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You ain't Tanks, You ain't S***!
A Day at the Tank Park, by Lloyd "Pappy" Reynolds.
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A brief history of "Delta" Co., 4th Tk., Bn. D Company, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, stood up in 1988 with less than 40 Marines, forming the Battalion's fourth tank company. Since inception, the unit has continued to grow to the current strength of a fully manned tank company (+). Currently located in Twenty-nine Palms, CA, the unit conducts multiple training exercises aboard MCAGCC 29 Palms, MCB Camp Pendleton, and various maneuver-training areas in the western United States. In 2003 the Company was activated and a lot of the Marines were used to fill out the shortages in the 1st Tank Battalion during the first Gulf War. Upon returning some of the Marines stayed in while others got out. In 2007 the company was tagged to relieve "Bravo" Co., 1st Tk., Bn. in El Anbar Province. Each platoon would be operating in a different area and had to be almost self sufficient with a company’s worth of MOS’s. When Delta deployed in Sept. 2007 it was way over TO strength, it had to be. The company returned in May 2008. Since then some of the Marines have volunteered to return to Iraq with other units. The Company now has Marines fresh out of Tank School to Marines with two or three tours in Iraq. The Marines of this unit in all MOS’s are highly motivated and well trained. As we say "They have there shit together." As a sidebar, a while back Jim Coan (Treasurer/member of the Vietnam Tankers Assoc, and Author) and his wife started a hat knitting program for the tankers in Iraq. A lot of the Tankers in Delta Co. Got the hat’s (and still have them). They did keep their heads warm during the winter, and were much appreciated. |
 Part of Delta Co.'s Tank Park. |
 The M1A1 with some new whistles and bells. (I was not authorized to take photos inside.) |
 One of my "Tour" guides was Cpl. Welch, a gunner and a very knowledgeable Marine. |
 This thing just looks good! |
 The M-88 is still in use with a few upgrades. |
On the ramp. "Shitfister's" at work on the M-88.
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Our tour and tank ride.
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 "Pappy's" wife Bobbi models the latest tanker fashion before her ride. |
 "Pappy" is suited up for his chauffeured ride. |
 Before the ride "Pappy" interviews Cpl. Spain the Tank Commander. |
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Training aids.
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