المشاة المتحركة والمشاة المدرعة
Riysian Mobile and Armoured Infantry - Basic Primer
(Unclassified, translated, publicly available excerpt from field manual K-3)
Riysian Mobile and Armoured Infantry - Basic Primer
(Unclassified, translated, publicly available excerpt from field manual K-3)
Introduction
Infantry, since time immemorial, are the core of any army. A man with a weapon can do things that no jet, drone, or tank can do, and can be equipped to take one of the above on and even defeat it. In modern 4th generation warfare, the infantryman is even more important than in previous wars, where your enemy will oftentimes be hiding in plain sight and fighting in streets and close terrain, where most other weapon systems are of limited to no effectiveness. Examples of this can be seen all around; Israeli experiences with Syrian and Egyptian tank-hunters in 1973 and 1982, Coalition experiences in Iraq, Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Vietnam, etc.
And, just like any modern army, and particularly in light of recent wars, infantry pay a crucial role in the Riysian Joint Ground Forces. Here, we will cover the two main divisions of infantry - Mobile Infantry, and Armoured Infantry.
Definitions
As previously mentioned, most infantry in the Riysian Joint Ground Forces are divided into two categories, both of which fall under the term "mechanized infantry":
Mobile Infantry, which refers to lighter infantry mounted in APCs, such as Riysa's trademark NJM Salamah.
Armoured Infantry, which refers to heavier infantry mounted in IFVs, such as the powerful NJM Salah ad-Din.
Note though that the main difference between the two classifications line primarily in doctrine & tactical usage, while the infantry squad itself is virtually the same for both mobile and armoured infantry, baring the transport used. This will be covered shortly.
Equipment
The standard-issue rifle of the Riysian Joint Ground Forces is the B.854 battle rifle. It fires a 8.54 x 60 mm round, with a rate of fire of up to 700 rounds per minute, and an effective range of up to 800 meters with ironsights adjusted to the long-range setting. This rifle, with the correct ammunition, is capable of piercing even the heaviest of modern body armor. The rifle uses a balanced recoil mechanism similar to that used on the AK-107, allowing for reduced recoil and better control than many battle rifles. With rails, it can be heavily accessorized, with optics, laser sights, vertical grips, and grenade launchers.
The B.854RA is a squad automatic weapon based on the B.854, sharing many of the same characteristics and parts and firing the same ammunition. One of the main differences is the use of a heavier barrel to allow it to fire for long periods of time, and a reworked receiver that allows it to fire at up to 800 rounds per minute.
For anti-tank firepower, the weapon of choice for Riysian infantry squads is the SMD-18 "Zilzal". It is a 18 kilogram (loaded) anti-tank missile system, with the missile guided by "SACLOS" laser-beam riding. It can attack targets as far as a kilometer away and as close as 17 meters, and can penetrate up to a meter of solid steel, making it a potent infantry weapon.
NOTE: If you are a squad anti-tank specialist, work with your squad to find cover and ensure a clear shot before engaging enemy vehicles. Firing the SMD-18 will leave you most likely unable to relocate until after the missile has impacted or has been defeated, due to its guidance method.
Structure (Company)
Rifle Squad:
10 - 1 Sq Ldr (Sgt), 1 Tm Ldr (Cpl), 2 RFL, 2 Grndr, 2 SAR, 2 AT
Machinegun Squad:
7 - 1 Sd Ldr (Sgt), 3 MG Tm (1 GPMG 1 AG/AB)
Rifle Platoon HQ:
5 - 1 Plt Ldr (Lt), 1 Plt Sgt, 1 RATELO (Cpl), 1 Plt Med (Cpl), 1 FO (Sgt)
Mech Rifle Platoon (57):
3 x Rifle Squad (30)
1 x Machinegun Squad (7)
1 x Rifle Platoon HQ (5)
5 x IFV or APC (15)
Medical Evac Team:
3 - Sr TRAUMA SPC, TRAUMA SPC, DVR
1 Field Ambulance
Sniper Team:
3 - 1 SNIPER (AM), 1 SNIPER (AP), 1 Grndr
1 Light Vehicle
Fire Support Team:
3 - 1 FSO, 1 FS NCO, 1 FS SPC
1 Observer Vehicle
Weapons Platoon (19):
1 Platoon Leader
3 x AT Team (1 ATGM 1 AG/AB)
3 x HMG Team (1 HMG 1 AG/AB)
2 x APC or IFV (3x2)
Company HQ (11):
5 - CO, XO, 1Sgt, RATELO x 2
2 x APC or IFV (3x2)
Mech Rifle Company (210):
3 x Mech Rifle Platoon (57)
1 x Weapons Platoon (19)
1 x Fire Support Team (3)
1 x Sniper Team (3)
1 x Medical Evac Team (3)
1 x Company HQ (11)
Raw numbers:
Enlisted & NCOs: 147
Officers: 6
Dedicated vehicle crew: 57
IFVs or APCs: 19
Other vehicles: 3
Doctrine