Troops in IFVs will additionally benefit from 40 mm CT40 cannons and 7.62 mm chain guns for support. With the US Army planning to adopt a new 6.8 mm High Velocity Armoured Piercing Ammunition (HVAP), the rest of NATO may follow its lead. The mechanised brigade would have Boxer 120mm TD, Boxer IFV, Boxer SPH. * Each squad is authorized two disposable shoulder-fired munitions (general AT-4s) which would go to the Riflemen. Battalion - A battalion comprised three or more companies and was commanded by a lieutenant colonel. This where I would fit the reserve infantry into the mix, sticking with 1 inf battalion providing 1 Coy on the 1 in 3 rotation to their twinned regular battalion for the regular motorized inf Battalions. Theyre commanded by a general and are considered self-sufficient for indefinite periods. And modeling and simulation. The basic individual weapon in the light infantry battalion was the M14 rifle, while the airmobile unit was authorized M16 rifles. Ok thats a long post so short range air defences, and infantry use of drones later !! ), probably Boxer SPH.. The understanding we always had with the TA was that they would fight the big one, the clue was in the name really, well until 2014 at least. Is that a firmed-up concept or is it still at the level of general discussion and possibilities? In the U.S. Marine Corps, an infantry or "rifle" battalion typically consists of a headquarters and service company, three rifle, or "line", companies (designated alphabetically A through M depending upon which battalion of the parent regiment to which they are attached) and a weapons company. These units are characterized by their lack of integral motorization or mechanization for the entire brigade, and are thus less mobile, but as a result are highly deployable. The BTR battalion also featured an anti-tank platoon with four AT-3 Sagger or AT-4 Spigot launchers and two 73mm SPG-9 recoilless guns; BTR units on high-readiness status sometimes had six missile launchers and three recoilless guns. Ill break my reply into a couple of comments. A battle group consists of an infantry battalion or armoured regiment with sub-units detached from other military units acting under the command of the battalion commander. The addition of the antitank platoon meant that a BTR battalion at full strength was 525 personnel and 60 BTRs, including three command variants, while a BMP battalion consisted of 497 personnel and 45 BMPs, including three command variants. published by the Department of the Army, May 2018, published by the Department of the Army, April 2016, published by the Department of the Army, October 2016, MCoE Supplemental Manual 3-90 Force Structure Reference Data ". It may be worth returning such weapons to infantry sections or having at least one in Platoon HQ. Prior they would have travelled in an M1165A1 HMMVW, although any mark of HMMVW that was available likely would have been used. But war is not about comfort, I know. 27 Sep 44. The next level up is the Infantry Battalion (IBCT) which consists of a Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3 Rifle Companies (this) and a Weapons Company. Both featured the same support units as well, with a signal platoon, supply platoon, repair workshop and medical aid station. 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Are/were you Guards, Captain Nemo? Public duties are despised and dont help Guards recruitment really? The armoured brigade would have Ajax Recce, Chally, Ajax IFV (bye bye Warrior! The Specialised infantry battalions should be a separate discussion because of their different role and very different strength. The Assault Pioneer Platoon is usually comprised of 19 other ranks. Small rationalisations made across other Support units help reduction. Contrarily, in my experience the Gaaards are very proud of their role and it forms an important part of their ethos, setting them apart from the rest after all, they havent much else to boast about! Jed touched upon it earlier, rekindling Think Defences rather outlandish proposal to create a non-deployable ceremonial unit. Units General Creighton Abrams, from 1968 to 1972. Various members of the platoon will also carry a 9 mm Glock 17 pistol. It is a genuine concern that the British Army lacks sufficient protected vehicles. 6 Battalions of Foot Guards (armoured infantry), 6 battalions of The Light Infantry 6 Battalions of The Fusilliers (Mech infantry in Boxer) and 18 Battalions of The Rifles ? Of course, there will always be exceptions, be you Regular or Reserve, but to dismiss them as second-rate soldiers is unfounded and outdated. If youre looking to increase platoon strength without greatly increasing overall numbers Id eliminate the support company and draw its manpower and vehicles down from battalion, possibly adding two dedicated support sections to a platoon. God Bless you man. 57mm United States Marine Corps infantry battalions are task organized into Battalion Landing Teams (BLTs) as the ground combat element (GCE) of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Vehicle tools, pegs for the troop shelter and bits like that that dont live in the side or back bins usually go under the left bench, the right has the hydraulic ram for the back door under it and a big tray for the rations. Over time, the regiments were turned into battalions, the reserve units amalgamated and more regular units raised and disbanded. The support company usually contains anti-tank, machine gun, mortar, pioneer and reconnaissance platoons. The battalion must have a source of re-supply to enable it to sustain operations for more than a few days. Army Infantry Division Infantry Battalion (AEF) of the Infantry Regiment Rifle Company (1917 1921) Army Air Service Monoplace Pursuit Group of the Monoplace Pursuit Wing Monoplace Pursuit Squadron (1918) Marine Regiment Infantry Battalion (AEF) Rifle Company (Sep. 1918) Army Regular Division Regular Brigade Regular Infantry Regiment (1861 1867) Several battalions form a regiment or brigade. Ground Combat Element (GCE) = Marine Infantry Battalion Landing Team (BLT) Aviation Combat Element (ACE) = Composite . Are you implying that there is a problem with their professionalism and, therefore, competency? [1] My Army 2020 would see 1XX and 3XX each have an armoured brigade, mechanised brigade and motorised bridges. The elements in the organizational chart for the U.S. Army span from the individual soldier all the way to the largest building block commonly used, the Corps. Weapons like the 12.7 mm HMG and 40 mm high velocity grenade machine gun are primarily vehicle-mounted systems. I like your set up for the battalion except for the support company which I think itshould be split into 2. So providing extra seats at platoon level should be affordable. The T/O started out as a chart-like document published by the War Department during WWII, prescribing the organic structure and equipment of units from divisional strength on down to the smallest operational entities . Increased range and lethality for less weight will kill off 7.62mm guns in the fire support/ mg section / mg plt role. On a related subject, getting more Infantry into standard modular structured Battalions; how would you feel about an idea I think that was first floated over on Think Defence many years ago moving the ceremonial role over to a specific, non-regular setup ? Battalions are tactical and administrative organizations with a limited capability to plan and conduct independent operations and are normally organic components of brigades, groups, or regiments. It offers a range of new ammunition natures from anti-tank rounds to bunker-busting HE. In the back of the Warrior 510 are two benches, not individual seats. Hence a few questions. I can understand not having an SF Pl in armoured and mechanised battalions because the loss of firepower is offset by 30mm but in light-role battalions it is a battle-winner, especially in the defensive battle! So that the tanks can seperate from the infantry completly and then act as an force for their own. I have manunauch silly ideas I can assure you. I have done a similar analysis and share your view that a companys optimal size is 36, after that we deviate for the following reasons: I have a company size of 180 that includes 4 combat combat platoons and a single combat support group (platoon), This replicates at the Battalion level so a battalion 4 combat companies and a single Combat Support Company. @Captain Nemo I think its generally accepted that reserves simply cannot be expected to attain or maintain the same level of professionalism as regular soldiers, because its not their day job, so I posit their embedding with regular formations and should the need arise, the two diluting. Quartermasters Department Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/mhvThis video gives an overview on the structure and organization of an US Army Infantry Battalion in 1944. Because of the protected mobility this general purpose infantry would become to slow, to few and to dependent on specific logistical assets. If so, the Army Reserve has undergone an immeasurable transformation over the past ten years. Intermediate ( think 300 blk or 7.62 AK) type calibres optimised for under 300m for carbines and/ or section belt feds. @Captain Nemo I do think the reserves however have a huge role to play in defending airfields, HQs, dockyards, ammo dumps etc etc. 40mm is under used in general in my opinion. The ideal solution is to have a 30 mm cannon turret with twin ATGM boxes. A platoon consists of a few squads and up to a few dozen soldiers. Are ~1,200 troops really needed?? While the US army will no doubt eventually start fielding thier new 6.8mm super calibre I think 2 rifle calibres in sections will remain wise. Beginning in the early 1980s, some elements of the combat support companies (the mortar and scout platoons) were merged into the headquarters company with the staff and support elements, others were moved to their parent type organization (ground surveillance radar and air defense), and in infantry battalions the heavy anti-tank missile platoon was organized as a separate company (ECompany). The current infantry rifle platoon organization is identical to the infantry, air assault, and airborne rifle platoon organizations listed in the Change 1 of FM 7-8 published in 2001. In the 1980s, BAOR armoured infantry units mounted in the FV432 APC routinely had 10-soldier sections. Just realized your modular multi-role battalion has 42 people less than the current Armoured Infantry battalion establishment who are these 42 peeps and what do they do? During World War II, most infantry regiments consisted of three battalions (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) with each battalion consisting of three rifle companies and a heavy weapons company. US Army Infantry Battalion Numbers. within a Battalion was designated as a Heavy Weapons Company and it was Service Company, a support unit of a Regiment The three commanders of the U.S. forces during the Vietnam War were: General William Westmoreland, from 1964 to 1968. Strike battalion @MikeW So while I like your idea of a standard, basic, modular structure, it seems very typically British in that it appears under-gunned compared to allied nations ? The term battalion is used in the British Army Infantry and some corps including the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and Intelligence Corps. I think were missing a trick with not using the reserve transition from regular service. of troops assigned than an infantry company . Officially, Warrior carries three on the left bench and four on the slightly longer right bench. It just seems a bit of an own goal to me youve got a big powerful IFV that you cant exploit fully. Theyre generally headed by a four- or five-star general. Gary Uchida was an original member of the 100th Infantry Battalion. Rounds and weapon will be heavier for dubious long range body-armour piercing performance. Military Following the mid-2010s, they typically ride in anOshkosh M-ATV mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle. Ultimately, this discussion is about maximising Boots on the ground. It can best be achieved by ensuring that British infantry units are structured around ground combat roles that ensure responsiveness and efficiency, rather than being organised according to financial constraints. An infantry fire team might include two riflemen, one of whom is the team leader; a grenadier and an automatic rifleman, who is used when small reconnaissance or special missions are required.. Individual sections may carry between one and four NLAW disposable ATGMs. Eight is hard enough (the driver helpfully stows his away in the tunnel between him and the gunner although that is likely a death sentence if the wagon brews up or goes underwater). Getting rid of minimi/ LMG was a mistake based on the assumption that medium to long range contacts will dominate future conflicts. In some countries, battalions are exclusively infantry, while in others battalions are unit-level organizations. Tactically, battalions are grouped into brigades. However, two of the infantry regiments were reduced to two battalions each and their supporting artillery battalions had only two firing batteries. Company - A company was made up of three or more platoons and was commanded by a captain. At present, infantry battalions have a fourth platoon that provides fire support via GPMGs. AUTHORISED PERSONNEL: AUTHORISED EQUIPMENT - BATTALION LEVEL: Prev Next of the U.S. Army as it exists within the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). Weapons listed in this article are what has been effective as of 2020. Often these will be stored in vehicles until needed. In recent years the Royal Welsh, RAF, Royal Navy, Gurkhas and even the Royal Malay Regiment have done it. While Light Role battalions will primarily operate on foot, they will still need all-terrain vehicles that support them in the field. When studying World War 2, a common question that arises is what exactly each army group or unit name means? Both 12.7 mm BMGs and 40 mm GMGs are vehicle mounted systems. The battalion-level system we have used since WW2, with mortars organised in a separate platoon, still seems to work well. Given that kit is cheaper than people in the long run, do we need fire firepower to make up for lack of infantry mass ? This means that you have moved a battalion of Foot Guards out of LONDIST and back into the deployable force thats good, right? That said, mounting guard for a month would I think be novel and exciting and interesting, not least because of the opportunity for the junior ranks to live it up in London. 3 x Rifle Sect: eight soldiers. Commando Battalion (joint para/RM group) For the rest of reserve infantry I would convert to home defence force non-deployable security force for the UK home base. I dont understand why the commando (no bipod) version of the 60mm mortar would be less accurate or more difficult to get rounds on target than a 51mm ? I would like to see the Hirtenberger 60mm mortars purchased under UOR deployed at least in the Rifle Company HQ, more for smoke and illumination rather than HE. (just to muddy the waters). The word battalion came into the English language in the 16th century from the French language (French: bataillon meaning "battle squadron"; Italian: battaglione meaning the same thing; derived from the Vulgar Latin word battalia meaning "battle" and from the Latin word bauttere meaning "to beat" or "to strike"). Certainly turret-mounted 30 mm or 40 mm cannons are preferred. That will make a massive difference. The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security. Specifically, the transition from the failed 1940 organization to the improved 1941 organization that served the army until the spring of 1943 when finally, the 1943 organization was established. I need to add a section on weapons. The Puma HC2 support helicopter, for example, carries 12 personnel, while a CH-47 Chinook can carry an entire platoon. These new combined arms battalions are modular units, each consisting of a headquarters company, two mechanized infantry companies, two tank companies, and a forward support company attached from the battalion's parent brigade support battalion. They are normally identified by ordinal numbers (1st Battalion, 2nd Squadron, etc.) Though I strongly disagree with replacing the Woodentops, it is always good to see non-Guards have a turn. Maybe Armoured Infantry on Warrior dont need that due to their cannon, maybe Mech Infantry on a Boxer with 12.7mm HMG or 40mm GMG RWS dont need these support weapons, but general purpose Light role do, even if their MRV-P ends up with a 7.62mm RWS, as these are not Armoured fighting vehicles but battle taxis with an MG for self defence. It will include the Commanding Officer, 2IC, Adjutant, Operations Officer, Intelligence Officer, and Training Officer. There are apparently 11 demonstration versions of the Warrior being put through their paces in Dorset. Storage space is hardly ample; the wagons were designed for blokes to fight from, not live in. It normally consists of a headquarters and three or more companies. Of course it is doable but cramming seven blokes in the back is a right palava not only for the troops but for all their kit! Steven Aftergood Company HQ will be extremely lean with just one officer and five other ranks. An important issue that has to be maintained are weapons then there are radios. To be true general purpose infantry they would be trained to act together with the tank units which can transport them and then assist them in the fight, but this tank units would be a world for them own and would even in the case of an unit of IFV be an complete seperate unit which could and should also fight for its own if the need arises. A field army consists of two or more corps and is run by a general or lieutenant general. [27][28], A Soviet artillery battalion in the late 1980s consisted of a battalion headquarters, a headquarters platoon, a maintenance and supply platoon and three firing batteries, each with six artillery pieces, whether the self-propelled 2S1 Gvozdikas or the towed D-30 howitzers, and numbering 260 personnel or 240 personnel respectively. [24] Normally a battalion is attached to a regiment of infantry, which is organized, as a general rule, of a number of battalions and the regimental centre battalion. Your email address will not be published. My preferred direction is to to look at a common organisation for the Armoured and Mechanised infantry, and a different organisation for light infantry including air assault. I basically used six as a starting point in the interests of standardization because six dismounts seems to be where heavy IFVs are heading and so a six man section seems rational unless youre happy to play musical chairs on arrival and it means you can task one section in a vehicle; presuming you can pull one guy out of the turret you max out at 28 dismounts which is the traditional platoon size. You are spot on that dismounted mass should dictate the ORBAT rather than vehicle capacity. (RP0102) 2. 300 BLK ). With all these components, a battalion is the smallest military unit capable of "limited independent operations".[1]. firepower and protection yes (which would possibly be over kill), but at the expense of a massive logistical footprint. I further agree that 28 is a good number: four six-strong sections and a four-strong Pl HQ has sufficient flexibility, lethality and survivability (it can absorb casualties, something current AI platoons struggle to do). Is heating/air con being installed? The Combat Medic is attached from the Combat Medic Section of the Battalion's Medic Platoon while the Forward Observer and their RTO are attached from the Field Artillery Battalion. Forgive me if this is obvious but I dont know how much youve seen/been in a Warrior. The question of multi-shot 6 round revolver type 40mm grenade launchers with MV rounds versus the UGL is a good one. The size of a battalion could range from 500 to 1,500 troops. An official website of the United States Government, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. No, I hesitated on the TA bit because it sounded derogatory, but note that I said enhance their professionalism, not that they were unprofessional. What capabilities are needed? As a bonus I thought that a closer relationship with reserves at battalion might serve as a nice middle ground, with regulars perhaps choosing that as way out of the service as well as for reserves finding it a way in. Maybe reserve Infantry can protect reserve loggies delivering stores and ammo. The way my unit does it is to strip kit down to belt kit and daysack for fighting and then have gonk bag in a canoe bag and a single rocket pouch containing admin kit. So while I have experience of this, and the food ol Gimpy, I have never carted them around In the field. In the Canadian Army, the battalion is the standard unit organization for infantry and combat service support and each battalion is divided into one or more sub-units referred to as companies. 01 Introduction While this underwent amendments, most particularly in terms of antitank weapons, its overall structure influenced all subsequent Tables of Organization issued for the Battalion. Part of a wider CRAM matrix? and normally have subordinate units that are identified by single letters (BatteryA, CompanyA, TroopA, etc.). Considering something like Mali or from our experience Afghan what would the heavy bring to the party? At the armoured end, I believe Boxer is designed to also carry all the kit required for an 8 man section, which does not mean extra seats / space for more stores is not a bad thing with 6 dismounts which takes us right back round to mass of dismounts. I dont think I was spoken to once during my six years in the reserves. C FT with SC and three riflemen, D FT with 2IC, UGL, SS, LMG (ASM/NLAWs if appropriate). He says at one point that in his Army 2020 organization, The armoured brigade would have Ajax Recce, Chally, Ajax IFV (bye bye Warrior! Medics require a lot of expensive training and continuous clinical exposure to remain competent, in date, and able to operate in the complex world of modern combat medicine. General Frederick Weyand, from. In addition, each section now has an organic 7.62 mm L7A2 GPMG gunner plus a designated marksman with the 7.62 mm L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle. That idea could be developed but I dont think it is right for all British infantry. UK Infantry battalions have a Fire Support Company with five elements. The thing about 36 is that it divides neatly a number of ways 4 x 9, 3 x 12, 3 x 10 + 6, 4 x 8 +4. A battalion is a military unit with 300 to 1,200 soldiers that usually consists of two to seven companies and is commanded by either a lieutenant colonel or a colonel. A company consists of three or four platoons and is generally commanded by a captain. The fourth MG platoon in each rifle company is removed as GPMG is returned to other platoons. How can Royal Navy Ship numbers be realistically increased? An infantry platoon might include a weapons squad, which is divided into two M240 machine gun teams, and two close-combat missile teams armed with Javelin missiles. I must ask though . If the light battalions have the current strength of 560 then 28, with the specialised infantry unchanged at 267, gives a total of 16748. I was throwing around the idea of top slicing the TA and just plugging companies into existing battalions with the intention that it would enhance their professionalism and that they could pull through the three regular companies as casualty replacements. Without the operational Army, the institutional side has no purpose. Operating in pairs, the No.2 will have a L129A1 DMR. All infantry ideally would then become mechanised infantry. Either way possibly improving retention and a quality of life issue for regulars who may need some acclimatization to civilian life. [26], Prior to the late 1980s, Soviet tank battalions consisted of three tank companies of 13 T-64, T-72 or T-80 tanks each, along with a battalion headquarters mounted in a command tank and a headquarters and service platoon, for a total of 165 personnel and 40 tanks; battalions using the older T-54, T-55 or T-62s tanks had 31 or 40 additional enlisted personnel.