M1A1s shelved as Army prepares for new Abrams SEPv3

The change continues the Australian Army’s implementation of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and National Defence Strategy (NDS). Under the DSR and NDS, tank capability will be consolidated in Townsville. The new Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks will be introduced into the School of Armour and 2nd Cavalry Regiment later this year.

It also marks the end of an era for 7th Brigade unit 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (QMI) (2/14 (QMI)) which has operated with the vehicles since 2017, when C Squadron became a tank unit under Plan Beersheba.

2/14 LHR (QMI) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Hurley said the move would ultimately be a positive for the unit and Army as a whole.

“While as a unit commander I would love to have a tank squadron at my fingertips, it makes absolute sense to consolidate Army’s tank capability,” he said.

“It allows Army to become a focused force, and it significantly reduces the sustainment overheads for the main battle tank capability.

“Becoming Army’s only pure cavalry regiment will give our unit great role clarity, in addition to some depth in both people and equipment.”

LTCOL Hurley acknowledged the impact of the DSR and NDS implementation on soldiers who would have to transition skill sets or move.

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He said having an honest conversation with them was key to them being prepared for the next challenge.

“I believe clear and rational communication removes at least some of the friction inherent in organisational change,” he said.

“I think the vast majority of our tank crews are keen to get their hands on the best tank on the planet – the M1A2 SEPv3 – and as such will happily move to Townsville or Puckapunyal to keep doing what they love.

“Centralising in Townsville will also give the tank fraternity some critical mass, which will afford them more depth in terms of experience, instructors, maintainers and commanders.”

In addition, representatives of Ukraine have previously encouraged transfer of Australia’s M1A1 Abrams tanks to assist the war-torn country in its fight against Russia.

“The defence industry packages (from Australia) have been very good to be frank. The systems which are provided on the drones and anti-drone equipment, they’ve been very useful and more Bushmasters would be great,” ambassador of Ukraine to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said in Canberra earlier this month.

“I think even the M-113s (fully tracked armoured personnel carriers), you know there were 56 of those which were supplied previously and there are more that Australia has. We’ve been are forming new brigades, and these new brigades need to have equipment out there, and whatever is being phased out as a surplus in defence, we are ready to take it right.

“If there are any ASLAVS (Australian light armoured vehicles) which you don’t need any more, they are still good and they could be used in Ukraine. We’ll welcome that, right.

“We have previously been in discussions about M1 Abrams tanks if they could be supplied. So this is all kind of part of the discussions but it’s still up to the government to decide what they can supply at any stage.

“It’s all coordinating with other countries which have supported us and we are grateful for anything we get. At the end of the day, it’s a gift and we are grateful that Australia is standing there with us.”

Australian Defence Force tank commander Corporal Isaiah Emnace, who has been working with M1A1s since C Squadron was raised, said it was a sentimental moment watching the last one leave the unit, but viewed it positively.

“It was a bit of a bittersweet moment because obviously, in order to get new equipment, the older stuff has to go first,” he said.

“I’ve been operating these vehicles for a while now and you experience a lot with them out field; but watching them go, it’s all of the good times that I’ve had with them that come to mind.

“Being in the back of them, shooting with them, commanding in them and being part of a really close team – those are all great memories.”

CPL Emnace said he was ready for the next challenge though and was looking forward to training with the new main battle tanks.

“First and foremost, we’re soldiers, so we’re working on those skills at the moment because it’s important to be capable as a soldier on the ground,” he said.

“Then we’ll start looking at the theory side of understanding the new tank and adapting to the differences, so when we get them we can hit the ground running.”

Commander of 7th Brigade Brigadier Giles Cornelia said it was a significant moment for the brigade and 2/14 LHR (QMI).

“I am very proud of the sterling service of C Squadron as a tank squadron and am looking forward to the new chapter for this historic and exceptional unit,” he said.

“We are working quickly and effectively to change our force structure and play our part in the focused force as the ready brigade, and 2/14 LHR (QMI) are central to this.”