differnt kinds of small tanks from the military

Japanese tanks were a rare sight and were generally outgunned by American tanks. In the Pacific theater, the Stuart saw more direct action. However, it excelled at traditional cavalry missions like scouting and screening.

In the African and European theaters, the Stuart was outgunned by the heavier German tanks and deadly anti-tank units. Initially designated the M4 light tank, it was redesignated the M5 to prevent confusion with the M4 Sherman tank. It was also quieter, cooler, and more spacious inside than the M3. The M5 was given an updated engine and an automatic transmission. The M3 featured thicker armor, modified suspension, and an upgraded 37mm M6 gun over the M2. It was British forces who named the tank Stuart after American Confederate General J.E.B. The tank was also supplied to British forces under the Lend-Lease Act. Still, it paved the way as America's first light tank.Īn evolution of the M2, the M3/M5 Stuart was the main American light tank of WWII. By the time WWII started, the M1 was obsolete. 30-cal M1919 Browning machine guns, the M1 was not well-suited for direct combat. Developed and built by the Rock Island Arsenal, it had tracks, light armor and a turret. Despite its name, the M1 Combat Car was a bonafide light tank. Designated as combat cars, these light tanks allowed cavalry units to exploit opportunities on the battlefield rather than being tied to the infantry in a support role. Then-Chief of Staff of the Army General Douglas MacArthur promoted the mechanization of the Army to equip cavalrymen with armored fighting vehicles as well.

Light tanks were defined as weighing five tons or less so that they could be carried by trucks. After the war, America got to work developing its own armored doctrine and vehicles.

Patton crewed French tanks like the Renault FT-17. However, America didn't have a tank of its own during the war. The introduction of the tank during WWI changed the face of war forever.

Differnt kinds of small tanks from the military