USMC M1A1

The Dragon kit does come w/ CIP panels , I have the Tamiya OIF kit and the dragon kit comes w/ the front CIP flat panels ,but the Tamiya kit does not, the Dragon kit has 5 sprues to update it to current specs, plan on adding this one to my collection and compare the two.

Actually, that kit is proper for a Desert Storm USMC M1A1 since the Marines borrowed Abrams tanks from the Army. The Marines didn't go to the 8-shot smoke launchers until well after Desert Storm.

Now for an OIF USMC tank, that kit is missing several items like the CIP panels, MCD, extra bustle storage rack, bustle rack mounted APU, and the tracks represent the original T-156 pattern as opposed to the newer T-158 pattern.

Tamiya makes a modern vehicle accessory set that includes CIPs you could use. The MCD would not be too difficult to scratchbuild with stuff from the parts box. Same deal with the APU. The extra bustle could be hacked together with styrene strip, but I believe Eduard may do it in photoetch. The T-158 tracks are sold by AFV Club and Armout Track Models. I think Fruil may do them as well.
HTH

Only kits that come with the smoke launchers are the DML USMC Baghdad kit and the new Tamiya M1A2 (which can be built as either an Army or USMC M1A1 as well). You will also need to add the Ant-Missile dazzler box on the hell hole (round cover plate on left front top of hull) that the Marines use. Some USMC tanks also leave the mounting bracket for the wading exhuast stak in place once the stack is removed. It is a square frame that goes around the center section of the rear grill, the exaust outlet.

Personally, I would just get the DML kit. For about $25 you get all you need to make a USMC tank plus you get paper MRE boxes, an additional storage rac with PE (not actually correct for a USMC vehicle, actually the style used by 3ID, but it looks good) and a whole sprue of gear to go on it. Here is a review with all the details. http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/dragon/dr3533.htm

You could still add the Tamiya plow to it if you are looking to build a USMC plow tank.