Army needs world-class weapons

-PRITAM S RANA

Some time back, media reports emanating from India stated that the Indian Army was interested to modernize the smallest tactical unit of its army-the platoon. It was reported that the Indian military wanted to enhance the effectiveness of its platoons in light of lack luster performance by units operating against insurgents in Kashmir. In a similar manner, platoon in Royal Nepalese Army also ought to be equipped and organized so it can prevail and outperform opposing forces.
Current RNA infantry battalions who have about nine unwieldy and large rifle platoons. Size must be immediately cut down so valuable manpower can be transferred to create new units. RNA should get out of its traditional thinking style that numbers alone will allow it to prevail in future combat operations. Instead it is firepower and maneuver, which will be the deciding factors.

Though new weapons are entering RNA service, platoons equipped with older Self Loading Rifles (SLR) and Light Machine Guns (LMG) are facing stiff competition from rebel units equipped with same and similar weapons. Both of these weapons are now obsolescent, unwieldy, heavy and need to be gradually replaced and passed to police units. Newest weapons entering RNA inventory namely the M-16A2 assault rifle and Minimi light machine guns are such weapons that they equip among others the US Army. German General Heinz Guderian (World War II) had advocated new tactics should accompany induction of new weapons. RNA should form robust units and subunits in accordance with the introduction of new weapons.

The M-16A2 rifle is the improved version of the venerable M-16A1, which was extensively used in the Vietnam War. The new rifle has automatic fire limiter which controls burst rate to three rounds. This not only economises ammunition but also improves accuracy. Sights on M-16A2 are superior to M-16A1 and the foregrip is also improved. Effective to 300m and weighing under 4kg fully loaded, the M-16A2 is far superior to the old SLR. Its only weak point compared to SLR is less maximum effective range and less armor penetration and anti-material capability. The 5.56mm bullet of the M-16A2 is effective against unprotected personnel targets; it is less effective against vehicles when compared to the 7.62mm round of the SLR.

The Minimi light machine gun is a design of Fabrique National firm of Belgium. Known as M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in US military service, the fully automatic weapon fires 5.56mm rounds (common to M-16A2 rifle) to up to 1000m. The excellent weapon uses a roller guided locking system which works smoothly and uncomplicated. Also this fine weapon can be fed with belt as well as M-16A2 rifle magazines simplifying logistics.

There is also need for additional weapons, which will give operational flexibility to small unit leaders. A missing link is grenade launcher. Having only hand grenades, current platoon soldiers are limited to a stone throw range. Hand grenades are extremely risky to even the side that uses them. To enable soldiers to throw grenades beyond that possible by muscle power, grenade launchers have to be purchased. Although a variety is available in the international market, the 40mm grenade launchers are more common. The one which is available to M-16 series of rifles is the M203 launcher developed by AAI Corporation, USA. This launcher attaches below the foregrip of the M-16A2 rifle having separate firing mechanism and trigger. Soldiers can project grenades up to 400m away using this weapon. Such a capability could enhance firepower of individual platoon who do not have to call mortar support for otherwise trivial targets.

The three rifle squads of the modern rifle platoon should be equipped with aforementioned weapons. There is, besides the above, a need of a 7.62mm machine gun, which can support the three rifle squads with long-range fire. This weapon should also be capable of dealing with lightly armored targets and thin skinned vehicles which may be immune to 5.56mm rounds of the M-16A2 rifle and Minimi machine gun of the rifle squads.

Another important weapon system which should constitute a modern platoon is a sniper team. Consisting of an observer/leader and the sniper himself this unit can be tasked for various harassing tasks against the enemy. Using stealth, sniper team can target opposition force leadership, harass other enemy ranks can wreak havoc among unsuspecting and undisciplined enemy.

Platoon leadership should be equipped with long range radios so the whole unit can operate in long-range surveillance mission deep inside enemy territory. Squad and team leaders also require hand held radios in order to coordinate with platoon leadership. Also, embarking and disembarking by helicopters should be norm for the new platoons. The quality of leadership should also reflect best of the Army. Only rigorously chosen leaders can command elite platoons.

Small unit tactics bear too much weight to be ignored easily. Battles are decided by decision made by junior leaders. Small units, platoons, should be equipped with best of equipments. Besides weapons, other equipments like image intensifying night sights, thermal cameras, improved ration packs and timely logistical support will result in success of future combat operations. The Army should look beyond the rebels; far deadlier threat could be international terrorists establishing bases in remote parts of the country with active rebel support. The RNA should at any cost improve its force design or else be hopelessly outclassed in the torrent of modern combat.

Posted on: 2004-04-19 03:56:51 (Server Time)
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* I would like to give credit to Jane's, ARMY and www.fas.org and many other news resources and book bought at Ekta, Kathmandu and Mandala Book Point for whatever I know on Defense. I was not trained by US government. I used my own money to acquire this critical skill in order to qualify for national service.