Bradley Fighting Vehicle Evolution. A Pentagon Parody.

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 18:22:07 -0400

No one loves the Bradley more than me. I am almost certain that I am the only one in the service to have a BFV tattoo since 1990. Did you know the Bradley was designed to be amphibious? Were you one of the early 11M's (Mechanized Infantry)? Please share your tales of mechanized anguish and triumphs.

http://youtu.be/aXQ2lO3ieBA

Pentagon Wars - Bradley Fighting Vehicle Evolution

From the movie "Pentagon Wars". Bradley Fighting Vehicle design and development. Any design engineer will love this scene.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2014 6:51 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 18:51:45 -0400

Not sure about the tattoo, but I bet I have a stronger "Love Hate" relationship with them than you! LOL

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2014 6:52 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 18:52:01 -0400

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. What is not funny is that this is based on true events to my knowledge.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2014 7:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 19:20:26 -0400

What's even more funny is that I'm sure all of us have been subject to this kind of torment in some form or fashion.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2014 8:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 20:24:52 -0400

SFC Mark Merino LMAO! Just watched the video. I have to repost it in my 11th ACR FB Page. Nice Post!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 19 at 2014 8:35 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 20:35:48 -0400

This is probably THE best movie about military bureaucracy of all time, and highly entertaining to boot! Ruminant Procurement - LMAO! Gotto go watch it now.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 19 at 2014 8:50 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 20:50:00 -0400

I lost just about all my military treasures during the divorce from hell, but I found this one of me in Germany giving my baby M2A2 a bath.

Response by SPC Michelle M. made Aug 19 at 2014 9:32 PM

SPC Michelle M. — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 21:32:35 -0400

That movie is hilarious!! I haven't met many who have seen it, I have an unhealthy movie collection and my ex knew better than to try and get any of those in our divorce lol.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 20 at 2014 7:37 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 07:37:51 -0400

OK.. have to admit, that is one awesome movie! Love it! LOL!

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Aug 20 at 2014 9:56 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 09:56:47 -0400

I always wondered what happened - I got out in 1979. I think the old APC's were great, and with a Vulcan on it was a pretty nasty weapon - and it sounded eerie when it fired. Just had to get out of the way of the casings...

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Aug 20 at 2014 10:01 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 10:01:35 -0400

I remember when I was inn the 82nd and they issued M-16's with chrome barrels-couldn't hit the side of a barn with them. Wonder what happened to those useless items?

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 20 at 2014 12:10 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 12:10:29 -0400

I was actually PI$$ED when I PCS'ed to Germany and found out that the unit I was arriving at was about to transition from 11B to 11M. Heck, I still identify as an 11B...although, I will say that I had some fun in the Bradley....and I got an AAM for being the first gunner in 1AD to qualify in the UCOFT, and an ARCOM for the Division high gunnery score in my frist trip to Graf.

Response by COL Roger Lintz made Aug 20 at 2014 5:59 PM

COL Roger Lintz — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 17:59:09 -0400

I was on Mitchell J. Red Cloud range on Ft Benning, GA in 1991 when Morley Safer from 20/20 was doing an investigation into the capabilities of the M2A1 Bradley versus the M113 APC. I watched as they rehearsed the test and went over the script and I heard the S3 screaming at the driver of the APC to slow down during the turn around and also while going over the log wall obstacle so the Bradley could keep up and make it close. Of course the Bradley also went over a jump while throwing 25 Mike Mike downrange hitting the exact same spot even in mid-air going over the jump. It was blatantly obvious they were trying to make the Bradley look good for the story on 20/20. Morley Safer didn't but it and he produced a scathing report which set off all kinds of bells and whistles in the Pentagon. They feared once the story hit the airwaves the funding would be cut off for the program. It wasn't but it could've ended up in the scrap bin.

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Aug 20 at 2014 11:07 PM

Maj Matt Hylton — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 23:07:40 -0400

I recommend this movie to anyone in the Acquisitions career field that hasn't seen it.

So much of this movie is funny because there is truth hidden in many of the absurd situations portrayed in the movie.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 21 at 2014 1:34 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:34:03 -0400

Gunner- sabot -PC-1-2-hundred!!! UCOFT snapshot for all you M2/3 family junkies.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 21 at 2014 1:36 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:36:54 -0400

TOW-IIB. Anyone ever get tasked to clear a TOW range of wires....besides this kid??

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 4:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 16:15:35 -0400

That seems about right. As a Mech PL the Bradley is good but doesn't do anyone thing great. But it is way better than a stryker.

Response by COL Jim Lincoln made Aug 22 at 2014 3:45 PM

COL Jim Lincoln — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:45:49 -0400

I really was present at the creation of the Bradley-1985 when it was about to be fielded. I was the TOW missile Progam manager for the Army,and there were last minute problems in integrating the TOW electroptic sight ,that fired the TOW. After that was worked out, a new DoD test agency wanted to fire TOWs at it and see how it held up--well,not good! Some last minute mods were done,like moving the gas tanks,and it was finally fielded. Yes, a long difficult journey, caused by changing requirements and bureaucratic delays.
Nothing has changed-that is why major systems and aircraft take 15-20 years to be fielded.

Response by COL Jim Lincoln made Aug 22 at 2014 4:02 PM

COL Jim Lincoln — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 16:02:02 -0400

I really was present at the creation of the Bradley-1985 I was the TOW missile Program manager for the Army,and the BFV fielding was delayed because of problems integrating the electrooptic sight that fires the TOW. After that was worked out, a new DoD test agency decided to fire TOWs at the vehicle and see what happens-not good! After some mods were made,like relocating the gas tanks,it was finally fielded. Why did it take so long? requirements changes and bureaucratic delays.
Nothing has changed-it still takes 15-20 years to field a system or aircraft!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 5 at 2014 9:43 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 21:43:45 -0500

Sheep Specs.
Know them.....Learn them........Love them.

http://youtu.be/4f2XbOY9kcg

Pentagon Wars - Sheep Specs

A short clip from the movie "Pentagon Wars."

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 25 at 2014 2:45 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 02:45:16 -0500

Remember this?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 25 at 2014 7:25 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 07:25:35 -0500

You mean this wasn't a documentary?? Damn, was I fooled! :-)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 8:20 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:20:58 -0500

I suppose I am an early 11M. Went through NET for them in 1988. Have been assigned as driver, gunner, crunchie private, team leader and squad leader (both as dismounted), and I have to say; I hate that damn vehicle. Wasn't happy about being mech vice light from the get go, and after spending countless hours turning flat tipped screwdrivers into finely pointed icepicks from chipping out mud at Graf, that never changed. Luckily, after my enlistment gig ended in 1992, I have never had to drive, gun or ride in one again.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 8:50 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:50:59 -0500

One of my favorite (almost) true story movies! But if you liked it, you should read LTC Burton's book! The saga of the misguided design of the F-16 is just as outrageous!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 12:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 00:45:38 -0500

I love watching the movie

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 27 at 2014 1:25 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 01:25:41 -0500

"Swimming" the Bradley.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV69JgFA6uo

"Swimming" the BFV M2A1

"D" Co., 3/5 Cav. swims the Bradley Fighting Vehicle during training exercises at Grafenwoehr, Germany (1989 or 1990).

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 27 at 2014 1:40 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 01:40:11 -0500

The Army shares their toys. We took the M242 25mm Bushmaster and give it to the Navy, Marines, and the Coasties.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuPJ3BGLguk&index=17&list=PLYTl6aNbtkgpXmF2faObEVLFWO-B9WS3z

25mm shoot #3

GM3 Noland (not visible, thanks to the bulky presence of GM3 Egan) finishing off a can of 25mm ammo. Note the splashes in the distane: they're about ten to f...

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Nov 27 at 2014 9:49 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 09:49:36 -0500

Tank: Noun; Mobile armored target

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 3:45 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 03:45:34 -0500

I absolutely HATED the bradley AFV. I joined the army in January 1986 approximately 5 years after it entered service. My first duty assignment with 1-1 Cav was on an M901A1 ITV. That wasn't the best vehicle I was on but I sure liked it better than the M3A1 I was on in 1989 when I went to 3-7 Inf at Ft Stewart. Shortly there after the army had my platoon and another battalion scout platoon conduct tests for a new scout configuration.

We were given 6 Humvees in addition to our 4 Bradleys. I was never so happy to be on a Humvee in my life. Then when I went to 4-7 Cav in 1990, I was once again on a bradley. I missed my Humvee so bad even when we deployed to Desert Shield/Storm.

In my humble opinion, the infantry can keep the bradley and I will never shed a tear. But as I am a transporter now, I don't worry about having to ride in a Bradley.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 29 at 2014 1:47 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:47:37 -0500

If you haven't already seen the movie, you can watch it for free on YouTube.

I think we can all take a little bit away from this movie as leaders and future leaders. First off, sometimes those at the top are so far removed from the action that they lose sight of what is important. When any plan goes from paper to production, one key factor must be upper most in your mind; the welfare of your troops. For it is without them; that nothing can be done. Leaders can draw up the best plans but without those troops to take on such action; the plan is only as good as the paper it is written on.

Second; the military isn't exactly the fastest at moving on new ideas. 17 years it took for the idea of a armored personal carrier to come to life and when it finally did; it looked nothing like the quick transport it was first designed to be.

Lastly, as leaders we are sometimes compelled to take the road less traveled. Lt. Col. Burton could have just looked the other way; rubber stamped the project and would have probably gotten promoted because of it. However, he understood the true reason needed for this project and knew what was at risk if the project went into production too quickly.

Either way, the movie is great. There are some great laughs along the way and worth your time to watch.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 12:19 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 12:19:19 -0500

My first job after being commissioned as an Armor officer was as a Mech/Brad Platoon Leader. I ended up doing two turns of 6 months each as the PL of two separate Bradley platoons over 2 years with a Tank PL job of 7 months between.
Was one of the best experiences I could have as a new LT serving in an Infantry unit as an Armor officer. Set me up well as a combined arms officer.

Also, loved the movie!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 3:53 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 15:53:01 -0500

This a classic movie.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Feb 16 at 2015 4:48 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 16:48:12 -0500

That was awesome

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 16 at 2015 5:27 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 17:27:20 -0500

...and then there was the Sergeant York

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2jnRexqSrw

M247 Sergeant York Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun | Military-Today.com

www.military-today.com/artillery/m247_sergeant_york.htm In the late 1970s some 35-40 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were under development in the USA. ...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 7:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 19:39:36 -0500

SFC Mark Merino Why are you guys still stuck at stone age concept?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 16 at 2015 7:55 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 19:55:12 -0500

The Marines know the M242 is a winner as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYb17R2vg6E

LAV-25 Section Alternating Fire

LAV-25 Section Gunnery. Alternating Fire command in simulated cold/hot positions. Conducted during LAR Leader Course, Light Armored Vehicle Training Company,...

Response by SFC David Brunk made Aug 20 at 2015 6:23 PM

SFC David Brunk — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 18:23:11 -0400

THANK YOU!!! I was one of the original 11M's in the Army. If it weren't for the BFV I would have been a civilian in 1979. As a SPC, I was on the OT1A gun selection test for the BFV at Ft. Carson with 1st Bn. 11th Inf. in 1978. I was a gunner for the test and there were 2 guns we tested. 1st Bn. 22nd Inf. was selected for OT2 the test for the vehicle and I re-enlisted with the stipulation I be transferred to to that unit. They wouldn't let me be a gunner on OT2 because they said it would contaminate the test all ready being a gunner. I LOVED being a gunner!!! So they made me an Acting Jack E-5 so I could be a BFV Commander for the test. From there I was sent to Ft. Benning GA. to help write training and doctrine. From there I was on the New Equipment Training Team Ft. Benning fielding the first vehicles at Ft Hood Tx. in 1983 and in Europe from 1985 - 1989. Ran COFT operations at Ft. Benning after a 3 year stint as a Drill Sergeant. There are more stories but I don't want to take up any more room! LOL

Response by SGT Dave Matteson made Apr 18 at 2016 5:01 PM

SGT Dave Matteson — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 17:01:09 -0400

Charlie Company 1/15 Inf was the first M2 company in Germany. I was the first PFC gunner. To be honest...I love the Bradley more :)

Response by LTC Thomas (Tom) Jones made Mar 28 at 2024 10:47 AM

LTC Thomas (Tom) Jones — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:47:49 -0400

I was a Test and Evaluation (T&E) officer then C, T&E with the Program Manager's Office, "Infantry Fighting Vehicle" during the period 1977-1981. I have continued to be very enthused about the overall success the system on the battlefield since its adoption into the force. In development, the system had over a thousand specifications of which we closely tracked the 100+ considered most crucial. One of those specs required the system to "swim" but, of course, within well-defined guidelines regarding degree and speed of entry into the water. From memory, the entry speed could not exceed five (5) mph. Unfortunately, the User OIC at fort Knox decided to run the CFV prototype into a local stream at a much higher speed "to see how it would perform." Net effect, he sank the vehicle causing both delays in testing and a quite expensive vehicle repair bill coming from the contractor.