Name the most impressive battles involving mechanized infantry in the modern age.
The Battle of 73 Easting comes readily to mind, but in my opinion it ranks just behind the Thunder Run by the 3rd ID into Baghdad.
It was a classic...I don't even know how you would classify it...mechanized recon by fire? A mech infantry unit performing a mech cavalry mission?
Whatever you call it, I think it was one of the boldest military actions of the war.
Sidenote: Speaking of 73 Eastings, required reading is found here. General HR McMasters (yeah he was SERIOUSLY involved in that fight) has his "after action". He's at Benning now and leading the school house since it moved from Ft. Knox (I went to a couple of courses there and that place sucks...heard Benning isn't much better though).
Seems to suggest the need for armored resupply.
ReplyDeleteThe Battle of 73 Easting and Thunder Run were required study for yours truly, while I was part of a Stryker Brigade and during the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Benning. TRADOC has been trying to keep the knowledge base of Heavy Mech and Armor fighting alive while the rest of the Army focused on COIN.
ReplyDeleteIf they would have just gone with the original plan for a 9 man dismount squad in the Bradley, we wouldn't be talking about the Ground Combat Vehicle program at all, we would just be talking BFV upgrades.