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The secret is clear: This is the Army’s new light tank–it looks like a light tank, for sure. But they don’t want you to call it a Light Tank.

Key Points and Summary: The M10 Booker, formerly the “Mobile Protected Firepower” platform, is the U.S. Army’s new light tank, designed for infantry support and armored cavalry roles.

-Equipped with a 105mm gun, full-circle turret, and armor, it offers speed and mobility at 40 mph.

-While not a main battle tank, it serves as a versatile asset to protect advancing columns, flank cavalry scouts, and call in air support.

-Critics question its survivability against modern anti-tank weapons and drones, but the Booker could act as a recon-support tank, setting up tripwire defenses and alerting larger forces.

-Its battlefield effectiveness awaits trials at Fort Irwin.

M10 Booker: Light Tank or Recon Vehicle? The Army’s Latest Combat Asset

Well, is it or isn’t it?

Is this a light tank or a reconnaissance observational vehicle? The M10 Booker has raised some eyebrows because it is not clear what role it will play in the future Army force.

It was formerly known as the vague-sounding “Mobile Protected Firepower” platform, prior to its unveiling in 2023.

At that point Army acquisition honchos regarded it as a “combat vehicle.”

Moreover, a U.S. Army general tried to put a finer point on the Booker during its public christening round table event, as reported by the Military Times last year. “[I]n the [U.S.] Army, the historical use of light tanks has been to perform reconnaissance functions. This is not a reconnaissance vehicle,” Major General Glenn Dean said. “It’s not actually a mission match [for a light tank].”

The M10 Booker Combat Vehicle proudly displays its namesake on the gun tube during the Army Birthday Festival at the National Museum of the U.S. Army, June 10, 2023. The M10 Booker Combat Vehicle is named after two American service members: Pvt. Robert D. Booker, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for actions in World War II, and Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, who posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross for actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their stories and actions articulate the Army’s need for the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle, an infantry assault vehicle that will provide protection and lethality to destroy threats like the ones that took the lives of these two Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Bernardo Fuller)

M10 Booker: Moving Past the Name Game

That didn’t seem to clear up the confusion because the M10 Booker may not have the survivability of an Abrams and is without the troop-carrying ability of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Some generals consider the Booker a light tank above all. That means it should be able to take out enemy main battle tanks in armored combat, roll out in front of an advancing column, and protect light infantry.

M10 Booker: The Details Matter

Let’s take a closer look at the Booker.

It is a tracked vehicle with a 105mm gun. The turret can traverse in a full circle. It has armor like a tank and clearly looks like one. It will have to be maintained like a tank but probably will not need the full maintenance attention required of an Abrams.

And it can reach a speedy 40 miles per hour.

The M10 Booker may have been designed to assist a light infantry force only.

It can be carried into the area of operations on a C-17, but it likely cannot be parachuted into the battlefield like the M551 Sheridan light tank.

The Sheridan was a recon airborne assault vehicle, but it was usually known as a tank to airborne soldiers. Sheridans served until 1996 and were known for their airborne deployment during the intervention in Panama in 1989.

Expert Analysis: Seem Like a Tank To Me?

The M10 Booker seems like a tank to me. The overall question is what it will be used for and how it can survive on the modern battlefield with anti-tank missiles and innovative use of drones that take out tanks. Some have even questioned the relevancy of tanks in the 21st Century, especially considering their mixed record during the war in Ukraine. The U.S. Marine Corps just rid itself of tanks as well.

Tanks for U.S. Marines M1 Abrams

U.S. Marines with Combined Arms Company fire an M1A1 Abrams tank during a field training exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Sept. 21, 2015. The Marines underwent several days in the field to prepare for multinational training exercises over the next few months. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Melanye E. Martinez/Released)

But the Booker is definitely not a main battle tank and shouldn’t entirely rely solely on a tank-on-tank combat role in armored warfare.

The Army may disagree as they claim the Booker is meant to be an infantry support tank, but I see it as part of an armored cavalry regiment in which the Booker could protect the flanks for advancing cavalry scouts who are traveling in Bradleys or Strykers.

This would give armored cavalry commanders confidence that the vanguard of the recon force would be protected and allow for speed, surprise, and security – the essential mission of a cavalry unit.

Moreover, the M10 Booker could call in air support in this scout role. It could make the difference to protect an armored column of Abrams main battle tanks and Bradleys. Stryker brigades could also make good use of the Booker in similar missions.

Yes, the M10 Booker Is Really a Tank

The Booker is thus a tank with recon and intelligence-gathering capabilities, even though some generals deny the recon role.

It is not battle-proven, and it would probably have a difficult time with enemy drones and anti-tank weapons, but it could draw fire and set up a “tripwire” concept in armored maneuver warfare.

Any attack on the Booker could alert the main advancing force of Abrams and Bradleys and enable them to locate the enemy quickly. Then air cover would take over, with Apache attack helicopters saving the day.

M1 Abrams SEPv4

M1 Abrams Tank. Image Credit: U.S. Army.

Thus, the Army and military observers should save the criticism and consider it a tank for cavalry uses. It’s a light tank, for crying out loud. This thing could definitely answer the call in an armored fight someday. Scouting is an essential duty for maneuver warfare and the Booker is tailor-made for this mission.

The tank is not dead in the Army and the next stop for the Booker should be the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California to prove its mettle in combat simulations. Then the Army can see if the Booker is up to the task – as a tank – first and foremost.

About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood

Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.