put chains on all the vehicles then on.

That's what I like about M113s, the list of variants seems to be endless !
Thanks to Mike for the fast reply...and thanks to Pete for the anecdote

Is it a command post vehicle, with an official designation, or is this M113 the only one of its kind ?

Frenchy

It probably belongs to an MI detatchment, or that antenna could be one of those jammers for cellphone detonated IED's

Looks like a standard M113A3 with a QEAMS (Quick Erection Antenna Mast System) on top. It is a standard FM antenna with the same type mast-head as an OE-254 antenna. It stands up, then is crancked up to a height of about 20 feet.

The bumper #s identify it as 1st CAV DIV, 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, which is a Mechanized Infantry Bn/Squadron. Not sure, but , by the number of antennas on it, it could be the commander's forward CP that he goes up on the front lines in.

Thanks to all for the replies

Frenchy

Gino's right, QEAMS.

The track is A-90, 2-5 CAV, 1 BCT, 1CD, and if memory serves correctly, is March 2005 timeframe, during the redeploy to Kuwait. A CO was cross attached to 1-12 CAV (my unit) for the duration of OIF II. Was a standard M113A3, used as a CO CP.

Jed Sargent

After getting a look at the pic, the antenna mast is the only "other" antenna on that 113, the 2 antenna mounts on the left side of the track are the standard antenna's for the track. Most likely this track is used as a "jump" or relay track. Then extendable mast lets them pick up radio transmissions from a greater distance, and then they can relay them to the forward deployed troops.

Not a jump track or relay track. Contains only two radios. When stationary and the antenna is erected, they switch from small antenna to large antenna. One antenna on Battalion Command, one on Company Command. Referencing post above, that vehicle was part of my Battalion while deployed to Iraq.

Jed

I knew it looked familiar. I was the A/2-5 CAV FSO when I was in 1CD as a 2LT from '95-'96. Small world.

Thanks Jed for the first hand additionnal info

Frenchy

*sings the Army theme song.*

"It's a small world after all, it's a ...."

If you find some of MSG Corey Sanders photos over on Prime Portal, he may have another few of that track, or other related tracks. One of the alternate methods of mounting the QEAMS antenna was to create a brack that bolted onto the side, made from sheet steel. For some reason, some of our kits came missing a few parts.

Jed

But in the Army

If its not missing parts it isnt complete.
If it doesnt leak it's not working.
If it tastes goo it isnt food.