Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has contracted for support of Iraq’s armored fleet.

The Defense Department has selected General Dynamics Land Systems to maintain the MBT fleet of the Iraq Army.

Officials said the M1A1 has not played a major role in the campaign to stop Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Under the $65.2 million contract, G-D would provide training and other support for Iraq’s M1A1 fleet.

“Funding and work location will be determined with each order,” the Pentagon said.

In a statement on July 17, the Pentagon said G-D would provide specialized training, contractor logistics support and base life support for the Abrams. The Iraq Army has at least 140 M1A1s, acquired over the last five years.

“Estimated completion date is Feb. 28, 2015,” the Pentagon said.

This marked the latest of a series of contracts to support Iraq’s Abrams fleet.

  General Dynamics Land Systems, M1A1 main battle tanks, Pentagon, U.S. to maintain Iraq’s fleet of Abrams tanks, which have not stopped ISIL