Light-itis in Vietnam: what WRONG looked like
Video description:
The U.S. Army did learn something from the non-linear, combination sub-national conflict and nation-state Vietnam war: EVERYONE should be in the minimum an M113 Gavin armored personnel carrier to have basic 7.62mm medium machine gun KE bullet and HE bomb protection and cross-country mobility since the enemy can attack in any direction at any time. http://www.geocities.com/armorhistory
This video shows what happens if you DON'T HAVE light mechanized capabilities and are a straight "leg" infantry that fights the enemy at a disadvantage M16 vs. AK47 (AKM)and RPG. You get YOUR ass kicked is what happens!
http://www.combatreform.org/combatlight.htm
Other Army Light infantry units like the 25th "Tropic Lightnings" fully employed M113 Gavins and kicked the ENEMY'S ass without having their ego evaporate because they used a LIGHT tank (machine) to help them FURTHER their dismounted powers.
Imagine that.
WHAT RIGHT LOOKS LIKE: (Force Supremacy)
http://www.combatreform.org/m113combat.htm
Read "Red Thunder, Tropic Lightning: The World of a Combat Division in Vietnam" by Eric M. Bergerud (Paperback - Mar 1, 1994)
http://www.amazon.com/Red-Thunder-Tropic-Lightning-Division/dp/0140235450/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209906041&sr=1-1
http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0351252
Accession Number : AD0351252
Title : MECHANIZED RIFLE TROOP (M-113)
Corporate Author : ARMY CONCEPT TEAM IN VIETNAM APO SAN FRANCISCO 96384
Personal Author(s) : Godwin, Norman A. ; Scheumann, Marcus C.
Report Date : 25 JUN 1964
Pagination or Media Count : 1
Abstract : Organization, operations, and vehicle performance of M-113 armored personnel carrier-equipment mechanized rifle troops of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) were evaluated during counterinsurgency operations from 1 February 1963 to 31 March 1964 in the Republic of Vietnam.Troops were observed as they engaged in training, maintenance, and combat operations in each of the four corps tactical zones of South Vietnam. It was found that the ARVN mechanized rifle troop, with the exception of the support platoon, was well-organized and equipped for counterinsurgency operations. The evaluation revealed that the M-113 armored personnel carrier (APC) can fulfill the assault vehicle or tank role in counterinsurgency operations such as those conducted in the Republic of Vietnam when the insurgents have no armor and limited antiarmor capability. Optimum tactics and techniques for mechanized rifle troops were not determined. However, these units were most successful when employed offensively. The ARVN mechanized rifle troops can successfully perform amphibious operations in light surf, and can negotiate inundated areas in the RVN. A self-recovery means and other expedients are required for the M-113 when operating in terrain such as found in the delta region of Vietnam. The APC operated best in the relatively open, inundated areas of the delta and coastal lowlands. (Author)
Descriptors : *COUNTERINSURGENCY, *PASSENGER VEHICLES, VIETNAM, VIETNAM, ARMORED VEHICLES, MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN), FEASIBILITY STUDIES, TERRAIN.
Subject Categories : UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
