Guys, are all the M1A2 tanks in Iraq M1A2 SEP? If so, maybe I should not bother painting my M1A2 tanks (Dragon, Italeri, Trumpeter) for OIF. I think but am not sure that you can build the Tamiya as an SEP.
Guys, I got some interesting answers to this question on Missing Lynx, includig one straight from Iraq itself. Check it out:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=47209&messageid=1110671210
[?] Ok, you got me, I’ll bite. What is SEP, and/or OIF? [%-)]
Most tanks weren’t even M1A2s. My tank in Iraq had a build date of 1989. (M1A1HA). All my tanks were A1s, so were the 1-77 and 2-63 tanks we ran into.
1st Cav had A2s though that we saw on the range in Kuwait, they weren’t SEPs. (I asked). (They also had 88A2s, the buggers). Didn’t see any M2A3s. Marines had their own M1A1HACTs.
[Edit: I note the reply on the other forum from the 1SGT. Interesting. Now I’m going to have to look up bumper numbers! Curses!]
NTM
You know, damned if I can recall what SEP stands for. Service Enhancement Programme? Something like that. It’s the latest version of M1A2, and not that many have been built. Take the M1A2, put in a new auxilliary power unit, x50 capable FLIR, and a few other goodies.
Of course, now we have TUSK just to make things even more interesting. (Tank Urban Survivability Kit)
OIF: Operation Iraqi Freedom.
NTM
Thanks for Info. Now I know.
SEP=System Enhancement Program, upgraded M1A2. Interesting note, all M1A2SEP are rebuilt or upgraded tanks, not factory made. Many started out life as old M1 or M1IP tanks.
OIF=Operation Iraqi Freedom, current operation in Iraq.
Thanks to all of you for helping a lifelong civilian. I’m always learning something new here on the forum.
SEP=System Enhancement Program or SEP= system enchance package ?
Read previous posts.
System Enhancement Program