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The M113A3 has always been something the Army should have purchased in quantity. Instead, they chose the Bradley. The Bradley is a bigger target than an M-1 tank. It also costs a LOT more than the M113A3 would have. I wouldn't have wanted to face hostile fire in a Bradley, an M113A3, a LAV-25, or a Stryker - I'm a heavy armor type. Didn't have to face hostile fire in anything, though. I was so good, enemies of the US were too afraid of me to try anything while I was in. :-)

M113A3 Advantages: True cross country mobility, very flexible armament selection, decent armor protection, air transportable . . .

Disadvantages: Costs a lot less (less Pork to bring home), not a sexy-looking wheeled thingy, doesn't emply enough constituents 'cause it's an upgrade versus a new vehicle.

M113A3 Disadvantages: Costs a lot less (less Pork to bring home), not a sexy-looking wheeled thingy, doesn't emply enough constituents 'cause it's an upgrade versus a new vehicle.

And the aluminum armor makes it burn nicely when hit with a hot enough round.

I agree with you about the pork issue. The "not new" issue is also big, as the development costs have already been amortized, so a new production run gives fewer opportunities to pad the bill

M113 is slower. I like the new Buggies tube framed and can carry twin 50's even quads..... it can travel over 60 is 4 wheel drive.... engine in the rear it can lose a tire, not just flat but gone off the side and run fast on 3 wheels because it is balanced. It hits fast and so far the SF boys are playing with them. They can be stacked on top of each other to be loaded. they are very light.

As to the Strykers....they are deployed like Airborne. They move in fast hit hard and get out. They have waiting air support chops and fixed wings.... they have real time battle info and comm.... if they are utilized like they are supposed to instead of misused like the Airborne and Rangers in WWII, (Attrited as front line soldiers), they will be very efective. They have anti-tank weapons and can kill most tanks the enemy has. But they are made to hit and run. Overwhelming fire against infantry and too fast for arty.

I was M113 and M981 qualified. The M981 FIST, TOW could run 60 mph go up a grade of around 75% and kills tanks. Bad thing is only armed with TOWS one 60 and personal weapons. Trained OCS'ers on the Targeting System for a while at FT. SILL.... goes to 10 digit grid square, know where you are and hit target every time. M981 - 26 tons / M113 - 13 tons