Historical APCS: The M113 APC in the battlefield

[Kyrpolitix]

While technology and machines further the scope and capabilities of battle, troops on the frontline remain the lifeblood that push these boundaries forward; sustaining the relevance of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) such as the iconic M113 APC.

Here’s a peek back in time to the US Army’s iconic workhorse during the Vietnam War. Images of the US troops atop the M113 are some of the most iconic images of the 20 yearlong conflict.

The M113 was first introduced in April 1963, and was nicknamed the “Green Dragon” by the South Vietnamese forces and it proved its worth in transporting and deploying troops safely on the battlefield. The historic M113 is still in action today, now evolved into the M113A1 and has since been used by various countries.
Are there any other historic images that showcase the bond between troops and their armoured carriers? Would love to see more added on to this thread. Thanks in advance!

Attached photo depicts an M113 APC of "D" company , 1/5th Infantry "Bobcats", Vietnam (1969)

 

[sigo]

The M113A3 has been around since 1987 and will remain in service until 2050.

 

[Kyrpolitix]

The M113A3 has been around since 1987 and will remain in service until 2050.

63 years .. for all its operators or just one particular country ?

 

[sigo]

63 years .. for all its operators or just one particular country ?

That’s just in US service. The base model M113 entered service in 1961. If all goes to the current plan it will be in service for 89 years.

 

[Guyfang]

The hull, is somewhat the same, but inside its changed quite a bit. Back in 2010 I was told to move one, and a 577 also. I jumped in, and frantically looked around for the Laterals. Everyone was laughing at me. Not even like the compartment I remember from 1973. I humbly removed my big butt and asked a good friend, (Nick Name was Mr. 113), for a walk through.

 

[Kyrpolitix]

That’s just in US service. The base model M113 entered service in 1961. If all goes to the current plan it will be in service for 89 years.

Absolutely impressive. Goes to show how successful this APC is and how such vehicles could prove so effective and necessary in combat despite not being your standard MBT. Think the M113 went on to inspire anymore of the modern APCs?

 

[Kyrpolitix]

The hull, is somewhat the same, but inside its changed quite a bit. Back in 2010 I was told to move one, and a 577 also. I jumped in, and frantically looked around for the Laterals. Everyone was laughing at me. Not even like the compartment I remember from 1973. I humbly removed my big butt and asked a good friend, (Nick Name was Mr. 113), for a walk through.

As they say .. things change with the times. But I'd love to enter both the original and newer M113s if I could to try & immerse myself in the vehicle. Also, I'm guessing you've been deployed overseas as a M113 crewman back then?

 

[Guyfang]

As they say .. things change with the times. But I'd love to enter both the original and newer M113s if I could to try & immerse myself in the vehicle. Also, I'm guessing you've been deployed overseas as a M113 crewman back then?

No. I was a Generator mech. But we had vehicles from the M113 family in the unit, and later I worked in another unit that repaired M113's. Vulkan Chaparral. When you work in that kind of unit, almost everyone at some point in time got the training and had the M113 put on his licence. We were never at our allotted number of soldiers in the unit, so everyone had to learn how to do someone else's job. Also, the interest in driving such a vehicle is great!