World Affairs Board - View Single Post - Patton vs Centurion 1965 Indo-Pakistan war

glyn · 08-31-2007, 17:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Some technical details for comparison for the militarily 'knowledgeable' and militarily uninitiated:

The Pakistani Pattons had laser range finders.

Range finders are just an aid, whether laser or optical. The primary system is eyeball Mk 1 and a commanders estimation of the range ie, expertise born of experience. The extremely flat trajectory of armour-piercing ammunition solves all sort of problems. The tactics of engagement will depend on the COs, Sqn Leaders, Troop Commanders or Tank commanders skills in attack or in defence. One tank in the right place can wreak carnage on the enemy. The key to it all is training, training and training. Peacetime competitions such as those sponsored by NATO provided useful markers in abilities. Typically the beginning of the year would see individuals on trade and upgrading courses. After that there would be crew training on individual tanks. Following that was Troop training where the tanks of a troop would be working together. After that came Squadron training when the troops were acting as a Squadron. The bigger and longer Regimental exercises followed where all the Squadrons were out (along with other elements such as recce troop). Next on the agenda was Brigade training where all the Regiments (armour, infantry, artillery etc) were working as a Brigade. Next it was Divisional training where all the brigades were working under the divisional commander. Finally it was Corps training when all the divisions were melded into 1(BR) Corps. The army exercises were matched in BAOR by the 2ndTAF. Into this busy schedule the NATO competitions were held. It was often a relief for a unit to leave BAOR to be sent on active service, and the British Army saw plenty of that too, in many parts of the world.