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piersyf · 04-19-08, 07:37 PM

Hi Trex. Can't really comment with any certainty regarding protection for the gun and crew, but will try to give an overview from my perspective...

we're looking at US troops, and I'm not an American. I served in the RAA (that's Australian artillery). Doctrine is different, but not all that different. If I make an error of judgement that is one potential source of error.

First off, you'd need to know why they were there, and how long they intended staying, and what they thought the threat level was. If you want to entice combat (make them attack you) you set up in a spot that is very inconvenient for the enemy. The Australian deployment at Nui Dat in Vietnam was a deliberate choice (set up on a supply route then tell everyone that anyone seen after dark will be shot without question) to force the VC to act. In that case the arty was dug in with close cover. When the NVA started moving south for Tet they had to pass near the Marine base at Khe Sahn, so the Marines were re-inforced and toughed it out against significant odds (but gave 3 NVA Divisions a bloody nose in the process). They were also dug in, as the NVA had 130mm artillery pieces and rocket artillery.

In the case of the Taliban, they do not have the capacity to focus large arty concentrations. Also, the US probably doesn't want to seem 'rooted to the spot' andprefers to maintain mobility. Finally, they may not want to give the impression that they have a 'defensive' mentality. Realistically, mortars and rockets are not accurate, and while they can throw fragments a long way and make a loud bang, it is better with low numbers of incoming rounds to be in the open (and wear flack jackets... look for them on the crew) so the blast is dispersed rather than risk focussing the energy of a lucky hit.

Like I said, these are all 'spit ball' ideas because I have absolutely no idea of the specific circumstances around the deployment of those guys at the time of the video, but hopefully have been able to give an idea of some of the considerations that may have been in play.

P

04-19-08, 07:37 PM	#11
piersyf Mate Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: australia Posts: 52 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	gun protection Hi Trex. Can't really comment with any certainty regarding protection for the gun and crew, but will try to give an overview from my perspective... we're looking at US troops, and I'm not an American. I served in the RAA (that's Australian artillery). Doctrine is different, but not all that different. If I make an error of judgement that is one potential source of error. First off, you'd need to know why they were there, and how long they intended staying, and what they thought the threat level was. If you want to entice combat (make them attack you) you set up in a spot that is very inconvenient for the enemy. The Australian deployment at Nui Dat in Vietnam was a deliberate choice (set up on a supply route then tell everyone that anyone seen after dark will be shot without question) to force the VC to act. In that case the arty was dug in with close cover. When the NVA started moving south for Tet they had to pass near the Marine base at Khe Sahn, so the Marines were re-inforced and toughed it out against significant odds (but gave 3 NVA Divisions a bloody nose in the process). They were also dug in, as the NVA had 130mm artillery pieces and rocket artillery. In the case of the Taliban, they do not have the capacity to focus large arty concentrations. Also, the US probably doesn't want to seem 'rooted to the spot' andprefers to maintain mobility. Finally, they may not want to give the impression that they have a 'defensive' mentality. Realistically, mortars and rockets are not accurate, and while they can throw fragments a long way and make a loud bang, it is better with low numbers of incoming rounds to be in the open (and wear flack jackets... look for them on the crew) so the blast is dispersed rather than risk focussing the energy of a lucky hit. Like I said, these are all 'spit ball' ideas because I have absolutely no idea of the specific circumstances around the deployment of those guys at the time of the video, but hopefully have been able to give an idea of some of the considerations that may have been in play. P