Comments for More Canadians in Afghanistan

More Canadians in Afghanistan

2009-04-01T12:22:37Z

As we've discussed the Canadian use of tanks (in both positive and negative senses) in these pages, let's have a shot of some Canadian Leos, shall we? Combined with the kind of village construction that prompted the Canadians to use them.

This is another shot from Dr. Sean Maloney, the Canadian Forces military historian, taken during his recent three month stint with the Forces in Afghanistan. This shot is of a Canadian Leopard 1 with a mine plow moving through Bazaar-e Panjwayi supported by ANA troops.

There were ANA troops on either side of the tank - I cropped them because I was interested in the tank... original picture available here.

Comment from J.M. Heinrichs on 2009-04-02

2009-04-02T23:44:47Z

Josh
1. It keeps out dust and other nasties which are inimical to main gun serviceability.
2. It excites the DS when traveling downrange on ex, propelled by a suitable blank charge.

Cheers

Comment from Josh on 2009-04-02

2009-04-02T22:17:14Z

Um. Is that Leopard driving with a barrel plug?

Doesn't that seem...um...stupid?

Comment from jsallison on 2009-04-01

2009-04-02T00:25:59Z

Well I'm glad to see they upgraded some. Back in the day a contingent from PPCLI visited us at Ft Hood and looked down their noses at our M551a1's. When they mentioned that they were herding Centurions sporting 20 lbr's I kept my big yap shut. In the interest of allied collegiality, don'tcha know.

Comment from J.M. Heinrichs on 2009-04-01

2009-04-01T21:54:23Z

Another aspect of our Civil-Military Cooperation Program is assisting the farmers during harvest times with our Multi-use Spud Harvester.

Cheers

Comment from Heartless Libertarian on 2009-04-01

2009-04-01T21:00:21Z

Note the recovery vehicle two back in the convoy. Also interesting, in the original pic, is that the ANA trooper almost out of the pic on the left side is carrying an M16 or M4, not an AK like his comrade on the other side.

Comment from Colin on 2009-04-01

2009-04-01T16:18:19Z

Also should mention that the leopards have a very good fire control system and thermal sights and are often used as overwatch and providing information to the local commanders.

Comment from Colin on 2009-04-01

2009-04-01T15:21:04Z

We are still using the Leo 1’s as the leased German Leo2’s are not equipped for mine plows and rollers. Also the 105mm offers the use of HESH which does nice work against the grape huts. I know they were working on a new or improved ammo for the 120mm with similar qualities, but not sure if it’s in theatre.

Comment from Arditi on 2009-04-01

2009-04-01T15:00:20Z

ahhhhh...Tank Porn!

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-04-01

2009-04-01T14:58:18Z

I'll have another Leo pic tomorrow. Heinrichs should pay me.

Comment from Kirk on 2009-04-01

2009-04-01T14:24:31Z

Fine German engineering on display (self-professed Germanophile). "Ob sturm oder schneit, ob die Sonne uns lacht" (I assume the Canucks do it in French). For some additional pics - http://www.casr.ca/bg-leopard-afghan.htm.