Re: APC Development and related topics.
Suhiir, not to be difficult but much of your information regarding Army vs. USMC appears to incorrect. I'm an infantry officer in the Army and I know from personal experience as well as readily available public information that this is so.
The Marines are a light infantry force, high quality, I agree. But four of the army's ten divisions are also light infantry: the 10th Mountain, 25th Light, 82nd Airborne, and 101st. In addition, other divisions have fielded light infantry brigades including the 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions. Even the 1st Armored Division had a light infantry brigade for a while (that is in the process of disbanding right now with the move back to three brigades per division).
Additionally, every Army division has an aviation brigade that allows them to conduct large-scale airmobile operations. The 101st I believe has two aviation brigades so they can conduct a full brigade air assault, but it is not a capability unique to that division.
You are right that the heavy formations are very road-bound, but that's the nature of things with armored vehicles.
AN the army absolutely does use 60 and 81mm mortars. Every light infantry company has 60s, and light battalions have 81s in the mortar platoon. Additionally, Stryker companies and battalions also have dismounted 60s and 81s in addition to the vehicle mounted 120s.
Not disputing that the Marines are an excellent light infantry force with great history and esprit, but I'd put the soldiers from the 82nd, 101st, or 10th Mountain against them any day in any terrain.
And a final note, the USMC in these extended deployments always has to rely on Army logistics to sustain themselves because they don't have the institutional ability to do it themselves.
|
Threaded Mode