M2 Bradley — America’s Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Posted by River Knox July 19, 2025
M2 Bradley — America’s Infantry Fighting Vehicle

It could be argued that the late General Omar Nelson Bradley deserved more than to have the M2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) bear his name. Though it performed well in the 1991 Gulf War, where it was even credited with destroying more Iraqi tanks than the M1 Abrams main battle tank (MBT), it has also been described as being akin to a camel, better known as a horse designed by committee.

It is even odd that the vehicle originally meant to replace the U.S. military’s M113 armored personnel carrier would be named for a general. But that is just part of the story.

Tanks Are Named for Generals

Omar Bradley served as a senior officer in the U.S. Army during the Second World War and was later the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. No epic cinematic biography has been made about Bradley, but he was a supporting character in The Longest Day and had a more substantial presence in the 1970 film Patton. In that film, he is portrayed as a highly competent and reliable leader, whose personality was more subdued and less attention-seeking than that of General George S. Patton.

A Bradley fighting vehicle crew operates their vehicle on a firing range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany during the Combined Resolve II exercise in 2014. The photo shows the Bradley positioned on a training lane with its turret oriented toward target areas. Crew members, partially visible through open hatches, are focused on gunnery tasks and target engagement. The background includes the open, rolling terrain and forested areas typical of Grafenwoehr. This image illustrates how U.S. Army teams train for precision and speed in weapons operation. The exercise brought together soldiers from multiple NATO nations to develop skills and interoperability. The M2 Bradley's role as a fighting vehicle for mechanized infantry is highlighted in this training environment.

That fact could explain in part why the U.S. military sought to honor the general when it fielded the M2. However, it could also simply be that Bradley had died in April 1981 and, when the vehicle entered service later that year, there was some interest in drawing attention away from the controversy around it.

As originally conceived, there were no plans to name the vehicle for anyone.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division are pictured dismounting from an M2 Bradley fighting vehicle during a live-fire qualification at Novo Selo Training Area in Mokren, Bulgaria. The photo captures several troops exiting the rear ramp of the Bradley, moving quickly onto the training ground in full combat gear, including helmets and rifles. The vehicle is positioned on open terrain, typical of a military range, with a mix of grassy and dirt surfaces in the background. The crew remains inside the Bradley, maintaining security as soldiers dismount. This training emphasizes fast, coordinated exits and immediate movement toward objectives under realistic conditions. The M2 Bradley’s rear ramp and troop compartment are visible, highlighting its function as an infantry carrier. Scenes like this are standard in multinational training events for improving combat readiness.

Most U.S. military tanks have been named for generals, with leaders chosen to evoke a sense of legacy and to help inspire the tank crews. That point is further notable because APCs typically didn’t have names. Yet, the M2 Bradley wasn’t meant to be an APC, it was meant to be an IFV, a platform that also didn’t really exist in U.S. arsenals at the time.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 3rd Infantry Division are photographed participating in field training with M2A4 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles during Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 23-10. The image shows several Bradley vehicles in a training area, surrounded by soldiers in full combat gear preparing for a scenario. Some soldiers are on foot, coordinating movements, while others remain inside or near the vehicles. The terrain features grass, dirt, and scattered vegetation typical of JRTC at Fort Johnson, Louisiana. The M2A4 Bradley’s upgraded turret and additional armor are visible, reflecting recent modernization efforts. This training event simulates combat conditions, focusing on coordination between mechanized infantry and their vehicles. Scenes like this highlight the continuous evolution of tactics and technology in U.S. Army operations.

How this came to be is explained in the satirical HBO made-for-TV movie The Pentagon Wars, based on the book The Pentagon Wars: Reformers Challenge the Old Guard, written by Colonel James G. Burton, USAF (Retired). He was the officer who was appointed by Congress to observe the field development tests. Thus, while Omar Bradley was never the subject of a biographical film, the vehicle bearing his name did get some small screen attention!

The image shows three U.S. Army M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles advancing in single file through a wooded area during Exercise REFORGER ’85. The vehicles are spaced out for tactical movement, navigating between trees and brush in typical Central European forest terrain. The Bradleys’ angular shapes and distinctive turrets are visible, with camouflage paint blending into the green and brown environment. Their tracks leave clear marks in the soft forest floor as they maneuver. This exercise, held in 1985, was part of NATO’s efforts to test large-scale mobility and coordination during the Cold War. The photo captures the challenges of operating armored vehicles in restricted and rugged natural terrain. M2 Bradleys were designed to support infantry while moving rapidly through such environments.

As noted in Burton’s book, the program faced a protracted development history that lasted nearly 17 years, during which time many U.S. Army officials were opposed to it. It was arguably a vehicle born out of compromise and committee that sought to serve in too many roles.

The M2 and the Pentagon Wars

Development of what was to become the M2 Bradley began in the late 1960s, based on lessons learned from Vietnam and also in response to the introduction of the Soviet Army’s BMP-1 IFV.

This image shows multiple M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Division crossing the Elbe River during the 2015 exercise Heidesturm Shock near Storkau, Germany. The Bradleys are positioned on a mobile bridge or ferry, moving over a wide section of the river with water visible on both sides. Soldiers are visible on or near the vehicles, observing the crossing and managing equipment. The background includes a view of the opposite riverbank with green foliage and clear skies, illustrating a typical European landscape. The vehicles are painted in standard camouflage and are equipped with upgraded armor and electronics distinctive to the M2A3 model. This exercise was designed to test and demonstrate the unit’s ability to conduct complex river crossings, a critical skill in NATO operations. The photo highlights the importance of mobility and adaptability for mechanized units in modern military training.

The original program called for creating a troop carrier that was fast-moving, and lightly armed and armored. Development continued, and the FMC Corporation produced three variants based on competing needs at the time. As originally conceived, the vehicle was to carry 11 soldiers to the frontline. However, the cancellation of the U.S. Army’s XM800 Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle led to the decision to merge the platforms, resulting in the XM2 IVF version and a separate XM3 cavalry fighting vehicle (CFV). The former could carry six to seven soldiers, while the latter variant was meant to serve primarily in a reconnaissance role. The M2 was a compromise that ensured that it was essentially a jack-of-all-trades and master of none of the roles for which it was designed.

In this image, Albanian, Armenian, and U.S. Army soldiers are shown loading a simulated casualty into the rear compartment of an M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle during exercise Combined Resolve II at Hohenfels, Germany, in 2014. The soldiers, wearing their respective national uniforms and combat gear, are working together to lift a training mannequin on a stretcher. The open rear ramp of the Bradley is visible, providing access for medical evacuation practice. The setting is an outdoor training area, with gravel and vegetation around the vehicle. This scenario is part of a multinational exercise aimed at improving cooperation and response during medical emergencies on the battlefield. The image highlights the M2 Bradley’s capacity to serve as both a combat platform and casualty evacuation vehicle. Teamwork and quick action are key themes captured in this drill.

A University of Maryland study into the M2 Bradley noted that while the vehicle did perform well in the Gulf War, it wasn’t due to the result of efficient planning or project management. The opposite was very much true. The M2 Bradley had too many stakeholders overseeing its development, resulting in inflexible and even questionable requirements, while there was a failure to make design tradeoffs for fear of losing its key capabilities.

“The Bradley has been described at different times, by military officers and historians, as a weapon that means ‘all things to all people,’ a ‘quintessential hybrid,’ and ‘a proverbial camel…that does nothing well.’”

Bradley Key Facts

The first production M2 Bradley IFVs were completed in 1981, with production continuing until 1995, with about 6,800 being produced in total. Though it could be mistaken for a tank with its large turret — a feature added to provide the scout capabilities — its main armament was a 25mm Bushmaster chain gun. As that wasn’t seen as effective in countering enemy armor, a twin TOW missile launcher was mounted to the side of the turret. The sighting for the main gun and TOW missiles was fully integrated to aid the gunner.

This image shows soldiers of the 2nd Armored Division standing beside their M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles following a company team attack exercise at the Shell Point training area. The Bradleys are covered with camouflage netting and natural foliage to blend into the surrounding environment. The soldiers, dressed in standard-issue combat uniforms and helmets, are gathered casually near the vehicles, some holding weapons, while others appear to be discussing the outcome of the exercise. The setting includes open ground, sparse vegetation, and a clear sky, typical of a large military training site. The scene illustrates post-mission regrouping, equipment checks, and team coordination after a simulated attack. Camouflage techniques are clearly visible, demonstrating practical fieldcraft. The M2 Bradley is presented as a core part of mechanized infantry operations.

Powered by a Cummins VTA-903T turbo-charged eight-cylinder diesel engine, the M2 Bradley could reach a top speed of 40 mph, while it had a range of 300 miles.

The image shows a group of infantrymen training with an M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle in the water, demonstrating the vehicle’s amphibious capabilities. The Bradley is partially submerged as it crosses a pond or small lake, with water reaching up to the lower hull. Crew members are visible on or inside the vehicle, monitoring its movement and performance during the exercise. The M2 Bradley’s tracks, which act as the primary means of propulsion in water, are clearly visible beneath the surface. The setting includes calm water with grassy or muddy banks and trees in the background, typical of a military training area. This exercise allows soldiers to learn proper procedures for launching, navigating, and exiting the water. The scene illustrates a less commonly used but important capability of the Bradley for river or obstacle crossings.

A lesser-known feature of the Bradley is that it is amphibious, being able to traverse water with an attached inflatable barrier but, as it takes up to 30 minutes for deployment, it’s seldom used.

The Bradley in War — Better Than Expected

Thanks to Col. Burton’s push for realistic testing, and his later testimony to Congress on the results, improvements were made to the vehicle’s suspension, armor, and most notably munition storage. That resulted in additional compromises.

The image features soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division posing for a photo with an M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters in the background. The scene takes place in a desert area in Syria, with sandy ground and clear skies typical of the region. The Bradley is positioned at the center, while the Apaches are parked nearby, showcasing both ground and air assets used in Operation Inherent Resolve. The soldiers are wearing full combat uniforms, some holding rifles, and standing or kneeling in front of the vehicle. This image highlights the integration of armored vehicles and aviation in joint operations. The setting underlines the logistical and operational reach of U.S. forces in deployed environments. The photo captures a sense of camaraderie and professionalism among the unit members.

“The version that went into combat was 13 tons heavier than originally specified, carried less people, and retained features that called for variable missions and new forms of training,” the University of Maryland study added.

This image shows the right side of a U.S. Army M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle stopped along a paved or dirt road during exercise REFORGER ’85. The Bradley’s side armor, road wheels, and turret are clearly visible, with the vehicle’s camouflage pattern blending into the European surroundings. The vehicle is at rest, positioned parallel to the road, with no crew visible outside. The background includes trees or brush typical of Central European training areas, and the sky is either overcast or partly cloudy. The scene emphasizes the vehicle’s profile and mobility features, such as its track system and side-mounted stowage. REFORGER exercises focused on rapid deployment and large-scale maneuvers, preparing U.S. and NATO forces for potential conflict scenarios. The image provides a straightforward view of the M2 Bradley’s design and use in 1980s-era training environments.

However, the changes likely saved lives and made the platform ideally suited for its baptism of fire that occurred during the Gulf War in 1991, where it proved to be highly effective. As previously noted, it destroyed more Iraqi armored vehicles than the M1 Abrams. Its TOW missile system was able to destroy the Iraqi military’s slower moving T-72 tanks, even though the primary focus of the Bradley was not “tank-to-tank” engagement.

The image shows a destroyed Iraqi T-72 main battle tank near Ali Al Salem Air Base, photographed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The tank’s hull and turret are heavily damaged, with scorch marks and debris scattered around the wreckage. The vehicle is situated in a barren, desert environment, typical of the Kuwaiti and Iraqi battlefields during the Gulf War. Parts of the tank’s tracks and road wheels are either missing or misaligned, and the main gun appears disabled. In the background, the sandy terrain stretches into the distance under a clear or hazy sky. The photo illustrates the effectiveness of coalition anti-armor tactics, with M2 Bradleys and other vehicles credited for many such kills. This image is a stark reminder of the destructive nature of armored warfare during Desert Storm.

The platform’s success in combat could certainly be credited to the highly trained crews, as well as the lackluster performance of the Iraqi military. However, 20 M2 Bradley IFVs were destroyed, with 17 believed to be the result of “friendly fire” incidents. As a result, further improvements were made with the introduction of better situational awareness technologies and eye-safe laser rangefinder capabilities.

This image shows multiple U.S. Army M2 Bradley fighting vehicles driving through central Vilnius, Lithuania, as part of the 2023 Lithuanian Armed Forces Day parade. The Bradleys are painted in standard camouflage and move in a column along a main city street, passing by cheering spectators and waving Lithuanian flags. Modern city buildings and historic architecture line the route, providing a striking urban backdrop. Soldiers are visible inside or atop the vehicles, maintaining vigilance as part of the parade formation. The event is attended by civilians, families, and dignitaries, some taking photos or saluting. The parade underscores the ongoing presence and support of NATO forces in the Baltic region. The photo highlights both the impressive hardware and the symbolic importance of allied military cooperation.

The Bradley was also deployed again in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, where it initially performed above expectations, but later it proved vulnerable to improvised explosive devices (IEDs). That necessitated even more upgrades that included greater armor protection, improved targeting systems and more advanced communication equipment. Those upgrades also led to more compromises, notably an increase in weight, which also impacted the speed and maneuverability. One feature that was reportedly welcomed by the crew was improved air conditioning units!

Who Really Respects the Bradley?

Around 300 Bradley IFVs have been supplied to Ukraine, enough to field six battalions, and the vehicle has proven highly effective against Russian tanks and other armored vehicles. Kyiv’s forces have praised its maneuverability and firepower (notably from the TOW rockets), and it has certainly earned the respect from the Russian forces it has engaged.

This image shows a group of Ukrainian soldiers and a dog named Oleh riding together in an M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle near Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, in 2023. The Bradley’s troop compartment is open, with several soldiers in full combat gear seated inside, some smiling or interacting with the dog. Oleh, a medium-sized mixed-breed dog, appears relaxed and comfortable, sitting among the crew members. The interior of the vehicle is visible, showing standard military equipment and the rugged, utilitarian design of the M2 Bradley. Light filters in through open hatches or doors, illuminating the faces of the soldiers and the dog. The scene captures a candid and humanizing moment during ongoing military operations. Such stories reflect the strong bonds and unexpected friendships that develop even in war zones.

There have also been reports that Russian engineers have studied captured M2s to determine how to copy some of the vehicle’s best features. At least one M2 was even pressed into service by a unit of the Russian Army’s 30th Motor Rifle Brigade last year after it was captured in the Donbas region.

Yet, as The National Security Journal also reported, “lessons in Ukraine have demonstrated that warfare has evolved in ways that the Bradley simply wasn’t designed for. While it has compared relatively well to other armored vehicles, its light armor and lack of defenses against drones have presented many challenges for its Ukrainian operators.”

This image shows a U.S. Army M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and its crew preparing to advance through the German countryside during Exercise REFORGER ’85. The Bradley is positioned in a grassy or lightly wooded rural area, with its turret facing forward and soldiers gathered nearby or inside the vehicle. Crew members in combat uniforms and helmets are making final checks or discussing their route before moving out. The surrounding landscape is typical of West Germany, featuring open fields, rolling terrain, and perhaps distant farmhouses or trees. The scene reflects the focus on readiness, coordination, and mobility that defined Cold War-era NATO training exercises. The Bradley’s armored hull, side skirts, and mounted weapons are clearly visible. This type of field exercise was central to ensuring U.S. forces could quickly respond to any threat in Europe.

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) including loiter munitions (kamikaze drones) have been a major threat to the M2 Bradley, just as IEDs were in Iraq going back two decades. In fairness, designers in the 1960s and 1970s likely couldn’t have foreseen these threats, which is also true of today’s main battle tanks.

Finding a Replacement

Despite the fact that the M2 Bradley was the result of numerous compromises and has shown to have significant disadvantages on a modern battlefield, the U.S. Army has failed to find a suitable replacement. To date, the Pentagon has made at least six attempts to develop a successor, and that has included the Future Combat System, the Ground Combat Vehicle, and the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), which evolved into the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV), now known as the XM30.

This image shows a U.S. Army soldier from the 1st Infantry Division pulling security next to an M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. The soldier is in full combat gear, holding a rifle and positioned in a low, alert stance near the vehicle’s side. The Bradley is parked on arid, sandy ground typical of the Mojave Desert, with sparse vegetation and distant hills visible in the background. The soldier’s focus is outward, scanning the environment for potential threats during the exercise. The vehicle’s camouflage and armored hull are clearly shown, emphasizing its protection and mobility features. This scene is a common part of field training, where situational awareness and defensive posture are constantly practiced. The National Training Center provides a challenging, realistic environment for preparing U.S. Army units for deployment.

The XM30, which was launched after the GCV effort ran its course, continues. But its progress has been hampered by unrealistic deadlines and some overly ambitious objectives, including that two should fit in a single C-17 transport aircraft. For now, the U.S. Army will forge ahead in developing the Bradley’s successor, but perhaps part of the problem is that replacing a flawed platform may be harder than replacing a successful one.

This image shows a diverse group of soldiers from the United States, United Kingdom, Croatia, and Poland posing for a group photo on top of several M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles at Bemowo Piskie, Poland. The soldiers, representing multiple NATO allies, are dressed in a mix of national military uniforms, some waving or smiling at the camera. The Bradley vehicles are parked in formation on a flat, open training area with grass or gravel underfoot, and a cloudy sky or wooded background typical of Poland. Flags or patches from the participating countries may be visible on uniforms or vehicles. The photo captures a spirit of camaraderie and joint readiness fostered during multinational exercises. Such moments highlight the cooperation and integration central to NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe. The scene represents both military hardware and the people behind the alliance.

As a stopgap, the Army has adopted the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), a platform developed by BAE Systems to finally replace the M113 APC. Designed to operate alongside the M1 Abrams MBT and the M2 Bradley, it leverages aspects of the IFV, serving as a turretless model that could be produced in five variants, including a general-purpose troop transport, medical evacuation/medical treatment vehicles, mortar carrier, and mission command platform. It went into full-rate production in February for the U.S. Army, and there has been speculation that Kyiv would also seek to acquire an undisclosed number for use in its ongoing conflict.

The image captures a U.S. Army M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle rolling along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., as part of the 250th Army Birthday Parade on June 14, 2025. Soldiers in combat gear ride inside or behind the vehicle, maintaining disciplined formation. In the background, viewers line the streets and federal buildings along the parade route. The scene combines ceremonial celebration with military hardware, reflecting both history and readiness. The Bradley’s turret and armored side are prominently visible, positioned as part of a broader column of vehicles including M1 Abrams tanks and Strykers.

Finally, in May, the U.S. Army likely avoided The Pentagon Wars: Part II, after it canceled the M10 Booker program, which had entered production last year. Like the M2 Bradley IFV, the M10 was touted to be an “armored combat vehicle” designed specifically to support infantry brigades. Technically not a “light tank,” its turret and 105mm low-recoil gun certainly presented the profile of a tank. At least in this case, it wasn’t named for a general!

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