How about a new Light tank designed with MOUT in mind? I'm saying this because the mobility and some firepower of the Abrams is just not needed in an urban environment, but all around armor is. How about something that sacrifices speed for full armor on all sides, and the main gun for AP weapons and a zippo? The purpose of Armor is to take a hit anyway, so when one of these comes down the street, it makes it safer for infantry that follows by drawing fire and fear of a flamethrower.
A lot of countries are building new light vehicles, LAV like with more armor and different weapon systems like 90mm turrets...
The army is developing this TUSK compilation of improvements to the M1 to make it more lethal and survivable in urban combat.
Personally I love the M-1 and loved having our tankers on patrol with me. I gave the TC one of my PRRs and on dismounted patrols they were fantastic for overwatch on main roads and any open areas etc. Wether a light tank would be better is one for the strategists, but it was nice to know that if need be I could have 2 armor beasts laying down some serious firepower in a split second if I needed it.
At some of our overwatch posts and check points, their optics were great for CIED work too. (not that a new vehicle wouldn't have these optics, just stating a fact)
Sounds good to go. My time there didn't have as much of this IED thing and we patrolled plenty without the tanks, so my experience is limited with them. I was just thinking about it all, and how I'd like to have a zippo with me.
