battalion to for a combined arms task force as previously described. Next,
we will consider the capabilities of the mechanized infantry battalion.
Mechanized Battalion Capabilities.
The mechanized battalion has specific
capabilities. Those capabilities include the following:
o
Able to move rapidly when mounted, swim streams, and successfully
travel over some soft surfaces not suitable for tanks.
o
Suppress and kill lightly armored vehicles with
the
25-mm
automatic gun at ranges beyond 2,500 meters (M2 IFV).
o
Suppress and kill soft targets while moving.
o
Kill tanks and thinner skinned vehicles with TOWs out to 3,000
meters, DRAGONs out to 1,000 meters, and with LAWs out to 200
meters.
o
Conduct dismounted operations.
Mechanized Battalion Vulnerabilities.
Conversely, the battalion also has
vulnerabilities. Those vulnerabilities include:
o
APC can be destroyed by ATGM, AT guns, tanks, BMP cannon, mines,
or a direct hit by artillery or airstrike.
o
Currently equipped with M1131A1
battalions
are
incapable
of
keeping up with M1-equipped units.
o
When dismounted and dug in, infantry is vulnerable to:
-
Tanks,
if
improperly
employed
on
forward
slopes with
inadequate cover and concealment.
-
Automatic small-arms fire, if frontal cover is inadequate.
-
NBC attack.
-
Direct hit by artillery, if overhead cover is inadequate.
o
When dismounted
and
not
dug
in,
infantry
is
particularly
vulnerable to:
-
Tanks.
-
Small arms.
-
NBC attack.
-
Artillery and mortar fire.
-
Tactical air (TACAIR).
We have just finished our discussion of the mechanized division maneuver
battalion.
As you recall, battalions can be assigned to either the
mechanized division or the armored division.
Next we will consider the
armored division.
27
IS7003
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