US Army deploys Bradley M2A3 IFVs tracked armored vehicles in Syria.

According to pictures released by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on September 19, 2020, U.S. Army has deployed Bradley M2A3 tracked armored IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles) in Syria. Bradley armored vehicles rolled into eastern Syria and will be used by service members in support of Operation Inherent Resolve’s mission of working by, with, and through Partner Forces to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

U.S. Army soldiers unload Bradley M2A3 IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicles from a C-17 aircraft near northeastern Syria on September 18, 2020. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The Bradley M2A3 tracked armored IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles) will be operated by 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division Soldiers during operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force- Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR remains committed to working by, with, and through our partners to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh.

On 17 October 2014, the Department of Defense formally established Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) in order to formalize ongoing military actions against the rising threat posed by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The mechanized forces moving into Syria hail from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. The unit is deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in support of Operation Spartan Shield based in Kuwait.

The Department of Defense last repositioned Bradley’s IFV in Syria in October 2019 to partner with Syrian Democratic Forces to defeat Daesh remnants, protect critical infrastructure and deny Daesh access to revenue sources. About 500 U.S. troops are serving at austere bases in an area in the country’s northeast to aid Syrian Democratic Forces battling ISIS.

The Bradley M2A3 IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle is an improved version of the Bradley M2A2. Since its initial production in 1981, Bradley IFV has been continually improved to meet the requirements of the changing battlefield. Bradley M2A3, the latest development program, incorporates improvements including enhancements intended to improve lethality, mobility, survivability, and sustainability.

The Bradley M2A3 is fitted with a two-man turret armed with an ATK Gun Systems Company M242 25 mm Bushmaster Chain Gun with a 7.62 mm M240C machine gun mounted coaxially to the right of the main armament. Two TOW anti-tank missile launchers are mounted on the left side of the turret.

The M2A3 Bradley IFV has a crew of three including the driver, commander, and gunner. It can accommodate seven infantrymen seated at the rear of the vehicle.