‘True Light Infantry’

Posted on December 13, 2015 by KG

rhodie An excellent article. Note especially the (long) comment by ‘Jackal’ below the post.Excerpt:
‘..Serious thought needs to be given to what Marines take with them to the fight. Rhodesian troopers had to match the mobility of their quarry with similar mobility. They often dressed in camouflaged T-shirts, shorts, and running shoes, or light boots.17 They carried nothing else beyond the ammunition, water, grenades, medical kit, and rations required for the operation. Regulation denim uniforms would be worn, and light sleeping bags carried, only if they expected to establish an ambush in the vicinity of a contact…’

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21 Responses to ‘True Light Infantry’

  1. Richard says:
    December 13, 2015 at 10:01

    Not in disagreement with the author but it is curious that he talks of present day methods yet harkens completely back to WWII in the negative sense.

    I know that in VN, the USMC recon patrols traveled very light. And often they were out for not hours but a few days.

    With respect to the micromanaging, which is to be abhorred, the Sgt is the best cure. He will cut through the crap. Always.

  2. mawm says:
    December 13, 2015 at 11:22

    Yes, excellent! Respect for the Rhodesian infantry http://falfn.com/CrusaderRabbit/wp-content/plugins/wp-monalisa/icons/wpml_good.gif …… only defeated by traitorous politicians. Perfidious Albion.

    • Oswald Bastable says:
      December 13, 2015 at 16:16

      Perfidious Albion. Now turning into the world’s biggest leper colony. Oh dear, how sad…

  3. Flashman says:
    December 13, 2015 at 11:47

    Rhodesian Light Infantry.

    Men of Men. And the hammer of their country’s enemies.

  5. Ronbo says:
    December 13, 2015 at 12:15

    During the Vietnam War some U.S. Infantry units were allowed to become light infantry units and achieved high levels of success, but in the main they were trying to fight the conflict in Southeast Asia using the same tactics, equipment and uniforms they would have used in Europe fighting the Russians.

    The typical “light” U.S. Infantryman fighting in the Vietnam jungle in 110 degrees of heat was required to wear: steel helmet, flak jacket, fanny pack, medical pack, gas mask in a container (which was never used), two hand grenades, M-16 assault rifle with bayonet, 200 rounds of ammunition, entrenching tool, two canteens of water, K-ration meals, one belt of 7.62mm ammunition for the M-60 machine gun, etc.

    Total weight: I don’t know…50-60 pounds? How far do you think the average man could walk on a level ground on a sidewalk with this burden? Not far. But somehow for eight long years of jungle warfare American soldiers and Marines climbed mountains, crossed rivers and fought pitched battles for days on end burdened like pack mules.

    ….but the upside is that the U.S. Infantry wasn’t fighting the Rhodesian (real) light infantry and so most did survive….

    • KG says:
      December 13, 2015 at 15:27

      :lol: I’m just amazed at how much crap U.S. troops have to carry, even on short patrols, Ronbo. I suspect it has more to do with brass covering arse than anything else.
      There’s safety in speed and flexibility, and that bloody heavy kevlar helmet and body armor may have saved some lives, but lightness and speed would have saved far more imho.

  6. Oswald Bastable says:
    December 13, 2015 at 16:18

    NZ infantry was true light infantry also and their successes speak for themselves. Although in reality, we travelled very light, as we had sod-all kit available.

  7. Caleb says:
    December 13, 2015 at 21:34

    It is a shame to see the NZ Army and NZDF turn into nothing more than a peace keeping force and revolving door, training organisations. No wonder it is hard to maintain the SAS (our last remaining asset) with personal. In reality, we are wasting taxpayer money and offer our allies nothing they cannot do better themselves other than being nice and friendly. We will never have the capability to defend ourselves and rely totally on a quid pro quo arrangement with our friends and I cant believe that we currently provide them much in return. I think specializing in a few areas that play to our strengths and nailing it would be they way to go.. My 2cs http://falfn.com/CrusaderRabbit/wp-content/plugins/wp-monalisa/icons/wpml_wink.gif

    • KG says:
      December 13, 2015 at 21:36

      ” I think specializing in a few areas that play to our strengths and nailing it would be they way to go.”
      So do I, Caleb. http://falfn.com/CrusaderRabbit/wp-content/plugins/wp-monalisa/icons/wpml_good.gif

    • Oswald Bastable says:
      December 13, 2015 at 21:40

      Can the navy and just have an armed coast guard- which is what they are, in reality.
      Roll the airforce into the army and get more helicopters.

      • KG says:
        December 13, 2015 at 21:47

        Yep..the toy Admirals in Wellington rabbiting on about “blue-water capability” ought to be invited to pay for it themselves – or get a real job.

        • Wombat says:
          December 14, 2015 at 16:29

          I’ve always though having such separate and specific armed forces in such unpopulated nations as ours was ridiculous.