Signalian
PDF THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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1. Rapid deployment in battlefield and can act as QRF.What would be the benefit of this?
We already have S&T coys for transporting inf bns. Adding a truck coy to an SIB would only increase the load on the CO. He would then be performing the dual roles of CO of an inf bn as well as S&T. It would become hectic especially when it would come to maint and service. The annual inspections and veh service would become his key priorities and may compromise the core role of the inf bn. This was also the reason why armd regts were reduced from 70+ tanks to 44; so that the commander can focus more on operational deployment than on logistics and maintenance.
However I do support motorisation of the weapon coy of SIBs. If the 12 ATGMs, AGLs and even mortars of SIBs are based on lightly armoured vehs, then this would give SIB a great punch and will almost be equal to a LAT coy. An Inf div will have 9× wpn coys and GOC can use them as LAT coys as well, especially wpn coys of reserve bdes.
Couple these with atleast 1×Armd bde, 5-7 arty regts( all 155mm in future), 1×LAT regt(atleast); and our IDs will themselves become a very potent fighting force against mech formations as well.
Thus, no commander on either side will want his force to directly confront the enemy without prior attrition by indirect means. And for that arty will be the major source. So, I believe that as less as we discuss it, arty is going to be the dominant army in a future Indo-Pak conflict. The side which is able to achieve better concentration of arty firepower will be able ot punch holes which can then be exploited by mech forces.
But with concentration of arty, comes the problem of logistics. Since our conflict will be short and intense, arty supplies will be required at shortest possible notice. Hence this would require many forward supply depots. But then these would become prime targets for enemy arty and IAF. So counter battery fire as well as suppression of IAF bases will be of prime importance, both of which will be done by arty along with PAF.
2. No wait time for S&T transport to arrive and offloads burden of S&T battalion.
3. Carry and deploy heavy weapons and related ammo where S&T trucks cannot reach conserving troops physical strength.
4. Affordable convoy protection/rear guard/screening force through mobility but average firepower.
5. Carry out squad and platoon based Ops backed by heavier weapon cover fire deployed on 4x4.
6. Faster casualty evac and unit re-supply for light weapons.
7. Unit can switch roles between foot infantry and motorized Infantry to rotate between conventional war deployment to COIN role.
8. Gives flexibility to Battalion's CO for ops while unit's MT officer gets the responsibility for POL tasks. Not intense maintenance prone compared to MBTs.
9. EX-R&S/LAT units can assist with training.
10. Gives ability to carry MATVs and smaller drones for recon tasks.
11. An advance concept from WW2 Willys jeep towards up armored HMMWV, though battalion gets swing role.
12. Battalion gets ability to get attached with armored formation if required as it can keep up with mechanized and armored formations.
13. Perfect for rapid deployment in short conflict and concentration of firepower.
14. Can avoid direct fire contact with enemy unless unavoidable.
15. MRAP ability helps in protection of troops during ambushes and encountering minefield as well as protection from small arms fire of enemy troops . Lowers troop casualty rate for Battalion.