TangoTwoBravo
Army.ca Veteran
- Reaction score
- 3,257
- Points
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At the risk of starting "thread drift", it can be useful to look at US practices. They do operate under financial constraints. I wouldn't argue for simply copying their organizations, weapons and tactics but they do have experience with AGLs (the USMC battalion still had 60mm mortars at the company level even with the Mk19). I should admit, however, that I have spent time on exchange with the US military on individual and collective training so I do have some biases. I'll also admit that many of my collegues are tired of my "US band camp" stories...
I have a hard time accepting cost as a reason to cut the HMG. 50 cal ammo does cost money, of course, and the system does have further O&M costs such as parts, techs and individual training. I still figure, however, that the costs for this rather simple and proven system are justified by its capabilities.
For the LAV battalions I recognize that the 25mm cannons make the HMG somewhat superfluous. It is for our "Light" forces that I want the HMG. I have seen some "big hand, little map" briefings on the CASW but little that gets into details. How does it compare with the HMG with respect to effects on fortifications and structures? For vehicles, how would the CASW compare with the HMG for dealing with car bombs and "technicals"? How does its accuracy compare? Please note that I am not arguing against the CASW, just that I would rather see a mixed DFS platoon for the light infantry.
I suppose one could argue for a "DFS" platoon consisting of C6s and CASW. I would still like to actually see the CASW as opposed to a powerpoint wish list of capabilities.
Cheers,
2B
I have a hard time accepting cost as a reason to cut the HMG. 50 cal ammo does cost money, of course, and the system does have further O&M costs such as parts, techs and individual training. I still figure, however, that the costs for this rather simple and proven system are justified by its capabilities.
For the LAV battalions I recognize that the 25mm cannons make the HMG somewhat superfluous. It is for our "Light" forces that I want the HMG. I have seen some "big hand, little map" briefings on the CASW but little that gets into details. How does it compare with the HMG with respect to effects on fortifications and structures? For vehicles, how would the CASW compare with the HMG for dealing with car bombs and "technicals"? How does its accuracy compare? Please note that I am not arguing against the CASW, just that I would rather see a mixed DFS platoon for the light infantry.
I suppose one could argue for a "DFS" platoon consisting of C6s and CASW. I would still like to actually see the CASW as opposed to a powerpoint wish list of capabilities.
Cheers,
2B