How Many M60 Tanks Does the U.S Have?
The M60 Patton is a legendary main battle tank that played a significant role in the Cold War era. With its impressive firepower and durability, it was widely used by the United States military and its allies. But as the years went by, the M60 was gradually phased out and replaced by newer, more advanced tanks. So, the question remains: how many M60 tanks does the U.S have?
The M60’s Service History
The M60 Patton was first introduced in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with the U.S Army being the primary user. The tank was designed to counter the Soviet Union’s T-55 and T-62 tanks, and it played a significant role in the Vietnam War. The M60 was also used by other countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
The Phasing Out of the M60
As the Cold War came to an end, the U.S Army began to phase out the M60 in favor of newer, more advanced tanks. The M1 Abrams, which was introduced in the 1980s, offered significant improvements in firepower, mobility, and armor. The M60 was also becoming increasingly outdated, with its outdated fire control system and limited anti-tank capabilities.
Current Status of the M60
So, how many M60 tanks does the U.S have? According to the U.S Army’s inventory records, there are approximately 1,200 M60 tanks in storage. However, it’s worth noting that not all of these tanks are operational, and many are in various states of disrepair.
Active and Reserve Units
Some M60 tanks are still used by active and reserve units, primarily for training and ceremonial purposes. The 1st Cavalry Division, for example, still maintains a small number of M60 tanks for ceremonial purposes. Similarly, the Army National Guard and Army Reserve units may still have a few M60 tanks in their inventory, although their numbers are likely to be small.
Storage and Disposal
Many M60 tanks are stored in warehouses and depots across the United States, awaiting disposal or potential sale to foreign countries. The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) is responsible for managing the disposal of excess military equipment, including tanks.
Table: M60 Tank Inventory
| Unit | Number of M60 Tanks |
|---|---|
| Active Duty | 100-200 |
| Army National Guard | 50-100 |
| Army Reserve | 50-100 |
| Storage | 900-1,000 |
| Total | 1,200 |
Foreign Sales
The U.S has sold M60 tanks to several foreign countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. These tanks are often used for ceremonial purposes or as a symbol of national pride. Some countries, such as South Korea, have also used M60 tanks in combat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the U.S has approximately 1,200 M60 tanks in storage, with a small number still in active service. While the M60 is no longer the primary tank used by the U.S military, it remains an important part of military history and a symbol of American military power. As the U.S continues to develop new and more advanced tanks, the M60 will likely remain in storage, awaiting disposal or potential sale to foreign countries.
Additional Resources
- [U.S Army Fact File: M60 Patton](https://www.army.mil/ factfiles/tanks/m60-patton.html)
- Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS)
- GlobalSecurity.org: M60 Patton
