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Harald Gormsson's avatar

I would organize my march column as follows:

1. Recon Team, reinforced by the Basic Soldiers. This way you have an armed force to your front in the event of ambush. This also gives me a maneuver element in the event of a flank attack.

2. Command Section for situational awareness and column control.

3. Ammunition Section, reinforced by half of the Spare Gun Crews for extra security, but not so far back they cannot be called forward in an emergency. This is my most vulnerable and important element.

4. Supply and Mess Sections, grouped together for security.

5. Maintenance Section reinforced by the remaining Spare Gun Crews for rear security and to deal with any vehicle problems.

I would also ensure I had radios at the front, command section and rear if at all possible.

Emphasize to all that everyone needs to stay alert, watch their flanks, front and rear at all times and go over what they need to do in the event of attack:

a. Return fire and get out or aggressively fight your way out of there unless blocked or ordered to hold.

b. If ordered to hold or really blocked, get down and return fire, holding until maneuver forces, ours or the Regiment’s, deal with the attack. Hold the perimeter and do not get isolated by the enemy (no wish to repeat the Winter War between the Finns and the Russians).

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Terry Tucker's avatar

I would break down the ammunition and spare gun crews into 3 or 4 man teams. I would rotate them to clear the jungle so I can try to ensure no one collapses from dehydration. The recon team and a couple of the basic soldiers lean forward to the flanks and front to provide security. The 1SG, Supply Sgt and two men would make sure enough water and salt tablets on hand along with a medic. I don’t think they had anything like Gatorade at the time and so it has to be salt tablets If I had access to an old Asian hand or maybe a few friendly civilians I would try and supplement the c rations with wild fresh fruit if it could be had and not jeopardize security- Darian, Rambutan. elephant apples. If they could anything like lemons in order to try and make lemon water

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