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The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

Apr 12

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The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

The Forgotten U.S. Army Dirt Bike Scout Platoons

Apr 12

New U.S. Army Robot-Kamikaze Drone Company

New U.S. Army Robot-Kamikaze Drone Company

New U.S. Army Robot-Kamikaze Drone Company

Apr 5

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

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

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

Mar 30

U.S. Army Teams who Storm Nuclear Reactors

U.S. Army Teams who Storm Nuclear Reactors

U.S. Army Teams who Storm Nuclear Reactors

Feb 17

How Mexican Marines became the Anti-Cartel Force

How Mexican Marines became the Anti-Cartel Force

How Mexican Marines became the Anti-Cartel Force

Feb 8

How U.S. Marines Transformed to Win Nuclear War

How U.S. Marines Transformed to Win Nuclear War

How U.S. Marines Transformed to Win Nuclear War

Jan 22

Articles

Battle Order's Cute Little Guy Club

Battle Order's Cute Little Guy Club

Battle Order's Cute Little Guy Club

Jan 22

French Armored Cavalry Squadrons in Algeria

French Armored Cavalry Squadrons in Algeria

French Armored Cavalry Squadrons in Algeria

Apr 27, 2023

Modern Dutch Armored Infantry Platoons (CV90)

Modern Dutch Armored Infantry Platoons (CV90)

Modern Dutch Armored Infantry Platoons (CV90)

Apr 25, 2023

French Amphibious Infantry Squadrons in Indochina

French Amphibious Infantry Squadrons in Indochina

French Amphibious Infantry Squadrons in Indochina

Apr 22, 2023

Type 107: French Light Infantry Companies in Algeria

Type 107: French Light Infantry Companies in Algeria

Type 107: French Light Infantry Companies in Algeria

Apr 21, 2023

Javelot to 1977: French Divisions in the Atomic Age

Javelot to 1977: French Divisions in the Atomic Age

Javelot to 1977: French Divisions in the Atomic Age

Apr 20, 2023

French EBR Squadrons: Infantry in the Cavalry?

French EBR Squadrons: Infantry in the Cavalry?

French EBR Squadrons: Infantry in the Cavalry?

Apr 18, 2023

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

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

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

Apr 8, 2023

Swiss Infantry Platoon (2019-Present)

Swiss Infantry Platoon (2019-Present)

Swiss Infantry Platoon (2019-Present)

Jun 9, 2021

Graphics

Infantry Company & Platoon Graphics

Infantry Company & Platoon Graphics

Infantry Company & Platoon Graphics

Apr 10

Armor, Cavalry, Recon & Antitank Unit Graphics

Armor, Cavalry, Recon & Antitank Unit Graphics

Armor, Cavalry, Recon & Antitank Unit Graphics

Feb 24

Artillery & Air Defense Battery & Platoon Graphics

Artillery & Air Defense Battery & Platoon Graphics

Artillery & Air Defense Battery & Platoon Graphics

Feb 20

source dump

Modern French Army Manuals

Modern French Army Manuals

Modern French Army Manuals

Apr 12

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

Apr 9

1980s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1980s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1980s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

Apr 9

1950s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1950s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

1950s US Army Unit Organization Reference Data

Apr 9

Cover of the FM 1-02.2 Military Symbols field manual

Cover of the FM 1-02.2 Military Symbols field manual

FM 1-02.2 Military Symbols - U.S. Army

Mar 20

2000-10s US Army Force Structure Reference Data

2000-10s US Army Force Structure Reference Data

2000-10s US Army Force Structure Reference Data

May 26, 2024

worldbuilding

Worldbuilding: Firearm Illustrations

Worldbuilding: Firearm Illustrations

Worldbuilding: Firearm Illustrations

Sep 17, 2023

Worldbuilding: Military Vehicle Illustrations

Worldbuilding: Military Vehicle Illustrations

Worldbuilding: Military Vehicle Illustrations

Sep 17, 2023

Worldbuilding: Military Uniforms

Worldbuilding: Military Uniforms

Worldbuilding: Military Uniforms

Sep 16, 2023

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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.

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

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