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: 7
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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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Israeli infantry tactics are quite different and have proven effective.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3702655/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/us-employs-israeli-tactics-iraq/#.Xx2k4p5KjIU
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3702655/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/us-employs-israeli-tactics-iraq/#.Xx2k4p5KjIU
U.S. employs Israeli tactics in Iraq
In fighting insurgents in Iraq, the United States is drawing on some of Israel’s methods and experiences in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including running checkpoints and tracking militants with drone aircraft.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
Thank you! What are the best English-language resources you know for studying Israeli Infantry tactics?
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The proper use of plunging fires isn’t taught because wsl’s don’t know to employ it. It’s no fault of the individual, but the fighting that received the most emphasis in the GWOT was MOUT then COIN. It’s use was effective in Afghanistan, but the last theater where it could have been employed in earnest was Korea.
The Corps still follows the Regimental system of organization and it works with the smaller force. Also the mission set of the Marine Corps is different than the Army. Though the doctrine parallels for the most part.
The Aussies still teach indirect fires employment from machine guns and have different TTP’s.
British and Australian field manuals are also conveniently available in English.
There is also the SUT book from Robin Sage if you can find one. The problem you’re going to find yourself running into is the reluctance of Commanders to stray from FM 7-8, SH 21-76, or whatever alphabet soup they’re calling it now without sound reasoning.
The Corps still follows the Regimental system of organization and it works with the smaller force. Also the mission set of the Marine Corps is different than the Army. Though the doctrine parallels for the most part.
The Aussies still teach indirect fires employment from machine guns and have different TTP’s.
British and Australian field manuals are also conveniently available in English.
There is also the SUT book from Robin Sage if you can find one. The problem you’re going to find yourself running into is the reluctance of Commanders to stray from FM 7-8, SH 21-76, or whatever alphabet soup they’re calling it now without sound reasoning.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
Thank you! The SUT book is excellent, much better and more useful than the Ranger Handbook in my professional opinion.
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WWI & II both have examples of machine guns used for indirect fire or as artillery. Just seek out the subject "machine guns for indirect fire techniques"
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
Yes, that was specifically what drew me to this query. I have researched that, and I am now looking for other examples of alternative Infantry Tactics and techniques.
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CPL Douglas Chrysler
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA I was part of an early small unit, but I'm sure that tactic has evolved well beyond my experience long ago.
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I found reading and performing squad tactics in the filed quite different. If you know the basics, the win will come in training. There, you will know your limits and understand that little bitch Murphy.
For me, endurance and a known weapon system is key. Working as a team will give you confidence.
Know yourself and know your enemy. Then, you will never lose. This is not written as such in Marine Corp doctrine. But it is implied.
Keep it low and slow SPC. There should be some young hard charger with a pocket drone these days that will help you see over the trees and brush ahead.
For me, endurance and a known weapon system is key. Working as a team will give you confidence.
Know yourself and know your enemy. Then, you will never lose. This is not written as such in Marine Corp doctrine. But it is implied.
Keep it low and slow SPC. There should be some young hard charger with a pocket drone these days that will help you see over the trees and brush ahead.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
I'm out now, just got my IRR discharge, so this is an academic and professional interest. I work for a company that makes tactical courses, and we strive to be source-agnostic for the best material. We don't want to be an Army-only company, for example.
I wholeheartedly agree about reading and performing being different. Heck, even as a Ranger Infantryman I couldn't get anything out of the Ranger Handbook until I went to Ranger School and was taught by actual RIs.
I believe "know yourself and know your enemy" is from The Art of War.
Regarding the pocket drone, that stuff is great, but what do countries do that don't have that access, and what do we do when it goes down? What can we learn about Infantry tactics from units that can't call in CAS or Arty when they get in a jamb -- it's either fight out or die?
I wholeheartedly agree about reading and performing being different. Heck, even as a Ranger Infantryman I couldn't get anything out of the Ranger Handbook until I went to Ranger School and was taught by actual RIs.
I believe "know yourself and know your enemy" is from The Art of War.
Regarding the pocket drone, that stuff is great, but what do countries do that don't have that access, and what do we do when it goes down? What can we learn about Infantry tactics from units that can't call in CAS or Arty when they get in a jamb -- it's either fight out or die?
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Cpl Mark A. Morris
The Art of War is helpful in thinking about situations.
I wish you the best of fortune in your quest to be helpful and thank you for your service,
I wish you the best of fortune in your quest to be helpful and thank you for your service,
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The Center for Army Lessons Learned site might have some useful pubs. But, I don't know what kind of access you will have now that you are out
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
Thank you! It appears that they have some stuff available to the public, so I will check those out.
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