Two-Track Mind

One commie’s trash is another man’s treasure.

- John Schwartze

Let’s face it, who hasn’t fantasized about having their very own tank without being subject to the usual prerequisite of military service or stealing one from a National Guard armory? Schwarzenegger’s YouTube charity videos might make you think he’s the only one with the money and connections to be able to personally own and operate some decommissioned iron, but there’s hope for those of us who’ve felt that same indescribable yearning that could only be satisfied by having tracked armor. Dead Air Armament founder Mike Pappas is living proof that the average civilian can realize that dream as well — assuming your local laws permit such a thing. If not, perhaps it’s time to move or write to your congressman.

After looking at different options for surplus military vehicles on the market, Mike found this OT-90 the most conducive to his needs. It holds 11 people, can float, and (at 12 tons) is light enough to be hauled on the back of a big-rig trailer as a “wide load.” The history of this particular tank is a little unclear. It was a Russian BMP-1 converted to an OT-90 by the Czechs, and although bullet strikes are visible, he’s not sure if Slobodan Milosevic may have had it terrorizing the Balkans.