TOW, Heavy Antitank Weapon, 220. The TOW M220 was previously described in
detail under the airborne division.
Dragon, Medium Antitank Weapon, M47.
The Dragon was previously described in
detail under the airborne division.
81-mm Mortar.
The air assault division has 81-mm mortars organic to its
infantry battalions.
The 81-mm mortars are found in the HHC of the
battalion.
They provide both direct support and general support to the
rifle companies during tactical operations. They are vital to the tactical
maneuvering of combat infantryman.
The technical characteristics of the
improved 81-mm mortar are:
o
Weight - 81 lb.
o
Range - 5,650 meters.
o
Range of fire:
-
Maximum - 30 rpm.
-
Sustained - 12 to 15 rpm.
Stinger.
The Stinger was described in detail under the airborne division.
Blackhawk Helicopter.
The primary assault helicopter of the air assault
division is the UH-60A Blackhawk.
It serves as the primary transport
aircraft for both troops and equipment. This aircraft is organic to assault
helicopter companies, air cavalry, and armored and medical evacuation units.
CH-47D, Chinook. The CH-47D is the medium lift helicopter assigned to the
air assault division.
Its primary mission is to transport equipment and
supplies of the divisional units. The aircraft can operate at night and in
poor visibility. They can also operate at nap-of-the-earth (NOE) altitudes.
It is primarily employed over friendly troops, but it can be used across
FLOT as required.
We have covered the mission, capabilities, limitations, organization, and
DIVARTY of the air assault division.
Next, we will consider the infantry
and light infantry divisions of the US Army of Excellence.
Infantry and Light Infantry Divisions
Up to this point, this learning event has described divisions (heavy,
airborne, air assault) that offer unique capabilities to the Army as a
whole.
The infantry and light infantry divisions lack many of the unique
qualities possessed by the heavy, airborne, and air assault divisions.
However, they have tactical advantages which cause them to be a valuable
force when employed independently or in conjunction with other types of
divisions.
The purpose of this section is to provide you with an understanding and
appreciation for many of the capabilities offered by the infantry and
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