M3 light tanks from the 2nd Armored Division took part in war games in North Carolina in 1941. As the army and other forces expanded prior to US entry into WW2, extensive war games were used to develop and refine tactics and unit organization.
The pilot for the M3 light tank appeared in April 1941. The M3 adopted the trailing idler and linger track run of the M2 light tank and had thicker armour – 1.5 inches (37mm) in front. The pilot had a riveted hull and octagonal turret. The turret was replaced by a welded version later.