The M1A1: Maintaining Relevance for the Marine Corps Most Survivable and Lethal Infantry Support Platform
Abstract
The M1A1 Main Battle Tank has evolved into the Marine Corps most efficient tank killing machine. Tank development since World War II has focused primarily on increasing the tanks ability to fight another tank and win. However, in the history of Marine armor Marine tanks have only rarely engaged enemy tank formations, instead they have been primarily used to enable infantry operations. As the Marine Corps enters the complex and disbursed operating environment of the 21st century, a piece of equipment only designed to destroy tanks will have limited practicality on the battlefield. While remaining relevant as a direct fire weapon, without significant attention to its communication, digital, surveillance, and networking capabilities, the M1A1 will find itself with minimal options for employment. Going forward, the Marine Corps must reevaluate its tank development and bring the focus back to how best to enable the infantry. This paper advocates a more balanced approached to the tanks most dangerous mission of fighting other tanks versus its most likely mission of supporting the infantry. The time has come for the Marine Corps to develop capabilities for its tank that will better enable it to perform in its role as an infantry support platform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 07, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1176933
Entities
People
- Harry P. Consau
Organizations
- Marine Corps University