The key to ground vehicle modernization? Realizing that not everything needs to be mounted on armored vehicles!

Details on various Boxer modules from #IAV2021, includes 14m and 22m bridging systems, 105mm mobile gun platform, and 155m Howitzer. pic.twitter.com/WiX5QCVTQe

— Harry Lye (@harry_lye) January 26, 2021

I've been watching the British Army's journey with the Boxer MRV and have been a bit perplexed by all the variants being proposed.

In this era why are they looking at placing gun and even MLRS pods on the thing?

Why are they looking at developing a bridging variant?

I'd even contend that a casualty evacuation/medivac variant is a bridge too far (how did you like that turn of phrase Think Defence?).

Look, I get it.

A family of vehicle (FOV) is all the rage.  I understand the theory.  You get mass and in the case of the Boxer MRV you supposedly get mission modules so you get more bang for your buck (I consider it theoretical savings though....no one has actually done the mission module thing).

Limited budgets mean you need to be smart with your money.  Putting everything on a wheeled IFV is just not smart.  If it can go on a truck then put it on a truck. If its your infantry then used the added armor and mobility that your wheeled IFV gives you.

But don't be fashionable.  Everything doesn't have to go on the same platform for false uniformity. 

DEFIANT X: The right weapon system for the next 50 years of US Army Multi-Domain Operations

 

Elbit Systems Awarded $172 Million Contract to Supply Light Tanks to a Country in Asia-Pacific (Press Release)

 Here

Pacific Marines 2020 Highlights...

 

Open Comment Post. 26 Jan 2021

 

C2 vehicle based on the K808 has been completed

 

And, in the ASPAC region, development of a C2 vehicle based on the K808 has been completed: https://t.co/rxLdU7huwl More connectivity for the South Korean army. pic.twitter.com/UmZUOZ8BtB

— Sam Cranny-Evans (@Sam_Cranny) January 26, 2021

A British Army Foxhound on patrol in Mali (MoD Photo)

 

Boxer Mobile Gun System

 

The Boxer Mobile Gun System is not a tank, but a modern take on the classic assault gun. Its 105 mm gun can neutralise MBTs up to T-72. It has a long engagement range for countering other AFVs, excels at bunker busting and other infantry fire support tasks. pic.twitter.com/74Ex4XaTDp

— Nicholas Drummond (@nicholadrummond) January 26, 2021

Here’s who’d win if an Airborne brigade fought a MEU...HINT! The old Marine Corps would win, the new Marine Corps I have my doubts...

 Note.  Readers were discussing this in comments so I decided to make a dedicated blog post on it.

via WE ARE THE MIGHTY!

The Alaskans wanted the base to act as an early-warning installation and a platform for controlling Arctic traffic while the Federal Forces needed it as a marshaling and power projection platform for the invasion of Alaska.

The soldiers and Marines raced to the island, each unaware of the other’s plans. 4th Brigade caught a ride from Alaskan Air National Guard C-17s while the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit rode in on their dedicated Navy ships, the USS Peleliu and the USS Germantown, from where they were already steaming in the northern Pacific.

The paratroopers arrived first, jumping into the grass and wildflowers covering Fort Glenn. After Army pathfinders walked the runway and declared it safe for airland operations, C-17s began ferrying the unit’s heavy equipment onto the base.

Go here for the full story.  

I love these fictional battles.  Old Skool Marines won the day (considering the weaponry used I think we can clearly use Berger's tenure as the line between old and new).  New Skool?  I think the paratroop boys would smash! 

Our Army in 100 Fotos...via Bundesheer Flickr Page

 

Mission Readiness Training for Operation CARIBBE

 

U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters transport Kilo Company Marines at CATC, Camp Fuji, Japan

 

CAMP FUJI, Japan (Jan. 22, 2021) - U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters transport Marines with Kilo Company, 3d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC), Camp Fuji, Japan, Jan. 21, 2021. Marines extracted via Blackhawks during Joint Exercise Littoral Strike, the culminating event for Fuji Viper 21.2. The exercise strengthened interoperability and challenged infantry formations, demonstrating that Marines can facilitate joint force multi-domain maneuver in support of naval operations. 3/8 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Moradian) 210122-M-KH126-172

The US Army is like a bad house guest.

Once they stick their foot in the door it's hell getting them to leave.  

You're seeing the first bit of their foot creeping into Berger's concept.  Army rocket artillery and now aviation?  Soon you're gonna see the rest of their force clamor to get in the door in the Pacific and then it's over.

Weight of forces will see them sitting at the table and then the Marine Corps will be sitting at the kiddie table while the Navy, Army and Air Force discuss what will be done and how.

We've subordinated ourselves to the Navy again.

It's a mistake that will have ramifications for the future but Berger's under desk pleasure force can't see the forest for the trees.