Main Military Weapon of Your Country: Mod 7

[Puzikas]

Won't the serrations on the knife lead to less severe wounds and increase the odds of getting it stuck in bone?
The E-tool can have serrations after all.

I mean sure, I can see the need for a wire cutter at the back and a robust blade but from what I've heard, serrations on a combat knife are a big no no.

Serrations can lead to more soft-tissue damage. They cause more damage, if anything. But yes, they can get stuck. But that is ALSO why its about 1/2 way down the blade; less chance of getting stuck. See: The M9 bayonet They are entirely optional, but from a practical standpoint a serrated blade would be of more field use. Again, if you issue a multitool, then you could take that out entirely.

Edit:

Edit 2: After some thought, you would be correct in the serrations in a way: Having them 1/2 way is not suitable, closer to 1/3rd from handle would be better.

[The Republic of Lanos]

Well I issue an equivalent to the Chinese E-tool (with an American folding handle) that has all the rage and a fighting knife to boot with the socket bayonet.

[Tule]

Won't the serrations on the knife lead to less severe wounds and increase the odds of getting it stuck in bone?
The E-tool can have serrations after all.

I mean sure, I can see the need for a wire cutter at the back and a robust blade but from what I've heard, serrations on a combat knife are a big no no.

Serrations can lead to more soft-tissue damage. They cause more damage, if anything. But yes, they can get stuck. But that is ALSO why its about 1/2 way down the blade; less chance of getting stuck. See: The M9 bayonet They are entirely optional, but from a practical standpoint a serrated blade would be of more field use. Again, if you issue a multitool, then you could take that out entirely.

Edit:

The designers of the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife argued that the blade should be straight and razor sharp, because a torn artery bleeds much slower than a cleanly severed one.

But yeah, I issue an E-tool to my troops so I suppose I don't need a serrated bayonet.

[Puzikas]

Serrations can lead to more soft-tissue damage. They cause more damage, if anything. But yes, they can get stuck. But that is ALSO why its about 1/2 way down the blade; less chance of getting stuck. See: The M9 bayonet They are entirely optional, but from a practical standpoint a serrated blade would be of more field use. Again, if you issue a multitool, then you could take that out entirely.

Edit:

The designers of the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife argued that the blade should be straight and razor sharp, because a torn artery bleeds much slower than a cleanly severed one.

But yeah, I issue an E-tool to my troops so I suppose I don't need a serrated bayonet.

In that case, A serrated blade is not needed, as you already have on with that. Im speaking in terms if you were to ONLY issue a bayonet without any other tool.

[Immoren]

So I've started to think about how my military would work on a scale up to company size. I've come up with a few ideas, and want to bounce them off you guys.

Companies are divided into 4 platoons: 3 rifle, and one weapons platoon.

A rifle platoon consists of 4 squads: 3 Rifle, and one assault.

A weapons platoon consists of 4 squads: 2 HMG, 2 AT.

A rifle squad consists of 12 men, broken into 3 fireteams of 4. Each fireteam would have one SAW, probably a PKP Pecheneg, rechambered to 7.62x51NATO. The others would be armed with M14s.

An assault squad consists of 12 men, broken into 3 fireteams of 4. They are devoted to close range engagements, and would carry carbines, with at least 1 shotgun carried in addition to other armaments, to be used for breaching.

An HMG squad consists of 12 men broken into weapon teams of 4. Each weapon team would have an HMG, probably an M2.

An AT squad consists of 12 men broken into weapon teams of 4. Each weapon team would have a rocket/missile launcher.


On to the questions that I have: Anybody know a good 7.62 carbine? How about a rocket/missile launcher? I'm guessing either a SMAW or a Javelin would work great, both are issued in my militaryl

I question about using assault squad in a normal rifle platoon.

[Quarelia]

I would switch one HMG squad out for a mortar squad (two teams of six), and then modify the remaining HMG squad into two teams of six. If you are using the M2, you'll need one man to carry the body of the gun, another to carry the barrel and a third to carry the tripod. The remaining three can carry 100-200 rounds each, but probably closer to 100. If you use a lighter HMG, like the Kord or Russell Robinson HMG or one on the lightweight HMGs developed by the US in the 80s,, you can have one man carry the HMG and one the tripod. You might also want to swap one AT squad for a GMG squad, but that's up to you.

The Kord is a great Idea, thanks!
A mortar squad also makes sense at a company level. Thank you! Might just add an additional squad instead of changing an HMG squad, which will then be changed into a GMG. Maybe the HK GMG, but I like the light weight of the Chinese Type 87. The downside of the 87 is that the effective range is only 600m, but that isn't too bad.

[Samozaryadnyastan]

Muna, USMC M2 teams of three manpack with 200rds as standard.

[Quarelia]

I question about using assault squad in a normal rifle platoon.

My rational behind it is my main rifle squads are carrying large weapons, which would be difficult to use in urban environments. Additionally, my country contains much urban area, so by necessity we need a group that would work in urban environs easily. I'm also a big fan of versatility, that any unit would be able to do almost any objective.

[Aqizithiuda]

I would switch one HMG squad out for a mortar squad (two teams of six), and then modify the remaining HMG squad into two teams of six. If you are using the M2, you'll need one man to carry the body of the gun, another to carry the barrel and a third to carry the tripod. The remaining three can carry 100-200 rounds each, but probably closer to 100. If you use a lighter HMG, like the Kord or Russell Robinson HMG or one on the lightweight HMGs developed by the US in the 80s,, you can have one man carry the HMG and one the tripod. You might also want to swap one AT squad for a GMG squad, but that's up to you.

The Kord is a great Idea, thanks!
A mortar squad also makes sense at a company level. Thank you! Might just add an additional squad instead of changing an HMG squad, which will then be changed into a GMG. Maybe the HK GMG, but I like the light weight of the Chinese Type 87. The downside of the 87 is that the effective range is only 600m, but that isn't too bad.

It's 600m without a tripod. Add a tripod and it's good to 1700m.

Muna, USMC M2 teams of three manpack with 200rds as standard.

Really? Damn those marines are fit/crazy/very close to their Humvee .

[Samozaryadnyastan]

It's how I tried to legitimise my old 14.5mm HMG, by issuing it and 200rds to a three-man team with a quad bike

[Vainakh]

Out of curiosity, how extensive is your nation's NBC training and equipment?
Here's a rough scale:
-Soviet: Chemical-Biological Warfare is considered essential to regular warfare. Entire divisions are extensively trained in the use of, decontamination and protection against CB weapons. All men are trained in the basics of protection and decontamination. All tanks have the most cutting-edge filtration systems, allowing them to be used in CB enviroments. Massive stockpiles of CB weapons are produced, with new more dangerous strains being researched constantly.
-WWII Germany: You have large stockpiles of chemical weapons, and every single serviceman is given a gas mask and decontamination kit, and trained in its use. Chemical warfare is however considered to be a last resort, or a retaliatory measure should an enemy use it first. Civilians occasionally get masks, but not in serious quantity.
-Yugoslavia: Given that your next-door neighbour the USSR really loves CB warfare, you have almost all of your citizens recieve a fairly comprehensive CB protection kit, which will go a long way towards minimizing casualties. Your military forces also recieve the same sort of kit, but have some training in its use. Only non-lethal chemical weapons are stockpiled [CS gas, BZ gas, etc.].
-US a la early gulf war: Your military's NBC protection is outdated, but you launch an extensive PR campaign to make it seem as if it's completely current while you rush to make the fiction into reality. Chemical warfare is strictly verboten. Civilians can purchase their own gas masks, but no efforts to supply protection to the general population is made, save for stockpiles of emergency medicines.
-Inserttinynationhere: You just can't afford any of this fancy 'NBC' stuff. Or you don't care.

[Immoren]

I question about using assault squad in a normal rifle platoon.

My rational behind it is my main rifle squads are carrying large weapons, which would be difficult to use in urban environments. Additionally, my country contains much urban area, so by necessity we need a group that would work in urban environs easily. I'm also a big fan of versatility, that any unit would be able to do almost any objective.

Issue 1-3 SMGs/carbines to each infantry squad to give them slightly better CQB cababilty.
If you want "specialised" assault formations concentrate them into separate platoon/companies/battalions like for example Soviets did.

[Tule]

The designers of the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife argued that the blade should be straight and razor sharp, because a torn artery bleeds much slower than a cleanly severed one.

But yeah, I issue an E-tool to my troops so I suppose I don't need a serrated bayonet.

In that case, A serrated blade is not needed, as you already have on with that. Im speaking in terms if you were to ONLY issue a bayonet without any other tool.

OK, thanks.

[Immoren]

Out of curiosity, how extensive is your nation's NBC training and equipment?
Here's a rough scale:
-Soviet: Chemical-Biological Warfare is considered essential to regular warfare. Entire divisions are extensively trained in the use of, decontamination and protection against CB weapons. All men are trained in the basics of protection and decontamination. All tanks have the most cutting-edge filtration systems, allowing them to be used in CB enviroments. Massive stockpiles of CB weapons are produced, with new more dangerous strains being researched constantly.
-WWII Germany: You have large stockpiles of chemical weapons, and every single serviceman is given a gas mask and decontamination kit, and trained in its use. Chemical warfare is however considered to be a last resort, or a retaliatory measure should an enemy use it first. Civilians occasionally get masks, but not in serious quantity.
-Yugoslavia: Given that your next-door neighbour the USSR really loves CB warfare, you have almost all of your citizens recieve a fairly comprehensive CB protection kit, which will go a long way towards minimizing casualties. Your military forces also recieve the same sort of kit, but have some training in its use. Only non-lethal chemical weapons are stockpiled [CS gas, BZ gas, etc.].
-US a la early gulf war: Your military's NBC protection is outdated, but you launch an extensive PR campaign to make it seem as if it's completely current while you rush to make the fiction into reality. Chemical warfare is strictly verboten. Civilians can purchase their own gas masks, but no efforts to supply protection to the general population is made, save for stockpiles of emergency medicines.
-Inserttinynationhere: You just can't afford any of this fancy 'NBC' stuff. Or you don't care.

[Puzikas]

Out of curiosity, how extensive is your nation's NBC training and equipment?
Here's a rough scale:
-Soviet: Chemical-Biological Warfare is considered essential to regular warfare. Entire divisions are extensively trained in the use of, decontamination and protection against CB weapons. All men are trained in the basics of protection and decontamination. All tanks have the most cutting-edge filtration systems, allowing them to be used in CB enviroments. Massive stockpiles of CB weapons are produced, with new more dangerous strains being researched constantly.
-WWII Germany: You have large stockpiles of chemical weapons, and every single serviceman is given a gas mask and decontamination kit, and trained in its use. Chemical warfare is however considered to be a last resort, or a retaliatory measure should an enemy use it first. Civilians occasionally get masks, but not in serious quantity.
-Yugoslavia: Given that your next-door neighbour the USSR really loves CB warfare, you have almost all of your citizens recieve a fairly comprehensive CB protection kit, which will go a long way towards minimizing casualties. Your military forces also recieve the same sort of kit, but have some training in its use. Only non-lethal chemical weapons are stockpiled [CS gas, BZ gas, etc.].
-US a la early gulf war: Your military's NBC protection is outdated, but you launch an extensive PR campaign to make it seem as if it's completely current while you rush to make the fiction into reality. Chemical warfare is strictly verboten. Civilians can purchase their own gas masks, but no efforts to supply protection to the general population is made, save for stockpiles of emergency medicines.
-Inserttinynationhere: You just can't afford any of this fancy 'NBC' stuff. Or you don't care.

Soviet plus Yugoslavia.
Because we have chemical weapons, as a just in case.

[Benomia]

Out of curiosity, how extensive is your nation's NBC training and equipment?
Here's a rough scale:
-Soviet: Chemical-Biological Warfare is considered essential to regular warfare. Entire divisions are extensively trained in the use of, decontamination and protection against CB weapons. All men are trained in the basics of protection and decontamination. All tanks have the most cutting-edge filtration systems, allowing them to be used in CB enviroments. Massive stockpiles of CB weapons are produced, with new more dangerous strains being researched constantly.
-WWII Germany: You have large stockpiles of chemical weapons, and every single serviceman is given a gas mask and decontamination kit, and trained in its use. Chemical warfare is however considered to be a last resort, or a retaliatory measure should an enemy use it first. Civilians occasionally get masks, but not in serious quantity.
-Yugoslavia: Given that your next-door neighbour the USSR really loves CB warfare, you have almost all of your citizens recieve a fairly comprehensive CB protection kit, which will go a long way towards minimizing casualties. Your military forces also recieve the same sort of kit, but have some training in its use. Only non-lethal chemical weapons are stockpiled [CS gas, BZ gas, etc.].
-US a la early gulf war: Your military's NBC protection is outdated, but you launch an extensive PR campaign to make it seem as if it's completely current while you rush to make the fiction into reality. Chemical warfare is strictly verboten. Civilians can purchase their own gas masks, but no efforts to supply protection to the general population is made, save for stockpiles of emergency medicines.
-Inserttinynationhere: You just can't afford any of this fancy 'NBC' stuff. Or you don't care.

Mostly WWII Germany, but replace "used as a last resort" with the USSR's entry.

[Aqizithiuda]

Out of curiosity, how extensive is your nation's NBC training and equipment?
Here's a rough scale:
-Soviet: Chemical-Biological Warfare is considered essential to regular warfare. Entire divisions are extensively trained in the use of, decontamination and protection against CB weapons. All men are trained in the basics of protection and decontamination. All tanks have the most cutting-edge filtration systems, allowing them to be used in CB enviroments. Massive stockpiles of CB weapons are produced, with new more dangerous strains being researched constantly.
-WWII Germany: You have large stockpiles of chemical weapons, and every single serviceman is given a gas mask and decontamination kit, and trained in its use. Chemical warfare is however considered to be a last resort, or a retaliatory measure should an enemy use it first. Civilians occasionally get masks, but not in serious quantity.
-Yugoslavia: Given that your next-door neighbour the USSR really loves CB warfare, you have almost all of your citizens recieve a fairly comprehensive CB protection kit, which will go a long way towards minimizing casualties. Your military forces also recieve the same sort of kit, but have some training in its use. Only non-lethal chemical weapons are stockpiled [CS gas, BZ gas, etc.].
-US a la early gulf war: Your military's NBC protection is outdated, but you launch an extensive PR campaign to make it seem as if it's completely current while you rush to make the fiction into reality. Chemical warfare is strictly verboten. Civilians can purchase their own gas masks, but no efforts to supply protection to the general population is made, save for stockpiles of emergency medicines.
-Inserttinynationhere: You just can't afford any of this fancy 'NBC' stuff. Or you don't care.

The same as Puzikas: Soviet + Yugo.

---

@Immoren: how useful would a machete be to soldiers in your neck of the woods?

[The Republic of Lanos]

I'm like Germany given I issue and train men in chemical warfare and Israel when it comes to civilian protection from chemical warfare. All my NBC gear is up-to-date and excellent at protection. I also have no chemical weapons.

[The Archangel Conglomerate]

Out of curiosity, how extensive is your nation's NBC training and equipment?
Here's a rough scale:
-Soviet: Chemical-Biological Warfare is considered essential to regular warfare. Entire divisions are extensively trained in the use of, decontamination and protection against CB weapons. All men are trained in the basics of protection and decontamination. All tanks have the most cutting-edge filtration systems, allowing them to be used in CB enviroments. Massive stockpiles of CB weapons are produced, with new more dangerous strains being researched constantly.
-WWII Germany: You have large stockpiles of chemical weapons, and every single serviceman is given a gas mask and decontamination kit, and trained in its use. Chemical warfare is however considered to be a last resort, or a retaliatory measure should an enemy use it first. Civilians occasionally get masks, but not in serious quantity.
-Yugoslavia: Given that your next-door neighbour the USSR really loves CB warfare, you have almost all of your citizens recieve a fairly comprehensive CB protection kit, which will go a long way towards minimizing casualties. Your military forces also recieve the same sort of kit, but have some training in its use. Only non-lethal chemical weapons are stockpiled [CS gas, BZ gas, etc.].
-US a la early gulf war: Your military's NBC protection is outdated, but you launch an extensive PR campaign to make it seem as if it's completely current while you rush to make the fiction into reality. Chemical warfare is strictly verboten. Civilians can purchase their own gas masks, but no efforts to supply protection to the general population is made, save for stockpiles of emergency medicines.
-Inserttinynationhere: You just can't afford any of this fancy 'NBC' stuff. Or you don't care.

The first one.

[Quarelia]

My rational behind it is my main rifle squads are carrying large weapons, which would be difficult to use in urban environments. Additionally, my country contains much urban area, so by necessity we need a group that would work in urban environs easily. I'm also a big fan of versatility, that any unit would be able to do almost any objective.

Issue 1-3 SMGs/carbines to each infantry squad to give them slightly better CQB cababilty.
If you want "specialised" assault formations concentrate them into separate platoon/companies/battalions like for example Soviets did.

So, for example, Replace a rifle platoon with an assault platoon, switch the assault squads to regular squads? Makes sense. Will do that.

As for NBC, my country is already a toxic wasteland, so our NBC protection is substantial. Like USSR, except chemical weaponry is a last resort.

[Nua Corda]

Out of curiosity, how extensive is your nation's NBC training and equipment?
Here's a rough scale:
-Soviet: Chemical-Biological Warfare is considered essential to regular warfare. Entire divisions are extensively trained in the use of, decontamination and protection against CB weapons. All men are trained in the basics of protection and decontamination. All tanks have the most cutting-edge filtration systems, allowing them to be used in CB enviroments. Massive stockpiles of CB weapons are produced, with new more dangerous strains being researched constantly.
-WWII Germany: You have large stockpiles of chemical weapons, and every single serviceman is given a gas mask and decontamination kit, and trained in its use. Chemical warfare is however considered to be a last resort, or a retaliatory measure should an enemy use it first. Civilians occasionally get masks, but not in serious quantity.
-Yugoslavia: Given that your next-door neighbour the USSR really loves CB warfare, you have almost all of your citizens recieve a fairly comprehensive CB protection kit, which will go a long way towards minimizing casualties. Your military forces also recieve the same sort of kit, but have some training in its use. Only non-lethal chemical weapons are stockpiled [CS gas, BZ gas, etc.].
-US a la early gulf war: Your military's NBC protection is outdated, but you launch an extensive PR campaign to make it seem as if it's completely current while you rush to make the fiction into reality. Chemical warfare is strictly verboten. Civilians can purchase their own gas masks, but no efforts to supply protection to the general population is made, save for stockpiles of emergency medicines.
-Inserttinynationhere: You just can't afford any of this fancy 'NBC' stuff. Or you don't care.

Yugoslavia. Lethal CBW is pretty much taboo (we had enough of that during the Great War), but given the circumstances of the Cold War, and memories of GWs one and two, the Bureau of Public Health and Safety recommended extensive NCBW training and equiptment for both soldiers and the civilian population.

[Immoren]

@Immoren: how useful would a machete be to soldiers in your neck of the woods?

I've never used machete so I am not sure. I guess it might be. Billhook (I guess that's the closest English term) was closest machete equivalent. I guess.

[Aqizithiuda]

@Immoren: how useful would a machete be to soldiers in your neck of the woods?

I've never used machete so I am not sure. I guess it might be. Billhook (I guess that's the closest English term) was closest machete equivalent. I guess.

It looks close enough. How useful was it?

[The Akasha Colony]

Carthage is somewhere in between WWII Germany and Yugoslavia. A few decades ago during the Northern War and the later Pacific Wars, there was a real possibility of chemical warfare breaking out, and in fact it did in small areas of Asia (where no Carthaginian troops were engaged). As a result, the military has extensive CBRN fighting procedures and equipment, including NBC protection on every major fighting vehicle (excludes certain variants of lighter vehicles) and large stockpiles of infantry CBRN equipment. Troops are still trained in CBRN procedures in basic training but refresher courses are not as often as they once were, and infantry-grade equipment isn't usually deployed unless the political situation makes such warfare a possibility.

Civilian preparations for such an attack though are much less advanced. Decades ago the alert levels were raised to Israel-like status, but were not maintained and as the infrastructure aged most of it was simply decommissioned. There's still a big stockpile of older gear that can be deployed, but only the military regularly updates its equipment and training procedures.

The strategic warfare command still stockpiles chemical weapons, and theoretically several biological research divisions could deploy weaponized virus strains, but no active research into either field continues. Chemical weapons stockpiles have been gradually drawn down and are expected to be completely phased out within the next decade, and biological research continues only for the sake of developing vaccines and cures against potential enemy weapons.

[Immoren]

I've never used machete so I am not sure. I guess it might be. Billhook (I guess that's the closest English term) was closest machete equivalent. I guess.

It looks close enough. How useful was it?

It was good at clearing out younger/smaller trees and saplings when we were creating encampments, and chopping them into pieces if neccesary.