Yes, that rear ramp feature on the Merkava, was actually designed for quick ammo reloading. But, as many things do in the field, became used for Medevac, etc., and other than the use that it was designed for ...

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

No not really ... Now an M1 that can also carry an 9-11 man squad would be a modern day "Land Raider". But doctrinally, it is not needed ... yet ...

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

Interesting, actually, that an M1IFV sounds like it makes more sense than it used to: the 120mm gun is overkill (or at least 5 in a platoon are), but the PBI need a good battle taxi.

Of course, just when they all get converted, we'll be back to main force armored engagements. :-/.

Well now, M1s are 4 to a platoon. But for along time after WWII the US and others had 5 AFVs per platoon. Again, an M1 IFV, would certainly require some change in doctrine. And yes, you always have to consider Tank on Tank warfare ...

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

Heh, had a feeling that was wrong when I wrote it.

When I went in it was 5 but 1/2 way thru ... reorganized to 4 ... Even our SPFA went from 6 to 8 per Plt ...

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."