Army Clarifies M1A2T Tank Readiness Amid Patrol, States 96% Operational Rate

(CNA reporter Yu Kai-hsiang, Hsinchu, 20th) The Army's 584th Combined Arms Brigade M1A2T tank battalion today conducted its second off-base combat readiness patrol. Addressing recent rumors about tank parts shortages, Deputy Brigade Commander Colonel Chang Chia-hsien clarified that the M1A2T tanks currently maintain a high combat readiness rate of over 96%. He stated that due to rigorous training after receiving the equipment, wear and tear is a normal phenomenon, and the readiness rate is being maintained according to procedure through US military technical representatives and the ROC Armed Forces' maintenance teams. After receiving the M1A2T tanks, the Army's 584th Combined Arms Brigade formed Taiwan's first M1A2T tank battalion in October of last year. Following its first off-base combat readiness patrol last December, the second patrol was conducted early this morning. A formation of six tanks, comprising two platoons, departed from the Shengli Road area in Hukou and proceeded towards the vicinity of the Hsinchu Air Force Base in Nanliao, covering a mobile distance of about 22 kilometers. Regarding recent rumors that a shortage of M1A2T parts has prevented some tanks from being combat-ready, Colonel Chang Chia-hsien, Deputy Commander of the 584th Combined Arms Brigade, clarified in an interview that all M1A2T tanks currently maintain a high combat readiness rate of over 96%. He explained that normal equipment wear is expected due to rigorous post-acquisition training. This wear is managed through US military technical representatives and the ROC Armed Forces' maintenance teams according to supply and maintenance procedures to ensure equipment readiness. Furthermore, parts have already been distributed to repair centers at various bases, so there are no issues with the readiness rate. Chang also stated that the remaining 4% falls within the normal ratio of operational wear and tear, but it was not convenient to further elaborate on the specific items. He emphasized that equipment maintenance relies on manual labor and that damaged equipment cannot be repaired immediately. It must be sent to a workshop and repaired strictly following operational procedures, man-hour steps, repair guidelines, and parts availability, all of which are currently proceeding normally. When asked if the particular environment of Taiwan has led to a higher wear rate for specific parts since the M1A2T's commissioning, Chang stated that current statistics show all wear is within normal ranges. However, because Taiwan has an island climate with high temperatures and humidity, the troops are following standard procedures by using dehumidifiers manufactured by the Armaments Bureau to regularly dehumidify the tanks, ensuring the equipment maintains optimal combat capability.