YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea: Units of the 2nd Infantry Division will receive new M1A2 Abrams Tanks and M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles from December of 2010 to May of 2011.
The new vehicles are an upgrade to the current fleet of 2nd ID’s combat vehicles in South Korea. The new vehicles are fitted with improved tracking systems, fire control systems, and improved armor that better equips the 2nd Inf. Div. for the battlefield of the 21st century.
“While this is not an increase in the number of U.S. combat vehicles on the Korean Peninsula,” said Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson, 8th Army commander. “It is a significant increase in combat capability.”
“Our Soldiers will be equipped with the most advanced tank in the world,” added Johnson. “We owe it to our Soldiers to provide them with the best equipment available.”
This type of operation is a routine force modernization process for the U.S. Army. The older vehicles will be shipped back to the U.S. to be completely refurbished.
“This is part of the Army’s modernization plan,” said Johnson. “It will keep our forces at the highest level of readiness.”
“It is also a key indicator of the importance our Army places on troops here in Korea,” he said.
