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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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The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

New U.S. Army Robot-Kamikaze Drone Company

New U.S. Army Robot-Kamikaze Drone Company

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

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

U.S. Army Teams who Storm Nuclear Reactors

U.S. Army Teams who Storm Nuclear Reactors

How Mexican Marines became the Anti-Cartel Force

How Mexican Marines became the Anti-Cartel Force

How U.S. Marines Transformed to Win Nuclear War

How U.S. Marines Transformed to Win Nuclear War

Articles

Battle Order's Cute Little Guy Club

Battle Order's Cute Little Guy Club

French Armored Cavalry Squadrons in Algeria

French Armored Cavalry Squadrons in Algeria

Modern Dutch Armored Infantry Platoons (CV90)

Modern Dutch Armored Infantry Platoons (CV90)

French Amphibious Infantry Squadrons in Indochina

French Amphibious Infantry Squadrons in Indochina

Type 107: French Light Infantry Companies in Algeria

Type 107: French Light Infantry Companies in Algeria

Javelot to 1977: French Divisions in the Atomic Age

Javelot to 1977: French Divisions in the Atomic Age

French EBR Squadrons: Infantry in the Cavalry?

French EBR Squadrons: Infantry in the Cavalry?

U.S. Army's Way Forward: 5 New Division Organizations

U.S. Army's Way Forward: 5 New Division Organizations

Swiss Infantry Platoon (2019-Present)

Swiss Infantry Platoon (2019-Present)

Graphics

Infantry Company & Platoon Graphics

Infantry Company & Platoon Graphics

Armor, Cavalry, Recon & Antitank Unit Graphics

Armor, Cavalry, Recon & Antitank Unit Graphics

Artillery & Air Defense Battery & Platoon Graphics

Artillery & Air Defense Battery & Platoon Graphics

source dump

Modern French Army Manuals

Modern French Army Manuals

1960s US Army & Marine Corps Unit Organization Reference Data

1960s US Army & Marine Corps Unit Organization Reference Data

1980s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1980s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1950s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1950s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

Cover of the FM 1-02.2 Military Symbols field manual

Cover of the FM 1-02.2 Military Symbols field manual

2000-10s US Army Force Structure Reference Data

2000-10s US Army Force Structure Reference Data

worldbuilding

Worldbuilding: Firearm Illustrations

Worldbuilding: Firearm Illustrations

Worldbuilding: Military Vehicle Illustrations

Worldbuilding: Military Vehicle Illustrations

Worldbuilding: Military Uniforms

Worldbuilding: Military Uniforms

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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.

The fast attack dune buggies weren’t ready so they were like “Two motorcycles and a Humvee will do ‘er”

The fast attack dune buggies weren’t ready so they were like “Two motorcycles and a Humvee will do ‘er”

They should link all the S-METs together to create a land train, led by a procession of robodoggos and HaRK drones dropping confetti

#usarmy #robotics #military

They should link all the S-METs together to create a land train, led by a procession of robodoggos and HaRK drones dropping confetti

#usarmy #robotics #military

In my new Youtube video (link in bio) I cover a century of U.S. Army Tank Company evolution from the first fielding of tanks in 1918 to the present. It focuses on how the unit organization and designations of unreinforced tank companies have changed over a 100 years. 14 distinct TO&E are included as representative snapshots.

#usarmy #armoredvehicles #tanks #m1abrams #cavalry #military #armor

In my new Youtube video (link in bio) I cover a century of U.S. Army Tank Company evolution from the first fielding of tanks in 1918 to the present. It focuses on how the unit organization and designations of unreinforced tank companies have changed over a 100 years. 14 distinct TO&E are included as representative snapshots.

#usarmy #armoredvehicles #tanks #m1abrams #cavalry #military #armor

The VBL was born in New Jersey

(Tucker Armored Car)

The VBL was born in New Jersey

(Tucker Armored Car)

“I’m so happy we won World War II,” I says with joys.

I was then shot 57 times

“I’m so happy we won World War II,” I says with joys.

I was then shot 57 times

Pro tips from 1942 (before they invented the recovery vehicle)

Pro tips from 1942 (before they invented the recovery vehicle)

I think the Korean War takes the cake for the most yucky rank distribution in US Army history

They abolished the Staff Sergeant rank and gave its insignia to the Sergeant, with no simple three-chevron insignia so Sergeants all look like E-6s. Sergeants First Class were meant to be tank commanders/squad leaders since there was no Staff Sergeant. Platoon Sergeants were also Master Sergeants, the highest NCO rank (platoon sergeants, battalion/regimental sergeants major were all the same rank, and shared a grade with First Sergeants). NCO career opportunity was so meh that they gave companies a warrant officer for administration partially to give NCOs a crumb of progression. There were also no specialist yet and they got rid of the WW2 technician ranks, so they handed out Corporal like candy.

#usarmy #armoredvehicles #armor #cavalry #militaryhistory #army

I think the Korean War takes the cake for the most yucky rank distribution in US Army history

They abolished the Staff Sergeant rank and gave its insignia to the Sergeant, with no simple three-chevron insignia so Sergeants all look like E-6s. Sergeants First Class were meant to be tank commanders/squad leaders since there was no Staff Sergeant. Platoon Sergeants were also Master Sergeants, the highest NCO rank (platoon sergeants, battalion/regimental sergeants major were all the same rank, and shared a grade with First Sergeants). NCO career opportunity was so meh that they gave companies a warrant officer for administration partially to give NCOs a crumb of progression. There were also no specialist yet and they got rid of the WW2 technician ranks, so they handed out Corporal like candy.

#usarmy #armoredvehicles #armor #cavalry #militaryhistory #army

M149 forever

M149 forever

Putting an M8 Scott turret on an LVT and a bunch of the same 4.5” beach barrage rockets on its butt is peak contraption. 🇦🇺 This is the Australian Amphibious Armoured Squadron from around the time of its establishment in November 1944. Basically floating fire support

The single guy in de cuckstoel is a Batman by the way, otherwise known as an officer servant (each officer in the squadron got one in the Commonwealth system).

#militaryhistory #ww2 #australianarmy #adf #australiandefenceforce #military #armour #cavalry #marines #amphibiousvehicle #aussie

Putting an M8 Scott turret on an LVT and a bunch of the same 4.5” beach barrage rockets on its butt is peak contraption. 🇦🇺 This is the Australian Amphibious Armoured Squadron from around the time of its establishment in November 1944. Basically floating fire support

The single guy in de cuckstoel is a Batman by the way, otherwise known as an officer servant (each officer in the squadron got one in the Commonwealth system).

#militaryhistory #ww2 #australianarmy #adf #australiandefenceforce #military #armour #cavalry #marines #amphibiousvehicle #aussie

🇫🇷 During the early 2000s French Army Infantry Companies had a peculiar Support Platoon. These days this platoon just has 81mm mortars and Akeron MMP anti-tank guided missiles, but under the Brigade 1999 organizations it had 3 “modules”. In VAB-equipped regiments these were a MILAN (ACMP) anti-tank group with 2 MILAN ATGM posts, a sniper group with 1 or 2 PGM Hecate IIs (ideally only 2 if reinforced to allow for proper sniper/spotter pairs), and a VAB T20/13 with a 20mm autocannon.

The sniper group and deputy platoon leader would normally ride in the VAB T20/13. Overall this platoon was intended to give the company a medium range capability, able to observe and engage targets in the 1000-2000 meter ranges (all of the platoon’s weapon systems were in this area). In VAB regiments no other vehicle in the company had an autocannon, although in AMX 10 P regiments every infantry carrier did. In those regiments the Support Platoons had two AMX 10 P infantry fighting vehicles with 20mm cannons instead of the VABs.

The platoon could be task organized in several different ways, which are depicting towards the bottom of the graphic. It could operate centralized under the company, decentralized with modules attached to the infantry platoons, combined with other support platoons to support the battalion task force (GTIA) with specialized antitank/20mm cannon/sniper platoons, or reinforced with other assets. Some examples of reinforcement could be the pooling of the infantry platoon’s Eryx ATGM groups under the SAPP or taking control of VAB Mephisto HOT ATGM carriers attached from brigade.

At this time both 81mm and 120mm mortars were contained within a Support Company at the Infantry Regiment (Battalion) level. This was before artillery took total ownership of the 120s and 81s were pushed down to the company-level (although they’re starting to form infantry 120 platoons again now).

#armeedeterre #military #nato #armoredvehicles #frencharmy #frenchmilitary #army

🇫🇷 During the early 2000s French Army Infantry Companies had a peculiar Support Platoon. These days this platoon just has 81mm mortars and Akeron MMP anti-tank guided missiles, but under the Brigade 1999 organizations it had 3 “modules”. In VAB-equipped regiments these were a MILAN (ACMP) anti-tank group with 2 MILAN ATGM posts, a sniper group with 1 or 2 PGM Hecate IIs (ideally only 2 if reinforced to allow for proper sniper/spotter pairs), and a VAB T20/13 with a 20mm autocannon.

The sniper group and deputy platoon leader would normally ride in the VAB T20/13. Overall this platoon was intended to give the company a medium range capability, able to observe and engage targets in the 1000-2000 meter ranges (all of the platoon’s weapon systems were in this area). In VAB regiments no other vehicle in the company had an autocannon, although in AMX 10 P regiments every infantry carrier did. In those regiments the Support Platoons had two AMX 10 P infantry fighting vehicles with 20mm cannons instead of the VABs.

The platoon could be task organized in several different ways, which are depicting towards the bottom of the graphic. It could operate centralized under the company, decentralized with modules attached to the infantry platoons, combined with other support platoons to support the battalion task force (GTIA) with specialized antitank/20mm cannon/sniper platoons, or reinforced with other assets. Some examples of reinforcement could be the pooling of the infantry platoon’s Eryx ATGM groups under the SAPP or taking control of VAB Mephisto HOT ATGM carriers attached from brigade.

At this time both 81mm and 120mm mortars were contained within a Support Company at the Infantry Regiment (Battalion) level. This was before artillery took total ownership of the 120s and 81s were pushed down to the company-level (although they’re starting to form infantry 120 platoons again now).

#armeedeterre #military #nato #armoredvehicles #frencharmy #frenchmilitary #army

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