[tanknetter]

But maybe they will use it as highly mobile artillery in a direct fire role.

That's what I'm thinking as well. Also as highly-mobile cover for Marine riflemen to duck behind when taking light arms fire.

Tanks have worked well in similar situations before. Recall that one of the reasons why the US got bit so hard in Somalia was because Clinton's first SecDef (McNamara "Wiz Kid" Les Aspin) refused to fulfill request to deploy armor.

[piytar]

“Tanks have worked well in similar situations before. Recall that one of the reasons why the US got bit so hard in Somalia was because Clinton’s first SecDef (McNamara “Wiz Kid” Les Aspin) refused to fulfill request to deploy armor.”

Excellent point. BTW, elcid made the comment you quoted, so I’m copying him. (I agree 100%, just thought he might be interested in your point, too.)