During OIF in 2003 USAF airlifted the 1–63rd Armor battle group into Bashur Airfield in Northern Iraq. 1-62 was made up of two combat teams: one with 5 M1 and 5 M2 and the other with ~15 M113. To be combat effective this mechanised force was part of the 173 Abn Bde with two parachute infantry battalions. This entire force numbered 2,200 men and 400 vehicles (including the ~30 A vehicles). It took 62 C-17s sorties in four days to deploy this force. USAF allocated between 12 and 17 C-17s per day to this operation. The flight route for these deployments was a relatively short 4.5 hour sector from Italy to Northern Iraq.
This is a small scale air mobile mechanised force and the airlift required for it is far outside of the RAAF’s means. It would take our C-17 force upwards of two weeks to deploy such a similar force. Two weeks to deploy a light brigade with minimal force support is a recipe for disaster in anything other than the most benign combat operations. Much easier just to wait for the fat ships to arrive and land the entire force within a day or two.
This is a small scale air mobile mechanised force and the airlift required for it is far outside of the RAAF’s means. It would take our C-17 force upwards of two weeks to deploy such a similar force. Two weeks to deploy a light brigade with minimal force support is a recipe for disaster in anything other than the most benign combat operations. Much easier just to wait for the fat ships to arrive and land the entire force within a day or two.
winnyfield
New Member
The Pegasus 155mm competed with the M777 for the arty replacement. Its heavier and can self-propel at ..... 12km/h.
Better off with a lighter gun and use an ATV or tractor.
Will the addition of the 19 M777 mean a change from the current structure of 3 OP and 1 Gun Battery per Regiment to a complete new structure? IIRC they were talking about 6 batteries in total, but the current regimental layout provides for 3 gun batteries. Or will they just distribute the extra M 777 to the alraedy existing gun batteries?
The gun regiments are going back to the old structure of three batteries per regiment, with each battery including both guns and OP parties.
Realistically it doesn't matter much. Having the guns in the field batteries saves a battery level HQ (which wouldn't have had much to do) and gives each BC something more tangible under their command than binos and laptops. But the flexibility is in the new digital systems and in the traditional way of concentrating arty to needs.
I randomly ran across a powerpoint presentation on the internet that I thought might interest some. Its about the evolution of the F88.
See link: http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011smallarms/WednesdayInter12397Evenden.pdf
See link: http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011smallarms/WednesdayInter12397Evenden.pdf
The pattern looks slightly different with the black and white splotches made more like the AUSCAM jellybeans. Tiny change but.
Gordon Branch
New Member
Another Victoria Cross for Australia awarded today.
RAR soldier awarded Victoria Cross for Afghan valour - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
All Images - FotoWeb 7.0
RAR soldier awarded Victoria Cross for Afghan valour - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
All Images - FotoWeb 7.0
StevoJH
The Bunker Group
The Citation and ADF Press release for Corporal Keighran, VC
Corporal Daniel Alan Keighran, VC - Australian Army
Soldier Honoured with Victoria Cross - Australian Army
Corporal Daniel Alan Keighran, VC - Australian Army
Soldier Honoured with Victoria Cross - Australian Army
This was the infamous Deh Rawud battle without mortar support that sparked the call for tank deployment.
Derapet in the Tangi Valley to be exact.
What is with rangas and getting VCs? They must learn to fight when getting picked on at school or something.
And you know its tough keeping people in the Army when even VC winners are getting out to go work in the mines.
Yeah and at the time (2010) the information released just said "Deh Rawud" so its imprinted in my brain thus.
The Tangi Valley is in Deh Rawood, so you weren't wrong.
People feel sorry for them...
Enough jokes about VC winners. Soldiers don't get awarded "sympathy VC,s", other gongs maybe, but not VC,s. A little respect please guys.
It was a joke about rangas, not VC winners...
I have nothing but the highest respect for these blokes.
Edit: And indeed everyone who wears the Australian uniform.
I assumed that AD, but it reads bad "what is it with rangas and VC?" ans "people feel sorry for them" dosnt read so good mate, I know what you meant, but....