"I'll tell you how track tension works" The Chieftain, *Excited Smile*

As an old Bradley mechanic I spent MANY MANY hours fixing, driving, and riding these bad boys. I honestly miss working on Bradley's and I miss being around the crews more. I have seen them fly by in victory, and burning in flames as I towed them back. I have to say the Bradley is a work horse that did its job. But its also time for it to be replaced with a modern design. Iraq was a lesson I hope the Army learned and applies those lessons to future designs. I worked on Brads in 3rd ACR, 3rd ID, 4 ID, and 1st ID. I am proud I got to serve in some pretty big names from history. And supported the 101st ABN 1/32 Cav when they had 13 Brads for 8 months over in Iraq. The only time "at least to my knowledge" that the 101st ABN has had Bradley's during combat. And I was their M88a1 recovery operator. I saw some crazy sh*t during that tour. But I am proud to have served with those guys. I saw allot of things during my first two Iraq deployments and the Bradley definitely did its job. But I also saw things that make me feel its time to retire the Bradley and get a replacement that honors the Bradley's combat legacy, but also covers the Bradley's failings. No matter what I am proud of my old job and the memories that came out of those years doing it. I hope the next vehicle is a complete beast on the battlefield. Our soldiers deserve nothing less.

"Other than that, she's pretty much the same, just a lot heavier than she used to be..." Just like me after the lockdown.

"Do you have a commander story?" JB ponders, 'What can I say that won't land me in trouble?'

Ok, Sofi and JB make a great team! Such a dry sense of humor as well. "pallets of Rip-Its", "dismounted stuff", "sleep with pointy things in their backs..." Pure gold. "tracking deer if you're bored..." "karaoke night in the Bradley..." More lessons on track tensioning--- between you and LTC Moran, it's fascinating. However, as Willie said to Joe "I'd rather walk. A moving foxhole attracts the eye..." And, of course. It's raining...

14:39 "not a touch screen, we aren't that fancy." Touchscreens are the cheap and dirty option, physical buttons is the better option. Way less chance of faulty/unwanted input, blind operation, feedback. They should really minimize it in cars. I want a button I can find without looking to adjust the heating settings. Not like in a tesla on a touch screen, at least there is a voice option.

Now that makes me feel old! I was a M48 tanker that took over one of our company's M113 APCs (no training on it, just told to figure it out) This Bradley makes the M113 look like an empty aluminum box with tracks compared to the space shuttle. Wow, the 113 was fun but this is Bradley is incredible!

Loved the fact that the trick about hooking an iPod up was included, we did the same in our ASV and that made a world of difference when it came to long convoy escort jobs through Iraq.

She always reminds of a kid getting their first ride on a motorcycle... .pure bliss, lol!

This dude is such a fucken veteran it hurts. Takes me back a good bit. Much appreciated. I miss working with people like him.

Hey as a Aussie who got to play with one of the A2"s in Iraq, this is a awesome opportunity to see the A3 it all over again thank you too Sofi and the team.

It’s always a real pleasure to get a presentation from an intelligent, experienced, and enthusiastic soldier; even better to hear their war-stories. JB represents the kind of guy I enjoyed serving with; and with whom I was proud to serve. Only a confident warrior could put together the phrase “pirouetted to success”, and deliver it with such subtle swagger - 37:33

Great video. I really love the fact that you are able to get JB to talk about his experience and knowledge about these machines instead of just commentary. Love seeing y'all work together. Love the videos! Thanks

JB is one of the best tour guides ever. Getting to learn about these machines from someone who really knows about them is a fantastic opportunity. Thank you so much for sharing JB with us!

Ah, what a fine way to spend part of my evening. I learned a lot, which makes this even more pleasurable. Thank you Sofi and JB. Much appreciated.

Well, that ate up 40 mins of sleep, I'll complain later, but definitely not now - lol. Now, being a 33y Army vet, you would think I might know a thing or two about the Bradley, and I do, but now I know a shit-ton more thanks to Sofi and JB (the beautiful Sofi I might add). I was in an Armor battalion back late 80s/early 90s, so we're talking M113's, M60A3's and M577's. Oh, and a couple HMMWV ambulances (I was the ambulance platoon leader at the time). You two did a great job and look forward to watching your other videos, and yes, I subbed :)

JB told me more about a Bradley than my Instructors at MOS-T. Good job.

Oh man I laughed so hard at the thrown track, we did the same thing back in 03 except I had stopped scanning for a minute so I knew we were doing donuts. Felt like maverick and goose in a flat spin lol 😆😂🤣

Sofi, you’re quickly becoming the go to source for tank information on-line. Please keep your excitement level up. You’re well regarded and respected.😇

The M2/M3A3 they are beautiful vehicles, I want it to remain operational for many more decades and never need to be replaced unnecessarily.

Thanks for bringing us more JB Sofi, he's a genuine vet and I love hearing his insiders knowledge.

Was a 19D in A trp 2/9th Cav so was on the M3 and 2nd Armored 4-41 inf M3A1 in the 80's. We used to put 2 jerry cans under the ramp as we lowered it. could sleep 3-4 there. you could also get 1-2 in the crawl space on top of the duffle bags but they frowned on that especially when we were on the move.

Boy this bring back memories! Things have changed a bit over the decades and the Bradley's have gotten more sophisticated! When I was in all this equipment was at Fort Knox and the 1st Armore Brigade thank you for sharing "SCOUTS OUT"

That aged well, probably half the world watching it now as they are being shipped to the Frontline.

Sofilein looks like she's about to do a combat drop with the Colonial Marines in that helmet :D

I got to 14:15 and the thought that ran through my head was "Oh, Newt has grown up and looks happy." But seriously that was an interesting and fun video to watch.

JB has the presence of a Senior NCO vehicle commander. Someone who actually works for a living and plays for keeps.

Reminds me somewhat of the M113 APC my unit used 30 years back. The engine roar/whine ... without the headset, you cannot hear a darn thing. Ours was a M113 mounted tampella mortar arty unit, so during the initial fire mission drill, we were to echo out LOUD the fire mission commands. And for the longest time, we always thought the NCOs were just trying to be funny with us. Like, why shout out loud, whatever happened to field discipline right? Then later, we went for field exercises, then ... ooooh ... everyone better echo out loud! 'cos with the the engine, you can barely hear anyone even with the headsets. And later with live firing exercises, battery firing, it was just crazy.

This guy knows his Bradley.

I was a mechanic on the M3A2. I miss that beautiful vehicle.

Sofies let´s go play in the turret was like a happy kid getting a present, you are way to cute 💖👍

I was in on the testing of these 22 years ago when the new vehicles were still in the prototype stage. They were very impressive!

I was on a Bradley for many years as a 19D. First was the M2A3 then the M3A3. Miss being in the military!

As we say here in NZ, 'JB' is a top bloke! Clearly, he has a huge store of knowledge that he has not touched on, whether technical or combat. Great video, thank you, from an ex-M113 driver and armour enthusiast.

Ole' Charlie Manson. Have some good memories with that one. My father-in-law came to visit me a few years back and I just so happened to have the keys for all of the Brads that weekend. I took him up to the staging area where we kept them before live fire weeks and let him take a lap around the pad in that one.

@21:09 BCIS "friend or foe, first to know." I was deployed to Muenster, Germany in '97 when PM Bradley, United Defense, and TRW were pitching the laser interrogation system. Good to see they got the contract.

Love it when IN shares his knowledge! Thank you Sofia and JB!

I was in the 1/26 CAV in Mass Guard and in 1982 my CO and some of us drove over to a RAYTHEON plant that had an M3 Bradley Cav Fighting vehicle on their fenced in lot. We didn't get to drive it but did start it up and power up the systems. It was 1982 awesome.

I was a TOW Missile Tech on the Bradley from 1993-2000. Best job I ever had.

More in depth video of the modern equipment is hard to find. I am so happy you are able to bring it to us. Thanks!

These videos with JB are great! He provides so much info beyond the technical and design aspects. It awesome to learn how the crew lived and operated day to day. Thanks and keep these coming!

“Have Karaoke night in the Bradly” “Just dont give away your position”

Thank you , that was awesome, 40mins vid, seemed like 10mins. Greetings from a former m113 crew member. We used to dream of the Bradley, now they use the cv90 here

I cracked up for 5 mins at the iPod shuffle part. I also love to see how these guys deal with the quirks of the system, like taping the laser and stuff. As a product designer this is really fun to watch! Greetings from 🇩🇪

Amazing how BFV can be useful in many situations, with TOW System and M242 firing APDS-T can even knock out some iraqi bad guys. Idk what is more beautiful, Sofi or a M3A3 BUSK III.

"A pirouette, if you will." Great video, Sofi & JB. Thanks for bringing this to us.

As always great content. Sofilein does the trademark 30 second brief appearance, often sporting a new awesome look that makes Instagram 'influencers' regret they even opened an account... Then JB simply owns. I'm ex army ranger, ex fast jet etc myself, but I couldn't even walk around a skateboard for a show and tell in the way that JB effortlessly guides us around this fine vehicle. Such a pleasant watch. Thank you both.

Ah my old mount, 'cept mine was a scout vehicle M1-A3. Fun video. :)

The Bradley was the answer for the Soviet's BMP. Can you imagine a Bradley commander going into all out nuclear war against Soviet Forces? Would've been scary as hell.

I was a Bradley comander, you guys are so cool

When I was in a Bradley in 1983 I remember they had slits in the side of the passenger area so you could shoot out of. They got rid of those it looks like.

Hands down, if this is not your best video, should be in the top 10 list. Thank you Sofi, thank you JB!!!

great quality content, informative yet friendly and relaxed, enjoyed that, thank you sofilein and team.

What a fantastic fighting vehicle. Love the design and how everything is laid out. Excellent

Thanks Sofi, more great stuff! Always good to hear a 'Vet' talking!

fun, informative, well-made video. Great to see JB again. Thanks Sofi!

This guy passed the test when he dropped the word "behoove" in a sentence.

I'm so stoked! so glad you did the Bradleys, been hoping for this for a long time. Well done! Amazing!

Nice to see our favourite tank girl, giving the IFV's a chance to show their stuff.

“Like coming out of..uh, coming out of uhhh,uhh” yup gotta keep it PG

Well done JB & Sofi! Excellent & informative presentation as always.

Also this is a great video for those who own model(s) of the Bradley, especially the Meng kit.

I remember unloading our brand new m2 at the fort hood rail yard in 1984. We had a training team from Fort Knox train us. I went from 11-b to 11-m Bradley gunner. We stayed in the field, then when we were done we were sent to reformer 84. Drawed new Bradley’s there for the exercise. The wall was still up then. I believe that I was in the field more than garrison . I loved the army I was also in a cohort platoon we were together our whole time in service except the 4 year bonus babies who went overseas after 2 years in the states. D/co 2/41st Infantry. 2A.D. 2nd platoon.1st squad.

Nice tour of this Bradley. Thanks.

Started as a 19d in 2002 with an A2 ODS went back to an A2 and ended with an M3A3 and everything he said is true lol

Hearing "same-same," "dunskie," and "behooves you" had me thinking of around four decades of military vernacular all compiled into one voice.

Thanks for sharing.... Have a great weekend. Amazing how this vehicle has changed. Yes, upgrades almost always add weight. All the qualification and training for the crew must be impressive. Looks like it would be hard work, but fun.

"Don't sing so loud that you give away your position" - classic!

This guys a legend. With the changes all the guys make to vehicles like the laser sensor I really hope the military is getting much more feedback very early and all throughout the lifecycle of these vehicles so this feedback can be taken into account more. I love the music hack and hope they just add an AUX in for you guys 😉

22 gallons imperial converted to metric 100 litres, that's my good deed of the day. I have always wanted to know what those side corrugated plates was for, when i saw them for the first time in desert storm, I thought they were some kind of cooling and ventilation for the crew, now I know what they are for.

So cool. I stumbled on this video by chance. I served from 97-99 at Ft. Knox E5-15 CAV and HHT5-15 CAV on one of these beasts. We didn't have lasers, night vision, and squad displays for the observer/tow loader back then. My memories were that it was way underpowered, loud and smoked like hell during start up and kept smoking until the engine warmed up. You could see the smoke from 5 miles away. The heater never worked and broke right away when repaired. It was extremely cold inside in the wintertime. The drivers hatch would lift up from the overpressure when the 25mm was firing. Taking the gun out for service was a pain in the ass. It took a strong person but there isn't enough room for a big guy in the turret to remove the receiver, TURN and slide it out the door between the gunner and commander seats. We needed to start them up every day to charge the batteries. Maybe we had junk batteries since I was in a training unit. The rumors were that the armor could not stop anything bigger than 7.62 and hand grenades and it drew a lot of fire due to its size. But if there was ever a zombie apocalypse, I would want one. At 150lbs, I could move from the driver's position to the gunner's turret and squad area from inside with all the hatches buttoned up. With a mattress you could sleep 4 small people in the back, and it was easy vehicle to operate. One man could operate the entire vehicle and live in it if he had to.

JB should be a regular on your channel! Interesting delivery and good humor! Glad I found SOFILEIN!!!!!

Just here to admire Sofilein. Just noticed the Bradley in the back.

Nice neck chain, Sofi. Also, that squad leader display is awesome.

What a great down to earth, easy to understand narration. Thanks!

Great video, cool explanations on everything!! Also, thank you so much for your service!!! Happy fourth of July!

That’s so funny I had to do the same with the ammo boxes. Pain in the ass. 2/8 1st cav. I like the cross sabers.

Damn! If I had a Grand Daughter I sure hope she would be like Sofilein! Physically and especially with her fantastic attitude and personality!! Keep it goin', lass! you're showin' the better side of armor and arms. You're keeping it interesting!

Wonderful! This is a great vid for modelers too, all the detail views are great!

Yeah the headphone trick, that works on anything with headphones. 3.5mm jack I believe. Back in the day it was cassettes for us. My story. Gulf War. We dismounted, got back inside and my periscope had bullet or shrapnel ding in it. Huge crack too. Later at Ft Riley. New butter bar Lt got us lost! Had the driver going through head high grass / brush way to fast! We did a nose dive into a ditch! Gunner almost lost his eye on his sight! I think the padding was missing. Threw me forward all the way up behind the driver! Might be why I've had so much back trouble over the years! LOL

Should have talked about the personal "A/C" unit all three guys have saved me so many times in Iraq

Yeaaah.. another great video !!! Thank you so much for sharing these awsome walk around... very very intersting.

Thanks, JB & Sofi-Bradley sales are picking up for sure!

You can tell the Bradley likes JB a lot. She’s drippin. Okay. Bad joke. Got the glare from He Who Can’t Be Named.

Sofilein, This is the most awesome channel on YT, Thank you much, Keep up the great videos. 👍👍💖💖💖

fantastic,thanks for taking the time, love you sofhi, please more

What a great video. Thanks Sofi and JB. JB, appreciate your service brother!

Seeing that big red generator gave me flashbacks to my first driver, and how he became known as Nubs.

You’re a class act as always Sofi!

Looking at this video brings back all the smells & memories of living in & out of a Bradley for months. I started as a dismount, then a driver, then a gunner. Was deployed to Kuwait/Iraq with B Co 1-9 Cav 1CD out of Ft. Hood, TX. "Headhunters!!". Lots of good (and bad), memories of all the times i spent with my fellow soldiers & brothers.

Thanks for sharing this very interesting video with this fellow that really seems to know his stuff! Must say that the Bradley, whatever the variants is, seems to be quite complicated and will take a lot of training to handle it well. What I don't go crazy is that how cramped it is in reality when packed with troops and whatever they carry! Good job again and looking forward to see your next video 👍👍

Cool vid Sofi!!!!......while I was in I got to be around alot of M1s......I never knew alot about the brad

Really cool videos about Army equipment. I was an Air Force AC-130U crew chief so these videos are very educational for us flyboys

Awesome video. So informative. Thanks for producing.

Tested a couple of these improvements when I was at Force 21. The squad leaders display was a great addition. Dismounts rule!! :P

If the only things that came out of this man's mouth were the ipod tip and the pirouette story he would still be a font of wisdom.

Wow thanks for showing the Entire tank I was always wondering what it look like inside one of them. 😊

I was a Bradley driver and gunner Aco 3-8 cav 06-09. I miss driving it so much I've been through some shit in this thing and its saved my life more than once.

It sounds like that is a great vehicle and the crew have to be well trained to be effective in a combat situation though. The many features make it a great vehicle to operate and the enemy would not want to be in it's sights anytime.

Stupendo video( fantastic video ) saluti dall’Italia 🇮🇹❤️🇺🇸