Light-itis in Vietnam: what WRONG looked like

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...

http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&ide...

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

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• vietnam
• 199th
• light
• infantry
• brigade
• foot-slogging
• jungle
• fighting
• M16
• AK47
• AKM
• RPG
• Huey
• UH-1
• helicopters
• ambush

[dynmicpara]

Muleagain writes:

"Welcome home to all you brothers and sisters no matter what you rode in or on."

C Btry 6/27th FA

II Field Force

1970

[christof139]

They still served on in Europe though, and they were dangerous to be in and around because their rubber band tracks frequently broke and went flying and did kill a few people (saw it dihappen directly in front of me but the troopie survived).

[dynmicpara]

The M114 had hull overhang in front of its tracks that lead to it getting stuck in rice paddy dikes.

[christof139]

The M113 also had tread skirts/overhang & fenders. I know because I drove one. The M114 had many problems that I already stated, & it was because of those problems that they were quickly withdrawn from Vietnam. The ones given to ARVN were not liked by them, & they were withdrawn by ARVN from 1st line units & relegated to 2nd line units operating on roads.

[dynmicpara]

A flimsy M113 Gavin SIDE skirt for mud and water traction isn't the same as a huge piece of METAL (your hull nose) in front of your tracks that digs into the uneven ground ahead like the M114 had.

[Drummeralex31]

cute puupy

[horror11]

"no vietnamese ever called me a nigger" muhamad ali 

[dao3rd123]

As far as rifle go, I had the M-14 which was highly dependable . Very accurate for long distances too. I refused to take that plastic toy M-16 which constantly jammed.

[myhoangsa]

look good. kill more vc.

[USmarinecolonel1]

actual they arnt as good as you think america could not fire unless fired at since congress did not premote war so we had all these advantages thrown away because they want fire unless they see us so that ruled out the element of surprise then they waited and ambushed using jungle warfare tactics which are men were not trained for

[JustinAndrews74]

Viet Nam Forever

[dynmicpara]

Exactly why its high time we LEARN how to stop closed terrain infiltration!

[clintonWORLDFAT]

It's easy to say just turn around and go home.

[thestingerdunne]

just How the shitty World Works