The army prepares tanks for the DC military parade that could cost $ 45 million

The Army began on Wednesday to prepare to send Abrams tanks from its base in Fort Cavazos, Texas, to Washington, DC, to participate in its 250 birthday parade throughout the National Shopping Center on June 14, carrying the tanks aboard the trains that will leave later this month.

In total, 28 Abrams M1A1 tanks will be sent to participate in the parade, authorities said.

The 250º Army celebration, which also falls on the birthday of President Donald Trump, has promoted the speculation that Trump is using the event to obtain the type of great military parade that he sought in his first mandate. However, that event was canceled when cost estimates exceeded $ 90 million.

Bradley’s fighting vehicles and Stryker vehicles will also be included, together with World War Age platforms such as M4 Sherman Tank, Douglas C-47 Transport Aircraft and fighter P-51 Mustang. Cobra and Huey helicopters will be included among the 50 army planes in the parade, as well as 34 horses, two mules, a car and a dog.

The authorities said that the heavy team will be organized at the West Potomac Park in Washington before the parade, which will continue along the Constitution Avenue and end up near the White House, where the paratroopers with the golden knights of the army will jump to the ellipse.

One of those paratroopers will offer a single flag folded to Trump. After the parade ends, Trump is expected to administer a constitutional oath to about 250 new and forwarding army recruits.

“The parade will track the evolution of the army from the revolutionary war to the United States Army,” said America250 in a press release. “Attendees will experience 250 years of army heritage through historical recreaters of the US Army personnel, periods of periods, vehicles, high -impressive steps and military bands that participate in this historical event.”

The Army said it hopes to spend between $ 25 million to $ 45 million in this year’s events, although the final account is expected to be much higher when other costs will be taken into account. The United States Secret Service has appointed the event a “special national security event” similar to the Super Bowl or a presidential inauguration, which requires significant security resources. The Secretary of the Department of Patria has not published a cost estimate to ensure the event.

The army will also be in the hook for any damage done to the roads in Maryland and Washington. The authorities said they will mitigate the risk of damage by putting new rubber traces in heavy vehicles and metal plates on the roads where the tanks could have a sharp turn.

The army said that 6,700 soldiers will begin to arrive in Washington, DC, on June 11 and will sleep in the cradle within the unused federal office buildings, including the Department of Agriculture. Shower trailers will be established in safe areas for troops, who will also be offered a stipend of $ 69 per day, two meals ready to eat and a hot dinner provided by a contractor.

Many of the soldiers will march in the parade in period costumes, including the attire of the revolutionary war purchased from a production company, with the aim of telling the public the history of the 250 years of the service.