The War in Afghanistan

[CompanyMan]

No, they're a purely infantry force.

More guerilla than infantry. Even though some of them tactics can be derived from standard infantry movements, there are many variables.

Just because some units there-in in that war run in spraying and praying, does not make it infantry.

[Neltharion]

A Guerilla force is infantry right though, is it not? Well most of it is, I mean if they had tanks and ATVs and the likes they would be a lot less guerilla like.

[CompanyMan]

Standard infantry and guerilla are two different forces.

Take the begining of " guerilla war ", back in the French and Indian war, or hell, even back to caveman times. Hiding behind a rock or tree and jumping out and suprising the oncomming force. Add traps to the mix, and various other factors, and you have guerilla warfare.

Now take the first onset of standard infantry. Lining up in lines and firing a volley, taking a knee, reloading while the standing line to your rear does the same.

Advance up many decades and more and you introduce mechanized and motorized infantry, mortars, etc. All based on the force multiplier principal. A massive unit, spread out over a wide range of area and all advancing on the opposition. In force.

Where as " guerilla " warfare can be achieved with much smaller numbers and more simplier methodes ( weapons, tactics, etc ) to keep the enemy at bay.

[Neltharion]

Thanks for the explanation, but has the Taleban and Al Queda got tanks and ATVs? Do they actually come rumbeling out behind a rock and fire a volley of shells with their tanks?

I'm just trying to point out how a big cumbersome thing like a Leopard Tank would be less effective than a much more lighter and more manoeverable ATV (I don't know any names of these things) and faster (I know tanks can be fast). As fighting a Guerilla force with no tanks (That I know of) with these big heavy tanks seems like a waste of money. Where you could spend the money you save on other areas and employ lighter and faster ATVs that would seem to be more effective against a force that has a small, if non existent armoured force.

[beckmen]

Wait, are we talking ATV or APC?

[Neltharion]

What ever Deezlboy said actually, just didn't know what to call it

[deezelboy]

Thanks for the explanation, but has the Taleban and Al Queda got tanks and ATVs? Do they actually come rumbeling out behind a rock and fire a volley of shells with their tanks?

No, AFAIK they're a purely infantry force (infantry in the sense that they fight on foot - they use guerilla tactics, so you could equally call them guerillas, but being a guerilla does not prevent you from using tanks, etc, as the mujahideen did during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan).

[Neltharion]

Then having massive Leopards that seem to fail in the conditions seems rather silly and a waste of money.

[CanadianHero67]

You will never know when you need them. After all, there seems to be a new storm coming.

*Looks at North Korea.*

http://www.americasheadlines.com/north-korea-tests-more-missiles-threatens-attack-on-south/

[Neltharion]

I seriously hope NK does not do anything to attack or provoke the South. Another War where the US and her allies are drawn in will be exactly what we do not need. More pointless spending and more human causalities.

[CanadianHero67]

 Well actually it wouldn't be a new war. It would be a broken cease fire.

With the war on terrorism going on a war in North/South Korea would not be good at all.

[CompanyMan]

Thanks for the explanation, but has the Taleban and Al Queda got tanks and ATVs? Do they actually come rumbeling out behind a rock and fire a volley of shells with their tanks?

I'm just trying to point out how a big cumbersome thing like a Leopard Tank would be less effective than a much more lighter and more manoeverable ATV (I don't know any names of these things) and faster (I know tanks can be fast). As fighting a Guerilla force with no tanks (That I know of) with these big heavy tanks seems like a waste of money. Where you could spend the money you save on other areas and employ lighter and faster ATVs that would seem to be more effective against a force that has a small, if non existent armoured force.

Taliban ATV is a white pick up truck with a heavy machinegun mounted in the bed.

As far as tanks go with them, there have been a few ( very few ) engagements where Allied Forces came under direct heavy fire from armor. It has happaned, but the Taliban tend to stick with mortar attacks, or recoiless rifle vollies. They like to hit and run.

[CanadianHero67]

Very cool news! In Afghanistan the Canadian brigade of 2800 troops increases to 5000 as three American battalions attach to the Canadian brigade. (I believe) This is the first time since WW2 Canadians and Americans have fought on the same battlefield as a single unit.