Pimp My S/IBCT - Round 2 - Bring Back the Independent Tank Battalion
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| M1A2 SEPv3 |
In the previous Pimp My IBCT, I suggested using a combination of refurbished M-ATVs to achieve full vehicular mobility for some IBCTs. This would give them a degree of tactical and operational mobility near that of the Stryker BCTs. They would suffer off-road, in comparison to the SBCT, but would be at least as mobile on roads, with lower logistics overhead.
However both SBCTs and mounted IBCTs are still severely hamstrung if used offensively. The Stryker ICV is protected against 14.5mm HMGs organically, and partially protected against RPG-7s with slat armor. It is not protected against heavier RPGs (e.g. RPG-29) or any ATGMs.
M-ATV is protected against 7.62mm rounds only. So even this guy would ruin its day.
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| Source: Wikipedia |
Aggressive, offensive use of either BCT type against foes with anti-armor systems, or in built-up areas, would likely result in heavy casualties. Both BCT types will be stuck either dismounting prematurely, whenever enemy resistance is suspected, or driving into ambushes, where their thin-skinned vehicles will be shot to pieces.
Historically in these situations, we've beefed up infantry units with tanks, either organically, or through augmentation from other units.
Back in WWII, we used to have separate tank battalions that could be task organized with infantry units.
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| Source: Wikipedia |
A modern independent tank battalion could draw on the Force XXI or AoE designs, augmented with mobility, logistics and engineering assets required for heavy armor use, but not available to the parent division.
A representative "modern" Tank Battalion is here.
Tank Battalion HQ
6 CARRIER, 120MM MORTAR
5 CARRIER CP
6 MORTAR 120MM
2 TANK, M1A2
5 TRK, CARGO 8X8
3 TRK, MTV W/E
10 TRK, 8X8 HVY EXP
20 TRK, CARGO, LMTV W/E
5 TRK, LMTV, W/E W/W
22 HMMWV
1 TRK, WRECKER
16 TRK, TANK FUEL
1 TRK, WRECKER, MTV
3 CARRIER, COMD AND CTRL
5 COMMAND LAUNCH (JAVELIN)
7 RECOVERY, M88A1E1
2 TRK UTIL, EXP. CAP.
10 HMMWV, UP ARM
1 TRK, TANK POL
3 x Tank Companies
1 CARRIER, ARMORED
14 TANK, M1A2
1 TRK, LMTV W/E
2 HMMWV
Divisional Requirements
Of the eleven active duty divisions in the Army, six of them have no tanks at all.I propose adding one independent tank battalion to each active duty division that lacks tanks, except for the 82nd Airborne Division.
These battalions could be task-organized with divisional SBCTs and IBCTs when needed, to provide heavy armor.
When not needed, they can be left at home.
A total of 5 new tank battalions would greatly increase the offensive capability of these Stryker- and Infantry-based divisions.
Comments
You can certainly cross-attach from an HBCT, but that's a bit of zero sum "Robbing Peter to pay Paul". You reduce the combat power of an HBCT to increase the combat power of the IBCT.
Also, we don't have pure tank battalions anymore. We have hybrid Combined Arms Battalions (CABs) with either 2 tank companies and one mech inf, or 2 mech inf and 1 tank. IBCTs don't really need more infantry. If anything, they need the heavy armor and firepower of tanks. A pure tank battalion with 3 tank companies could attach one company to each IBCT battalion.