The West Wing
Object

25 Battle Tanks

Bartlet lists 25 battle tanks among the massive U.S. ground forces deployed after seizing Bitanga Airport. These armored vehicles form part of the overwhelming assets advancing on Induye positions during the 36-hour ultimatum to President Nzele. Leo, Debbie, Ambassador Tiki, and Tiki's aide hear the announcement in the basement hallway, where it reframes the crisis as a decisive U.S. military push.
5 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

5 moments
S4E16 · The California 47th
Bitanga Secured — 101st Cleared, Operation Enters Phase Two

Twenty-five battle tanks are invoked elsewhere in related briefings; their presence in the inventory underscores the weight of force poised to consolidate the airport and deter counterattacks.

Before: Staged or allocated as part of the force mix listed in the briefing.
After: Remain available as heavy armor supporting securehold and potential advances.
View full event
S4E16 · The California 47th
Bitanga Secured — Tactical Win, Strategic Pivot

Twenty-five battle tanks are referenced elsewhere in the scene's operation planning, contributing to the impression of overwhelming ground force capacity backing the air drops.

Before: Prepared and listed as part of the ground force complement.
After: Remain staged/available to support the follow-on operation into the capital if needed.
View full event
S4E16 · The California 47th
Balancing Kuhndu and Campaign: Sam McGarry's Slide

The 25 battle tanks are listed by the President as part of the overwhelming ground assets assembled, emphasizing the one-sided nature of the threat and making the ultimatum credible.

Before: Deployed as part of the U.S. ground force posture (implied).
After: Available to support an assault on the capital upon the President's order.
View full event
S4E16 · The California 47th
Scoring Hell to Ultimatum: OMB Delay Meets Kuhndu Deadline

Twenty‑five battle tanks are listed as part of the ground assets supporting the threatened assault, underscoring the physical inevitability of the U.S. operation Bartlet describes.

Before: Held in U.S. logistics/forces earmarked for the operation, not yet employed against the capital.
After: Committed to the operational posture announced by Bartlet; part of the implied assault force if the ultimatum is ignored.
View full event
S4E16 · The California 47th
Bitanga Seized — Bartlet's 36‑Hour Ultimatum

Bartlet cites '25 battle tanks' to illustrate overwhelming ground power; the tanks serve both as intimidation and as an element of the factual case that an assault is imminent.

Before: Deployed as part of ground force assets.
After: Allocated to the operation as a component of the threatened assault.
View full event