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Old 12-22-2009, 09:53 PM
Abbott Shaull Abbott Shaull is offline
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Eastern U.P. on the edge of Civilization.
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I think by 2000, while troop were at their base many of them would carry Assault Rifle/Carbine/SMG/Pistol for personal protection. The Machine gun and heavier equipment would be secured for safety reason, even though there would be location in the area where heavy weapons would be emplace and staff for security reasons.

Remember before the war, when units went to to the rifle range, everyone had assault rifle of their own to use. I am sure it will not be much different after the fighting start. One thing that both Persian Gulf conflicts, operations in Afghanistan, and other conflicts of the last 60 years have shown. There is no Front line. It more of region where enemy troops can show up at any time, much like the famous SAS raids they pulled off in Africa in WWII.

By 2000 for Squad/Platoon element I don't see maybe 1 Automatic Rifle per squad and 1 Machine Gun per platoon due to the reduction of size of many Squads/Platoon. Even I can see some Automatic Rifle being pressed into service as the Platoon Machine Gun role. While some Company would consolidate the Machine Guns into MG platoons. Especially light units that are in static situations. As for when in firefights I wouldn't think many troops would be using full auto option, and those on Machine guns and Sub Machine guns would use burst. Only time they would do rock and roll auto would be if a unit was in position where they would be overrun.

As for units with the means to being mobile they seemed to always have a lot more toys than the standard Light Infantry unit. If IIRC the Mechanized Platoons had access to M-60 later M240s and other weapons that were stored on their vehicles. It one of the advantages when you don't have to carry all your equipment.

Even Motorized units will be able to carry more weapons with to use if they were needed. I seem to remember reading something about MP units operating in HMMWV. How a six man unit was expected to operate out one. Also US Special Forces and SAS have mobile units that use HMMWV/Land Rovers that are used to transport other units to the field.

I also see to some extent Submachine Guns making their way back down to squad level, especially unit operating in urban area/ruins. These would be easier for urban combat. As well as various shotguns which when I was in we never used unless were were on guard duty at the Battalion Motor Pool when the Battalion was DRF-1.
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