Getting dirty in a M113 armored personnel carrier

From the time of the Second World War, certain vehicles have emerged as iconic symbols of the conflict in which they were used, such as the Tiger tank and the M4 Sherman. There have been many conflicts in the years after WWII, but it was not until the Vietnam War that another armored vehicle would gain an iconic status and forever after be identified with that conflict.

That vehicle was the FMC M113 armored personnel carrier. The M113’s characteristic profile became instantly recognizable through news bulletins on television and photographs in newspapers and magazines. Having been around for more than 50 years, the M113 really requires no introduction and military enthusiasts will know all they need to about it. Examples are today exhibited in museums and large numbers are in private ownership where they are displayed at shows or used by re-enactment groups.

That is how I got to take my first ride in an M113 — and what an unforgettable experience it was. Through my work writing about the activities of re-enactment groups, I became friendly with the American Infantry Preservation Society (AIPS), a British-based group which depicts the Vietnam War and has received awards for its displays and earned many plaudits from veterans. The group has a range of vehicles, including an M113, and while photographing their display at a show I was invited to join them for a ride.

The group was giving a mobility display in the arena and the M113 was taking part along with REO “gun trucks” and other vehicles. It took me less than one second to say yes. After being handed a jacket and helmet to blend in, I was directed towards my ride. The name “Love Generation” was painted on the side, and I entered through the rear ramp door.

The first thing that struck me was the amount of space inside, even with several people on board. Having served with an infantry regiment in the British Army, I was used to the FV432, which I remembered as being much less roomy. Also, the seats were more comfortable.

Closing the door, the driver started the engine and we were on the move. I was told I could stand up to take photographs through the open roof hatch, which was the reason for the helmet and jacket. Using the onboard radios, the crew kept in touch with other vehicles and the coordinator controlling the vehicle movement in the arena, so we knew when we were supposed to move.

There was a trackway around the arena that included slight mounds of compacted earth and a water obstacle had been created. Looking like a convoy, the vehicles began to enter the arena, and when it came to our turn we joined the column as we began the demonstration. Our driver kept up a good speed, and even with the suspension the vehicle bounced. Standing up trying to take photographs, I could not hold on to anything and I was caught off balance. Had I been seated, the ride would not have been even more of a roller-coaster.

Coming to the water obstacle, the driver put his foot down and we were met by a muddy wave of water. The M113 behind us followed suit and the effect must have great viewing for the watching public. Continuing around the arena, I was able to imagine how it would have been being in a real convoy that came under fire from any direction. It was exhilarating and as close to the real thing as anyone is lever likely to get.

To add to the realism I was joined in the roof hatch by a member of the AIPS, who began to operate the blank-firing M60 machine gun with its gun shield. As he fired, empty cases spilled over the roof and some dropped inside. A .50-caliber machine gun was also mounted on the roof, but it was not used. Even so, the effect added to the drama.

Having got the photographs I wanted, I decided to duck inside and get some interior shots. Outside in the fresh air it was cool, but inside the vehicle the air was hot, dusty and dry, with a smell of cordite from the spent cartridge cases. The guys on the radio kept in touch with the display coordinator, while the driver concentrated on controlling the 16-foot-long, 13-ton vehicle. This was a different world and one which the public doesn’t get to see.

The day was over all too soon and I wished it could have lasted longer. This is what having a military vehicle is about; having fun on a grand scale. We had to leave the arena, but the REO trucks remained to prepare for a demonstration of artillery with an M114 155mm gun owned by a member from another group also depicting the Vietnam War.

My advice to all: If anyone offers you a lift in an M113APC, jump at the opportunity and enjoy the ride.