Canadian officers in Afghanistan are having a hard time convincing their American counterparts to bring some M-1 tanks along with the additional combat brigades arriving this year. The Canadians have found tanks very useful while fighting the Taliban. In addition to being immune to enemy fire, the tanks can smash through the walls that surround the many family compounds that dot the Afghan countryside. There is also the fear factor. The Canadian tanks are scary, as well as deadly. When the Canadian troops have a tank along, the Taliban are usually very reluctant to fight.
Good grief. Canada was on the verge of abandoning heavy armor altogether and their Afghan experience taught them otherwise.
We don't need a lot. Even a company per combat brigade would allow for a platoon or two per battalion.
Send the heavy armor. Or is the Somalia heavy armor debacle also forgotten?
