Canadian LAV 6 Mechanized Rifle Company of 2022
- May 11
- 2 min read
A Canadian Mechanized Company (A Coy, 2 PPCLI) augmented for deployment to Latvia in late 2022.
Each of Canada’s 3 active Infantry Regiments has 2 Mech Bns with LAV 6 IFVs (pronounced “lav”, not spelled like in the US). This graphic represents a Coy plussed up for deployment by other elements in the Canadian Army (reserves, other PPCLI battalions, etc). When they configure as a combined arms task force they’re called a “Combat Team” (equivalent to a US Company Team/UK Company Group). During eFP Latvia 22-02 they swapped platoons with the Polish tank company in the battle group.
It consisted of a Coy HQ (OC/2IC/LAV Captain), 3 infantry platoons, Fast Pack & A1 Echelon.
In Commonwealth armies the A1 Echelon includes the immediate resupply & maintenance operating immediately behind the sub-units (companies). The A1 Ech can be reinforced by the A2 Ech (also supports the Coy but doesn’t follow them closely). B Ech is even further back, doctrinally in the brigade rear. In this case, A2 Ech was part of the Battle Group Transport Pl & the B Ech of the BG Supply Pl.
The Fast Pack contains the Coy Sergeant Major (CSM) with their own LAV, a Bison armored ambulance, recovery vehicle & repair team. The Fast Pack focuses on emergency evacuation of casualties and recovery of vehicles. This is usually associated with tank units but some mechanized units do it too.
The LAV Capt is the dedicated commander to fight the empty LAVs (Zulu LAVs) when the OC dismounts. LAV Sgts are platoon-level equivalents. Zulu platoons can rapidly reorient to adapt to changing conditions. Fully detached LAV operation may also be required if LAVs are to delay the enemy while dismounted infantry prepares defensive positions, transition directly from support-by-fire to pursuit or be left in a hide if appropriate. On the defense, this also supports LAVs sited offset from the dismounts to take advantage of their longer effective range.
The Coy 2IC mans the Coy CP, the company’s link to higher. They are ready to take command if needed.
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