U.S. tanks often have a V on the side.  This has perplexed me for
years.
But today, I saw pictures of a V on an Israeli tank.  Whoa!  Now I'm
dizzy.

What's the scoop on the V?  A great answer would be 3-4 sentences. 
All comments greatly appreciated.  ron

Hi nronronronro,

The "V" is sometimes called a "chevron." In most cases, these markings
are company identifications. V is not the only chevron used.

See the newsgroup discussion, "Tank chevron insignia," hosted by
Google Groups:
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&client=googlet&frame=right&rnum=1&thl=0,1243633662,1243164539,1243164499,1243164244,1243164122,1242784690,1241092217,1240852963,1240852832,1240852667,1240852400&seekm=3CA92BE6.717C3212%40student.canterbury.ac.nz#link1

Specifically see this message:
"Our arrows in the 1st LAI designated companies.  The arrows turned
clockwise starting with Alpha Co. ^.  I was in Bravo and ours went to
the right >, Charlie pointed down and Delta's went to the <.  It has
been a decade but I am sure I have it right... A former Sergeant in
the glorious Corps."
Source: Google groups:
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=g:thl2101092290d&dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&client=googlet&selm=3CA8A83C.EC1CC909%40alltel.net

This message would seem to be correct as I've located Israeli tank
photos in which the chevron is pointing in other directions.

See:
Israeli-weapons.com
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/tanks/shot/Shot.html
theage.com.au
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/08/06/1028157934133.html
Wartanks.com
http://www.wartanks.com/wtmerkava.html

search strategy:
"israeli tanks", chevron
images: "israeli tank", "israeli tanks"

I hope this helps.

Thanks, juggler!  Top-of-the-line answer.  I appreciate it.  Ron

Just to add to the great answer above.  The paint/tape that is used on
the chevrons is also infrared reflective so that it can be seen with
night vision equipment:
"Other safety measures included marking all coalition vehicles with
inverted V's, rather than the insignia of each participating country,
in a reflective infrared paint."
http://www.ogdenrit.com/DStorm/100HoursWar/110HourWARTXT.htm

Thanks, thx1138!   I appreciate it!   ron