Split each squad into fireteams (I assume we have a Cpl and LCpl in each squad?) and distribute the 6 fireteams evenly throughout the train plus front and back (so every 8 animals - I see from part 1 we have 1 driver per 5 mules so that won't be a problem). Should allow us to proceed without stopping while keeping supplies protected and fireteams mostly in sight of one another to support. Sgt to go with front fireteam, gunnery Sgt to stay with rearmost. I as Lt, medic and messenger stay in middle, able to move to either end as needed.
Pretty much what I was thinking. The least bad option. The opfor is not going to be all that good: mostly a bunch of bandits. Any sort of disciplined resistance to their attacks and they will likely melt away. The main concern is that my men are unblooded and even a crap ambush by a rabble of bandits might spook them and having only a corporal in charge of a possible contact is not going to ease my concerns over this.
One change I'd make is keeping one fire team with me for purposes of counterassault and relief of any fireteam that might panic.
The most important thing, here, is security. The mules stay in the rear with one squad. Tie them together, one behind another if you have to, but make it work. Better to have your "assault" force (in the sense that this is basically an assault climb) in front and ready to fight, then bring up your sustainment after, bit by bit if you have to.
Set your lead squad (travelling light) in a travelling overwatch with your second squad behind 1st's Bravo team. Disperse your BARs with 2nd squad, and assign one sergeant to control them as a weapons section in case of contact. The other sergeant stays with the mules and the rear squad.
Split each squad into fireteams (I assume we have a Cpl and LCpl in each squad?) and distribute the 6 fireteams evenly throughout the train plus front and back (so every 8 animals - I see from part 1 we have 1 driver per 5 mules so that won't be a problem). Should allow us to proceed without stopping while keeping supplies protected and fireteams mostly in sight of one another to support. Sgt to go with front fireteam, gunnery Sgt to stay with rearmost. I as Lt, medic and messenger stay in middle, able to move to either end as needed.
The leader of each squad is a corporal. Alas, the Marine Corps will not get lance-corporals until 1958.
For want of a nail!
Pretty much what I was thinking. The least bad option. The opfor is not going to be all that good: mostly a bunch of bandits. Any sort of disciplined resistance to their attacks and they will likely melt away. The main concern is that my men are unblooded and even a crap ambush by a rabble of bandits might spook them and having only a corporal in charge of a possible contact is not going to ease my concerns over this.
One change I'd make is keeping one fire team with me for purposes of counterassault and relief of any fireteam that might panic.
The most important thing, here, is security. The mules stay in the rear with one squad. Tie them together, one behind another if you have to, but make it work. Better to have your "assault" force (in the sense that this is basically an assault climb) in front and ready to fight, then bring up your sustainment after, bit by bit if you have to.
Set your lead squad (travelling light) in a travelling overwatch with your second squad behind 1st's Bravo team. Disperse your BARs with 2nd squad, and assign one sergeant to control them as a weapons section in case of contact. The other sergeant stays with the mules and the rear squad.
It all fell apart at a place called LZ Albany November 17, 1965.