DNG NewsBy Det.1 /444th MPAD
 Driver training
945th C&C fields M88 Track Recovery Vehicle
M88 Tank

Members of the 945th Collection and Classification Company drive an M88 Track Recovery Vehicle during a training exercise in Delaware City in October. (Photo by Spc. James R. Vadakin)

By Sgt. Shawn Lowe and Spc. James Vadakin
 
When your car breaks down, you can always call a tow truck, but what if you're in a tactical government vehicle performing off-road manuevers? In that case, you'd call on the M-88A1 Track Recovery Vehicle.
 
Weighing over 100,000 pounds, the M-88 is by far more powerful and versatile than an ordinary tow truck.
 
M88 Tank

Spc. Alan M. Jackson, track vehicle mechanic for the 945th Collection and Classification Company, readjusts a displaced track. (Photo by Spc. James R. Vadakin)

Members of the 945th Collection and Classification Company trained on how to operate and drive this their newly aquired M-88 during October's drill weekend.
"Despite its size, the M88 handles well," said Sgt. 1st Class Richard G. Banks, 1st Battalion, 72nd Troop Command.
The overview training also included a 'suprise' and a chance for some opportunity training.
When one of the tracks came off, soldiers were quick to adapt and continue their mission by repairing the M88.
 
M88 Tank

Spc. John W. Tilghman of the 945th Collection and Classification attempts to winch a thrown track back into place. (Photo by Spc. James R. Vadakin)

"Soft sand can sometimes cause tracks to slip off their sprockets," said Spc. John W. Tilghman, truck driver for the 945th.
 
The unexpected incident added 'battle-focus' to their driver training, as the regional terrain during some deployments could require similar impromptu repairs.
 
Tilghman and other team members winched the thrown track back into place, enabling the unit to complete its driver training as scheduled.

October 2001

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M88 Tank Driver

Sgt. 1st Class Richard G. Banks, 1st Battalion, 72nd Troop Command operations sergeant, rides in the open cupola of an M88A1 Track Recovery Vehicle and trains members of the 945th on the equipment. (Photo by Spc. James R. Vadakin)

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2001 Delaware National Guard