1. Each ACR will have three squadrons- 14xAbrams, 26xASLAVs and 86xM113 AS4.
The ACR ORBAT you listed, with three cav squadrons, is a few years outdated. The original intent was to have generic cav squadrons that could do both recon and lift, but that was never going to work and was scrapped. The new ACR is as Foxtrot said, with a tank squadron, ASLAV squadron and APC squadron (with M113s). It's worth noting however, that like everything in Plan Beersheeba, the current ORBAT is only an interim ORBAT. Everything will continue to be tweaked and modified as time goes on. For instance, the army has submitted to the Whitepaper that enough Land400 recon vehicles are bought to equip two recon squadrons per ACR. The tank capability might be augmented as well.
Hi Frank,
A Recce Squadron is 26 ASLAVs. (maybe another troop to bring up to 30) Another 6 for command and 3x in CSS. So in the ACR, 35-39 ASLAVs. Assume some more in other CSS units and maybe CER but wouldn't be over 50 in a Brigade, sob assume the Regulars have close to 200 (including training vehicles). I seem to recall one or more Reserve units are also getting/have ASLAVs.
There are at least another ten M113s scattered through the ACR, plus one of the CER squadrons is supposed to be mechanised (not sure numbers but I assume the M113 would be used).
It's actually about 45 ASLAVs per ACR, once you take into account the ASLAVs in RHQ and Support Squadron. The ASLAV Squadron itself will have about 30. There will also be a light squadron in 2 Cav/2 RAR to support the amphibious capability. The total number of ASLAVs in service is less than the number in the inventory simply because that is all that can afford to be manned under Plan BEERSHEEBA. Since the ASLAV will be in service past its planned life of type, this is a good thing as the track kms can be spread over the whole fleet of vehicles.
You can lift a USMC platoon in two AAVs. You need six M113s to lift an Australian platoon. That's your biggest difference right there.
Does that mean the APC section size is being increased to six or are multiple sections assigned? I suppose that also means if a vehicle with a smaller capacity than the M-113 is selected to replace it either section size or number of sections will have to increase.
An APC section is six vehicles. One for each of the rifle sections, two for the manoeuvre support section, and one for PHQ. The troop will be 20 vehicles total, with three sections and a two vehicle THQ.
Thanks for that. I was thinking it was still four vehicles per section. The average RAAC corporal would have several years experience behind them so would be up to the job so that makes sense. Long term though it would be good to have sergeants again, if only to improve career opportunities.
You couldn't have sergeants as section commanders - it would distort the career progression corps wide too much.
Exciting times, especially if we end up with IFVs. Makes me wish I was in my mid teens again, trying to work out my future career, I must admit I envy you.
They won't be there if this is resolved within a couple of days...
The blades will have a warning order for a possible deployment. Its to premature in time to fully understand the battle space around the incident...ISR not fully developed.
bet a couple of the specials are there to support the NSW police, probably waiting for the dark to assault with night vision
How many soldiers are in a manoeuvre support section?