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U.S. Army Experimental Airborne Tank Company of World War II

U.S. Army Experimental Airborne Tank Company of World War II

U.S. Army Experimental Airborne Tank Company of World War II

16 hours ago

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Mexican Marine Arsenal from Squad to Battalion (Pt. 2)

Mexican Marine Arsenal from Squad to Battalion (Pt. 2)

Mexican Marine Arsenal from Squad to Battalion (Pt. 2)

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The French Army Thunder Run to Take Down a President

The French Army Thunder Run to Take Down a President

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The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

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New U.S. Army Robot-Kamikaze Drone Company

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100 Year Evolution of the U.S. Army Tank Company

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U.S. Army Teams who Storm Nuclear Reactors

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Articles

U.S. Army Experimental Airborne Tank Company of World War II

U.S. Army Experimental Airborne Tank Company of World War II

U.S. Army Experimental Airborne Tank Company of World War II

16 hours ago

U.S. Medium Tank Regiment 1939 & the Fate of Interwar Tank Units

U.S. Medium Tank Regiment 1939 & the Fate of Interwar Tank Units

U.S. Medium Tank Regiment 1939 & the Fate of Interwar Tank Units

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Modern Dutch Armored Infantry Platoons (CV90)

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French Amphibious Infantry Squadrons in Indochina

French Amphibious Infantry Squadrons in Indochina

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French EBR Squadrons: Infantry in the Cavalry?

French EBR Squadrons: Infantry in the Cavalry?

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Graphics

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Infantry Company & Platoon Graphics

Infantry Company & Platoon Graphics

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Armor, Cavalry, Recon & Antitank Unit Graphics

Armor, Cavalry, Recon & Antitank Unit Graphics

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Artillery & Air Defense Battery & Platoon Graphics

Artillery & Air Defense Battery & Platoon Graphics

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source dump

Modern French Army Manuals

Modern French Army Manuals

Modern French Army Manuals

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1960s US Army & Marine Corps Unit Organization Reference Data

1960s US Army & Marine Corps Unit Organization Reference Data

1960s US Army & Marine Corps Unit Organization Reference Data

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1980s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1980s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1980s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

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1950s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1950s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1950s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

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Cover of the FM 1-02.2 Military Symbols field manual

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2000-10s US Army Force Structure Reference Data

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Worldbuilding: Military Uniforms

Worldbuilding: Military Uniforms

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I love abysmal dogsh*t

The U.S. Army had two experimental airborne tank formations during WW2: the 151st Airborne Tank Company and 28th Airborne Tank Battalion. They were intended to test the validity of a gliderborne armored formation to support the Airborne Divisions, although they never saw combat in that form.

The baseline Airborne Tank Company consisted of a Company HQ and 3 Tank Platoons with 18 M22 light tanks (experimentally designated T9 and nicknamed the “Locust” by the British). One tank was specifically for recovery and contained within the Maintenance Section, similar to regular Light Tank Companies before they were issued the medium tank-derived M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle. Structurally the company was similar to a regular Light Tank Company, but made much heavier use of the ¼ jeep and Dodge 3⁄4-ton WC‑series. Unlike in regular light tank units there were no half-tracks, 2½-ton trucks, heavy wreckers, or tank recovery vehicles. As well, M22s had 3-man crews instead of 4, with the commander doubling as a loader.

Because the 151st was a separate company it ought to have been augmented because it lacked support from a Battalion HQ & Service Company. In theory this included a Reconnaissance Section, Howitzer Section (75mm Pack Howitzer), and small maintenance, supply & transportation, and medical elements. The pack howitzer was likely an approximation of the 3 M8 Howitzer Motor Carriages (75mm) and 3 M21 mortar carriers (81mm) contained within the Light Tank Battalion HHC.

#ww2 #airborne #usarmy #armor #cavalry

I love abysmal dogsh*t

The U.S. Army had two experimental airborne tank formations during WW2: the 151st Airborne Tank Company and 28th Airborne Tank Battalion. They were intended to test the validity of a gliderborne armored formation to support the Airborne Divisions, although they never saw combat in that form.

The baseline Airborne Tank Company consisted of a Company HQ and 3 Tank Platoons with 18 M22 light tanks (experimentally designated T9 and nicknamed the “Locust” by the British). One tank was specifically for recovery and contained within the Maintenance Section, similar to regular Light Tank Companies before they were issued the medium tank-derived M32 Tank Recovery Vehicle. Structurally the company was similar to a regular Light Tank Company, but made much heavier use of the ¼ jeep and Dodge 3⁄4-ton WC‑series. Unlike in regular light tank units there were no half-tracks, 2½-ton trucks, heavy wreckers, or tank recovery vehicles. As well, M22s had 3-man crews instead of 4, with the commander doubling as a loader.

Because the 151st was a separate company it ought to have been augmented because it lacked support from a Battalion HQ & Service Company. In theory this included a Reconnaissance Section, Howitzer Section (75mm Pack Howitzer), and small maintenance, supply & transportation, and medical elements. The pack howitzer was likely an approximation of the 3 M8 Howitzer Motor Carriages (75mm) and 3 M21 mortar carriers (81mm) contained within the Light Tank Battalion HHC.

#ww2 #airborne #usarmy #armor #cavalry

LVTAAX1, I call her “the sunuvabitch”. LVTP-5 with an M42 Duster turret

I think whenever we introduce a turret lighter than an MBT we should also put it on an amtrack automatically

LVTAAX1, I call her “the sunuvabitch”. LVTP-5 with an M42 Duster turret

I think whenever we introduce a turret lighter than an MBT we should also put it on an amtrack automatically

I blame Maxwell Taylor for everything bad and unnatural

I blame Maxwell Taylor for everything bad and unnatural

The organization of a US Marine Medium-Range Missile (MMSL) Battery with NMESIS, presented on Nov 26, 2024 when the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (3d MLR), 3d Marine Division became the first USMC unit to field it. The battery is contained within the 2d Littoral Combat Team, which also has the regiment’s infantry companies.

In the active force the Marines plan to field 14 MMSL batteries, including 3 to support MLRs (1 permanent in 3d MLR/2 UDP from 10th/11th Marines) and 11 for supporting Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployments. This is in addition to 7 HIMARS and 7 cannon batteries (8 tube instead of 6 tube) and reserve batteries for supporting conventional inland operations.

The graphic shows an anti-ship missile battery with 18 NMESIS unmanned ground vehicles. NMESIS is built off the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary or ROGUE Fires chassis (essentially an unmanned JLTV) capable of launching two RGM-184A Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) each.

The 18 launchers are split into two platoons. Each platoon is supported by 6x MTVR 7-ton trucks and trailers, I am guessing in an HQ Platoon logistics section of some sort to be task organized as needed although I’m not sure.

3d MLR is a permanent Hawaii-based unit. 12th MLR, 3d Marine Division at Camp Hansen, Okinawa will also receive a battery in the future. Presumably, once the 4th Marine Regiment reorganizes as 4th MLR in 2027 (reportedly transferring from Okinawa to Guam as well) they will also get one.

#usmc #usmarines

The organization of a US Marine Medium-Range Missile (MMSL) Battery with NMESIS, presented on Nov 26, 2024 when the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (3d MLR), 3d Marine Division became the first USMC unit to field it. The battery is contained within the 2d Littoral Combat Team, which also has the regiment’s infantry companies.

In the active force the Marines plan to field 14 MMSL batteries, including 3 to support MLRs (1 permanent in 3d MLR/2 UDP from 10th/11th Marines) and 11 for supporting Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployments. This is in addition to 7 HIMARS and 7 cannon batteries (8 tube instead of 6 tube) and reserve batteries for supporting conventional inland operations.

The graphic shows an anti-ship missile battery with 18 NMESIS unmanned ground vehicles. NMESIS is built off the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary or ROGUE Fires chassis (essentially an unmanned JLTV) capable of launching two RGM-184A Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) each.

The 18 launchers are split into two platoons. Each platoon is supported by 6x MTVR 7-ton trucks and trailers, I am guessing in an HQ Platoon logistics section of some sort to be task organized as needed although I’m not sure.

3d MLR is a permanent Hawaii-based unit. 12th MLR, 3d Marine Division at Camp Hansen, Okinawa will also receive a battery in the future. Presumably, once the 4th Marine Regiment reorganizes as 4th MLR in 2027 (reportedly transferring from Okinawa to Guam as well) they will also get one.

#usmc #usmarines

They made a real CREATURE with the RAM Mk3

They made a real CREATURE with the RAM Mk3

Voting is starting on my Instagram stories to narrow down video topics submitted by my IG followers and on a YT community post. Many more were submitted but I had to trim it down to just the feasible ones and to make the bracket reasonable.

This is mainly for me to get a feel for what people want. A topic not winning doesn’t imply I won’t do it in the future. In fact if I didn’t think I could do it I wouldn’t have put it up to vote

Voting is starting on my Instagram stories to narrow down video topics submitted by my IG followers and on a YT community post. Many more were submitted but I had to trim it down to just the feasible ones and to make the bracket reasonable.

This is mainly for me to get a feel for what people want. A topic not winning doesn’t imply I won’t do it in the future. In fact if I didn’t think I could do it I wouldn’t have put it up to vote

Can I get a hell yeah brother?

Mexican Navy amphibiously landing 156 Marines and 9 "high-speed pickup-type tactical vehicles" (Chevrolet Cheyennes with troop seats, mount with shield, and rollbars in the back) in Guerrero in January 2019 to reinforce local, federal and military police in the area.

Can I get a hell yeah brother?

Mexican Navy amphibiously landing 156 Marines and 9 "high-speed pickup-type tactical vehicles" (Chevrolet Cheyennes with troop seats, mount with shield, and rollbars in the back) in Guerrero in January 2019 to reinforce local, federal and military police in the area.

I'm not usually one to do fan fiction, but given the recent statements regarding US Army force structure seem pretty juiceless imo I thought I'd try reimagining the old ACR.

The mission is to provide recon, security, and short-range precision strike capabilities to the corps. Overall this is pretty similar to a traditional ACR/LACR, just with the old helicopter-based Aviation Squadron swapped out with a UAS-focused squadron and a Special Troops Sqdn to oversee what were previously direct-report units.

Really it's half an excuse to create a whole battalion dedicated to SUAS/loitering munitions (the 4th Squadron). The debate about whether FPV drones should be under maneuver, artillery or aviation? Believe it or not, cavalry (probably just 15-series wearing stetsons). The ACS allows the corps to mass LMs against the enemy's main effort or in support of the corps' main effort division. However, they could also be dispersed as company-sized task forces to reinforce the LCSs or multiple divisions, as their range/payload would limit them to within the brigade/cav squadron battlespace. You could argue for a more capable NLOS system to make the LCR more of a self-contained thing capable of observing and striking in the corps deep area, but you could just as well have an MLRS or other FA unit tasked in support of it. Coordinating deeper fires may be more in the wheelhouse of a FA Brigade and sacrificing expendability in pursuit of maximalist aims is probably not the direction we want to go given every cool future weapon project gets cancelled.

FPV drones are not be a replacement for the conventional artillery that an ACR-equivalent would still need to conduct some of its security missions, so I've just gone bread and butter ACR with a 155mm howitzer battery organic to each Cavalry Squadron. Just giving the regiment a FA Battalion to centralize all the batteries would probably be just as realistic, but that'd mean the C-UAS ADA Battery would almost certainly go under that FA Battalion. I like the vibes of the C-UAS unit being under the same roof as the UAS units in garrison to reduce friction in getting them together for training. Definitely more of a USMC set-up though

I'm not usually one to do fan fiction, but given the recent statements regarding US Army force structure seem pretty juiceless imo I thought I'd try reimagining the old ACR.

The mission is to provide recon, security, and short-range precision strike capabilities to the corps. Overall this is pretty similar to a traditional ACR/LACR, just with the old helicopter-based Aviation Squadron swapped out with a UAS-focused squadron and a Special Troops Sqdn to oversee what were previously direct-report units.

Really it's half an excuse to create a whole battalion dedicated to SUAS/loitering munitions (the 4th Squadron). The debate about whether FPV drones should be under maneuver, artillery or aviation? Believe it or not, cavalry (probably just 15-series wearing stetsons). The ACS allows the corps to mass LMs against the enemy's main effort or in support of the corps' main effort division. However, they could also be dispersed as company-sized task forces to reinforce the LCSs or multiple divisions, as their range/payload would limit them to within the brigade/cav squadron battlespace. You could argue for a more capable NLOS system to make the LCR more of a self-contained thing capable of observing and striking in the corps deep area, but you could just as well have an MLRS or other FA unit tasked in support of it. Coordinating deeper fires may be more in the wheelhouse of a FA Brigade and sacrificing expendability in pursuit of maximalist aims is probably not the direction we want to go given every cool future weapon project gets cancelled.

FPV drones are not be a replacement for the conventional artillery that an ACR-equivalent would still need to conduct some of its security missions, so I've just gone bread and butter ACR with a 155mm howitzer battery organic to each Cavalry Squadron. Just giving the regiment a FA Battalion to centralize all the batteries would probably be just as realistic, but that'd mean the C-UAS ADA Battery would almost certainly go under that FA Battalion. I like the vibes of the C-UAS unit being under the same roof as the UAS units in garrison to reduce friction in getting them together for training. Definitely more of a USMC set-up though

WIP from an upcoming video about the Battle of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in early 2011. Companies (SGTIAs) swapped platoons in different configurations multiple times.

WIP from an upcoming video about the Battle of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in early 2011. Companies (SGTIAs) swapped platoons in different configurations multiple times.

Hired some lads for the next video

Hired some lads for the next video

An M998T Interim Squad Carrier modified for the 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) with a roll-over protection kit, troop seats with seat belts, and (presumably) a mount for a Mk19 Mod III. This photo is from before February 1988 at Yakima. The division also used regular M998s without roll cages or weapons mounts in this role as late as a 1988 NTC rotation. As of February 1988, only 1 of 2 motorized brigades was equipped with the ISCs which basically lines up with 135 procured. By that time the division's 3rd brigade was a normal ARNG mechanized round-out brigade (81st Inf Bde WA ARNG).

Within the division's Combined Arms Battalions, light motorized infantry used the M998 as an interim squad carrier for an 8-man squad. There was a theoretical requirement for 63 HMMWV squad carriers per Heavy Combined Arms Battalion and 81 per Light Combined Arms Battalion. They originally envisioned the new Motorized Infantry Division concept to have 5 heavy and 2 light CABs, although by 1989 they only had 2 of each.

In January 1985, 135 M998s were approved to be modified at Tooele Army Depot as ISCs. These modifications occured in the second-half of 1986, with the fielding goal being 1st Quarter 1987. M882 CUCVs (GM pickup trucks) fitted with seatbelts and roll bars (modifications that saved lives during field exercises) were originally used during early unit conversions, but for general fielding the CUCV was identified as not fit for purpose in a December 1984 memo.

However the M998 HMMWV wasn't perfect either. For instance, it had no weapons mount for the Mk 19 Mod III that was a cornerstone system of 9ID. They also wanted there to be troop seats with seat belts, but for that they'd also need rollbars. It also had a 2400 lbs carry capacity, but an 8-man squad with the desired vehicle modifications was projected to be 3000 lbs. To rectify this, "heavy" M998s were authorized for limited production, with the first 72 going to 7th Infantry Division (Light)'s DIVARTY for evaluation and the following 135 going to 9ID. I'm not sure if additional M998Ts were made, but 9ID began inactivation process in 1990 anyway.

#usarmy #coldwar #humvee #hummer #infantry

An M998T Interim Squad Carrier modified for the 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) with a roll-over protection kit, troop seats with seat belts, and (presumably) a mount for a Mk19 Mod III. This photo is from before February 1988 at Yakima. The division also used regular M998s without roll cages or weapons mounts in this role as late as a 1988 NTC rotation. As of February 1988, only 1 of 2 motorized brigades was equipped with the ISCs which basically lines up with 135 procured. By that time the division's 3rd brigade was a normal ARNG mechanized round-out brigade (81st Inf Bde WA ARNG).

Within the division's Combined Arms Battalions, light motorized infantry used the M998 as an interim squad carrier for an 8-man squad. There was a theoretical requirement for 63 HMMWV squad carriers per Heavy Combined Arms Battalion and 81 per Light Combined Arms Battalion. They originally envisioned the new Motorized Infantry Division concept to have 5 heavy and 2 light CABs, although by 1989 they only had 2 of each.

In January 1985, 135 M998s were approved to be modified at Tooele Army Depot as ISCs. These modifications occured in the second-half of 1986, with the fielding goal being 1st Quarter 1987. M882 CUCVs (GM pickup trucks) fitted with seatbelts and roll bars (modifications that saved lives during field exercises) were originally used during early unit conversions, but for general fielding the CUCV was identified as not fit for purpose in a December 1984 memo.

However the M998 HMMWV wasn't perfect either. For instance, it had no weapons mount for the Mk 19 Mod III that was a cornerstone system of 9ID. They also wanted there to be troop seats with seat belts, but for that they'd also need rollbars. It also had a 2400 lbs carry capacity, but an 8-man squad with the desired vehicle modifications was projected to be 3000 lbs. To rectify this, "heavy" M998s were authorized for limited production, with the first 72 going to 7th Infantry Division (Light)'s DIVARTY for evaluation and the following 135 going to 9ID. I'm not sure if additional M998Ts were made, but 9ID began inactivation process in 1990 anyway.

#usarmy #coldwar #humvee #hummer #infantry

Before the 101st got rebadged Chevy Colorados the 9th Infantry Division was riding around in Humvee utes

By 1987 the mission of the 9th infantry Division was “to rapidly deploy to a contingency area, establish or expand a lodgment, and defeat enemy armed forces ranging from light infantry to tank and motorized forces.” To do this, it was outfitted with light vehicles that were readily air transportable. The Rofl Company of the Combined Arms Battalion only had HMMWVs, not deuce-and-a-half.

The division was meant to be a first-in armor defeating capability. They went heavy on the TOW missiles, with 27 TOWs per Light Attack Battalion, 40 per Combined Arms Battalion (Heavy) and 20 per Combined Arms Battalion (Light). In the Combined Arms Battalions—which had infantry sorts of missions but motorized—TOWs were basically a surrogate for the future M8 AGS that didn’t come to pass before the 9th Infantry Division was inactivated anyway. TOWs in Light Attack Battalions—which were basically cavalry-type units meant for highly mobile attacks by fire—were initially meant to be mounted on Fast Attack Vehicles (dune buggies) but by 1987 TOEs were also TOW HMMWVs.

The Infantry Division (Motorized) was also intended to be particularly suitable for desert and arid mountainous terrain where forces are required to maneuver over extended distances.

Before the 101st got rebadged Chevy Colorados the 9th Infantry Division was riding around in Humvee utes

By 1987 the mission of the 9th infantry Division was “to rapidly deploy to a contingency area, establish or expand a lodgment, and defeat enemy armed forces ranging from light infantry to tank and motorized forces.” To do this, it was outfitted with light vehicles that were readily air transportable. The Rofl Company of the Combined Arms Battalion only had HMMWVs, not deuce-and-a-half.

The division was meant to be a first-in armor defeating capability. They went heavy on the TOW missiles, with 27 TOWs per Light Attack Battalion, 40 per Combined Arms Battalion (Heavy) and 20 per Combined Arms Battalion (Light). In the Combined Arms Battalions—which had infantry sorts of missions but motorized—TOWs were basically a surrogate for the future M8 AGS that didn’t come to pass before the 9th Infantry Division was inactivated anyway. TOWs in Light Attack Battalions—which were basically cavalry-type units meant for highly mobile attacks by fire—were initially meant to be mounted on Fast Attack Vehicles (dune buggies) but by 1987 TOEs were also TOW HMMWVs.

The Infantry Division (Motorized) was also intended to be particularly suitable for desert and arid mountainous terrain where forces are required to maneuver over extended distances.

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