T-72 [SEP] service entry
, Object 172 was re-engineered in 1970 to deal with some minor problems. However, being only a mobilization model, serial production of Object 172 was not possible in peacetime. In an unclear political process decree number 326-113 was issued, which allowed the production of Object 172 in the Soviet Union from 1 January 1972, and freed Uralvagonzavod from the T-64A production.
The first batch was built as "Object 172M" and, after some modifications, it was tested again in 1973 and
units in 1985, the OPFOR was designated the 177th Armored Brigade (SEP). The OPFOR soldiers wore Soviet-style armor uniforms including black berets and Soviet-style insignias, and used M551 Sheridans visually modified to resemble BMP-1 vehicles and T-72 tanks. Units from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard would support infantry roles for the OPFOR.
Air support and air combat tactics came from USAF tactical fighter wings operating from nearby Nellis AFB and George AFB, USN attack and strike