Tank origin

The Bradley vehicles entered service in 1981 to keep pace with the Soviet BMP-1 as replacements for the M113 armored personnel carrier. Although it appears similar to the M2, which is designated an Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the M3 Bradley is classified as a Cavalry Fighting Vehicle and mainly serves a reconnaissance role. The M3A1 variant includes a filtration system to provide nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection via masks for all five crew members aboard. It also features four periscopes on the rear upper hatch.