The “Spartan Brigade,” 2nd Armored Brigade Fight Workforce, third Infantry Division, accomplished modernization on Sept. 27 at 10:10 p.m. when a modernized M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank crew fired its final rounds to finish operator new gear coaching at Fort Stewart. Alpha Firm, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 2nd ABCT, was the final firm within the brigade to conduct modernization OPNET, concluding the modernization course of that started with divesting the older automobile platforms in spring of 2021 as a part of the Military’s new Regionally Aligned Readiness and Modernization Mannequin, or ReARMM. The “Panther Battalion,” 2nd Bn., 69th AR, 2nd ABCT, third ID, not solely was the final battalion to execute tank modernization, however it additionally executed last operational check and analysis for the brand new Armored Multi-Function Car this previous July.
“It’s humbling to shut out modernization for the Spartan Brigade,” mentioned Lt. Col. Timothy W. Decker, commander of the 2nd Bn., 69th AR, 2nd ABCT, third ID. “We really feel fortunate and honored to be part of the Military modernization story. From finishing the ultimate check and analysis of the AMPV to finishing Bradley and tank modernization, the Panthers proceed to put in writing historical past and strengthen the legacy of the 69th Armor Regiment.”
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“The Spartan Brigade is grateful for the chance to be the primary modernized brigade within the Military,” mentioned Col. Ethan J. Diven, commander of the 2nd ABCT, third ID. “Now we have been blessed with the folks, gear and sources to modernize, and we at the moment are targeted on demonstrating our capabilities on the Nationwide Coaching Middle at Fort Irwin, California, in late winter subsequent yr. We will likely be disciplined, aggressive and deadly.”
“Modernization actually makes you are feeling such as you’re a part of one thing greater than your self and if you get on the market and execute flawlessly, it simply makes you that significantly better of a Soldier. On the finish of the day, it’s simply all about classes realized, taking that ahead, failing with a constructive perspective and succeeding with humility,” mentioned Workers Sgt. Tanner Latta, a tank commander assigned to the 2nd Bn., 69th AR, 2nd ABCT, third ID.
“I’m actually happy with my Troopers. The quantity of preparation we put into this earlier than we even obtained the tanks was simply spectacular to see, couldn’t be prouder of them,” mentioned 1st Lt. William Bolton, a tank platoon chief assigned to Alpha Firm, 2nd Bn., 69th AR, 2nd ABCT.
“I imply we have been proper there, fairly near getting distinguished, however I’m actually happy with myself and our crew. I’ve been on [the older A1 tank models] just about my complete profession and being thrown on the model new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank is a giant change,” mentioned Spc. Padriac Smith, a tank gunner assigned to Alpha Firm, 2nd Bn., 69th AR, 2nd ABCT.
For modernized fight and fight help automobile platforms, the Spartan Brigade has acquired the M109A7 Paladin howitzer, the Joint Gentle Tactical Car, M2A4 Bradley Preventing Car, the Joint Assault Bridge and the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank and accomplished field-level upkeep new gear coaching and OPNET for every. Alpha Firm, 2nd Bn., 69th AR, was the final firm within the brigade to complete modernization with the brand new Abrams tanks. The ultimate tank OPNETs have been carried out concurrently between Alpha and Bravo Firm, 2nd Bn., 69th AR, 2nd ABCT, every over 17 days and culminating with a last after-action assessment. The desk qualification is a rigorous train for the corporate’s tank crews and logistics and help programs. The Spartan Brigade is now the Military’s first brigade to finish modernization in accordance with the ReARMM and is on glide path to execute a rotation at NTC to validate its readiness and proficiency to deploy, battle and win wherever and at any time when the nation calls.
