[SGTGunn]

All active duty army heavy mechanized infantry (as opposed to "medium" Stryker equipped) units use the M2 Bradley IFV - and the vast majority (if not all) of NG ones as well. The last active duty mech infantry unit to use M113 was at FT. Carson I believe, and switched over to the Bradley around 1995. A lot of mech NG units were converted to light infantry units rather than switch to the Bradley. Post 1995 the active army only used M113s as a squad carrier for mech combat engineer units. They were also used heavily in mech, armor and artillery units as ambulances, logistical vehicles, maintenance vehicles, etc. For example, when I was stationed with A/2-63 AR in Germany in the late 90's we had 3 M113A3's in our company - 1 for the 1st SGT, 1 for the mechanics, and 1 for the medics. Since the start of the Iraq War it became obvious that the up-armored hmmwvs and unarmored trucks were inadequate as tactical transport vehicles in high threat areas. M113s were scrounged up, and many more brought out of mothballs, refurbished and given appliqué or slat armor and given to units that normally lacked any kind of armored vehicles. Because a M113 can carry 11 dismounts, it adapts easily for use by light, airborne and air assault units and their 9-man squads. The M113 is really a great vehicle, and with some easily available upgrades such as appliqué armor, composite ramps, band tracks and remote weapon stations you get a vehicle that is IMHO superior to the Stryker in most ways, and A LOT cheaper to boot.

Adrian