The Ohio National Guard’s 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 145th Armor Regiment, has begun training with the U.S. Army’s newest generation of main battle tank—the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams.
The unit is the first within the 34th Infantry Division to field the upgraded platform.
On July 28, tank crews conducted live-fire gunnery qualification with the SEPv3 variant at Camp Ripley Training Center in Minnesota. The event represents the start of operational integration of the SEPv3 within National Guard formations, which have historically operated older variants of the Abrams series.
According to the Army, the M1A2 SEPv3 (System Enhancement Package version 3) includes a range of upgrades focused on survivability, power management, and crew efficiency. These improvements include improved armor, updated electronics, a new auxiliary power unit, and an enhanced fire control system.
The 145th Armor Regiment’s training cycle at Camp Ripley includes qualification exercises that test the tank’s full capability set. Soldiers are expected to adapt to the vehicle’s updated command-and-control features, digital systems, and target engagement tools—all while maintaining operational tempo in demanding range conditions.
The 34th Infantry Division’s transition to the SEPv3 is part of a broader Army initiative to modernize its armored fleet across both active duty and reserve components. The SEPv3 variant is intended to extend the service life of the Abrams platform while preparing for future battlefield threats in contested environments.
While the Abrams has undergone multiple modernization cycles since its introduction in the early 1980s, the SEPv3 version represents the most comprehensive set of upgrades to date. The platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with networked battle command systems, provide better protection against improvised threats, and support extended operations through onboard power generation.
According to previous Army statements, the SEPv3 also addresses longstanding maintenance and fuel consumption issues, helping to improve logistical support and reduce the operational burden on support units.
The M1A2 SEPv3, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, remains the cornerstone of U.S. armored combat power. With enhanced lethality, protection, and network integration, the tank is expected to remain in frontline service well into the 2030s as the Army simultaneously develops its next-generation Optionally Manned Tank (OMT) concept.