Posted on Jul 26, 2020
What resources do you recommend to study valid but alternative Infantry tactics and techniques?
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I'm familiar with the basic functioning of small Infantry units in the US Army. I understand the USMC does some things a little bit different, particularly as regards unit organization, and SEALs probably learn some slightly different stuff in their land warfare training. Other countries probably have some more variation in their methods due to budget, culture, or other considerations, but that doesn't mean the methods are necessarily inferior. I'm interested in learning more about other ways of doing things.
As an example, the use of machine guns in an indirect fire role. It is rarely taught, practiced, or used in this military, but I understand that other militaries have used it much more at various times.
What are some good English-language resources for learning this stuff?
As an example, the use of machine guns in an indirect fire role. It is rarely taught, practiced, or used in this military, but I understand that other militaries have used it much more at various times.
What are some good English-language resources for learning this stuff?
Military science
Infantry
Infantryman
11B: Infantryman
Foreign Forces
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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I would recommend a book in regards to different counterinsurgency operations, but I don't have a specific book in mind. I recall as an example, Peru solved its insurgency problems by arming villagers who would fix the insurgents, and Peruvian infantry would quickly deploy to kill the insurgents.
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TC 7-100.2 Opposing Force Tactics is really one of the few English language resources that discusses alternate infantry tactics. 100.2 focuses on Russian doctrine mainly. I’ve tried to look up Russian and Chinese doctrine, but they rarely publish anything in English, plus they tend to keep their doctrine a little more close to the chest that the US does.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
Thank you! I didn't know this manual existed, although I suppose I should have guessed it.
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CPT (Join to see)
It’s one of the less well known pieces of doctrine, unless you happen to be stationed at a CTC, or you’re a maneuver officer and get blasted in the face with it at the Captains Career Course
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I think studying other infantry tactics can assist in building knowledge but I will tell you that as an Infantry officer I would never use my MGs as an indirect fire role. We have echelons of fire that start with the 120s and work their way down to the 60MM. At that point you should be starting your direct fire suppression of the objective while you either move to breach or engage the enemy. Plus you would burn far too much ammo. I have seen videos of other countries doing this and I just don't understand the logic beyond just spraying and praying.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
It certainly uses a lot of ammo! As I researched it, I found a case in WWII in which 10 machine guns went through 1M rounds to suppress an area for 12 hours straight.
The only instance that I could find of indirect machine gun fire being trained in our modern military was a few years ago USMC practiced with the MK19 in a scenario against Russia. What are your thoughts on using the MK19 in this role?
The only instance that I could find of indirect machine gun fire being trained in our modern military was a few years ago USMC practiced with the MK19 in a scenario against Russia. What are your thoughts on using the MK19 in this role?
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CPT (Join to see)
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA That just seems crazy to me. You are pretty much blind firing into an area. Mk19 are pretty much area target weapons but I still can't imagine that being a good idea.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
CPT (Join to see) well, there are ways to do it not blind, such as with observers and aiming cards that overlay maps. I don't know a whole lot about it but I imagine an 11C or some such would have a better clue.
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