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Description
The REAL M1 Abrams! Chapter 6: Combat Engineering Issues (Part 1 of 3)

One of the most important tasks required of a Main Battle Tank is Combat Engineering --- there are times and places where you MUST get through, NOW, and the only way it's possible is by sending Tracked Armor forward to clear the way. Regular Engineering Vehicles can clear obstacles when the enemy isn't around, but Tanks are the ONLY means to do so if the obstacles are protected by fire.

The M1 Abrams however, is VERY lacking in this essential capability, and EVERY US military operation on the ground is in danger as a direct result.

To fully grasp the limitations of the M1 Abrams in Combat Engineering, and why it's a VERY serious problem, one must first know 3 things;
1- The history of Tanks in Combat Engineering.
2- Why Combat Engineering in modern war requires Tanks.
3- The most quintessential tools required for Tanks to perform Combat Engineering tasks.

Only then, one can clearly see why a Main Battle Tank MUST be able to perform said tasks, and how poorly the M1 fares in this task. To that end, this Chapter is divided into three sections, in order to provide the most methodical coverage of the issue.

Here, in Part 1, you'll learn some of the history of Tanks in Combat Engineering through the two World Wars, and from the early Cold War onward from an American perspective. You will also learn of the two most useful tools for a Tank to have in any Combat Engineering task; a type of munition, and an attachment.

Only starting with this history can you appreciate why Tanks must ALWAYS be capable of said tasks.

Note: To play this animated GIF movie in full-scree, click "Download" (you may also save a copy on your computer, if you please).

Description
The REAL M1 Abrams! Chapter 6: Combat Engineering Issues (Part 1 of 3)

One of the most important tasks required of a Main Battle Tank is Combat Engineering --- there are times and places where you MUST get through, NOW, and the only way it's possible is by sending Tracked Armor forward to clear the way. Regular Engineering Vehicles can clear obstacles when the enemy isn't around, but Tanks are the ONLY means to do so if the obstacles are protected by fire.

The M1 Abrams however, is VERY lacking in this essential capability, and EVERY US military operation on the ground is in danger as a direct result.

To fully grasp the limitations of the M1 Abrams in Combat Engineering, and why it's a VERY serious problem, one must first know 3 things;
1- The history of Tanks in Combat Engineering.
2- Why Combat Engineering in modern war requires Tanks.
3- The most quintessential tools required for Tanks to perform Combat Engineering tasks.

Only then, one can clearly see why a Main Battle Tank MUST be able to perform said tasks, and how poorly the M1 fares in this task. To that end, this Chapter is divided into three sections, in order to provide the most methodical coverage of the issue.

Here, in Part 1, you'll learn some of the history of Tanks in Combat Engineering through the two World Wars, and from the early Cold War onward from an American perspective. You will also learn of the two most useful tools for a Tank to have in any Combat Engineering task; a type of munition, and an attachment.

Only starting with this history can you appreciate why Tanks must ALWAYS be capable of said tasks.

Note: To play this animated GIF movie in full-scree, click "Download" (you may also save a copy on your computer, if you please).