LawOfTheSea
06-06-2009, 18:32
I did a search, and while I came up with quite a few discussions that taught me a lot, none quite answered my questions. I am still in the brainstorm stage.
I've had a few talks with folks here about our upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, and we've been started researching possible courses of action in order to have a full sheet of music to play off. Our thought processes are venturing off into the asymmetric end.
One of our main concerns is heavy weight loads for extended foot movements. Combine the mandatory PPE with essentials loaded in the ruck in mountains in high altitudes is a recipe for disaster, especially when mobility will be needed. With the risk-averseness prevalent, we may have to plan on going with the IOTV and acoutrements.
One thing that has me interested is Pack Animals, whether they be (mountain) mules or horses. The only military school I know of that has training of this type is the United States Marine Corps, with the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center based out of Bridgeport, California.
Doing the research, it seems that there is a great misunderstanding / consensus as to what pack animals are capable of / how they are able to be used and I am trying to disseminate fact from fiction.
Reference horses, I believe they would be indispensable for short range patrols, areas that deny movement to vehicles, and raids where there are less telltale signs of an approaching force. The drawback would be equine knowledge, food, water, medecine, a veterinarian for upkeep and diagnosing maladies, and proper training to utilize them to their full potential.
Reference mules, I think they would be an outstanding asset for extended foot patrols for use as a pack animal. Drawbacks I foresee are obstinance, animal handling, water and food, the animal being targeted, adverse reaction to gunfire / explosions, and just plain high tailing it with a bunch of equipment in addition to the reasons listed above for the horse.
Primary method of procurement would be hiring local animals. Trouble would lie in making sure they are medically sound, and appropriate for intended use.
The only couse outside of the military I have found that deals in this is Kyle Lamb's Long Range Pack Animal training. Unfortunately, I do not believe I will be able to convince the Chain Of Command to focus upon something like this in lieu of Bradley Gunnery, and the price is pretty steep to pay out of pocket.
If there is anything you can contribute, whether it be schools I am not privy to, observations, words of wisdom/caution, lessons learned, things to consider, thoughts on the subject, or anything else: I am all ears.
Lastly, if there is anything you feel that may potentially violate OPSEC, I would be able to take this discussion to AKO or AKO-S.
Thank you for your time, expertise, and for allowing me to be a guest here.
I've had a few talks with folks here about our upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, and we've been started researching possible courses of action in order to have a full sheet of music to play off. Our thought processes are venturing off into the asymmetric end.
One of our main concerns is heavy weight loads for extended foot movements. Combine the mandatory PPE with essentials loaded in the ruck in mountains in high altitudes is a recipe for disaster, especially when mobility will be needed. With the risk-averseness prevalent, we may have to plan on going with the IOTV and acoutrements.
One thing that has me interested is Pack Animals, whether they be (mountain) mules or horses. The only military school I know of that has training of this type is the United States Marine Corps, with the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center based out of Bridgeport, California.
Doing the research, it seems that there is a great misunderstanding / consensus as to what pack animals are capable of / how they are able to be used and I am trying to disseminate fact from fiction.
Reference horses, I believe they would be indispensable for short range patrols, areas that deny movement to vehicles, and raids where there are less telltale signs of an approaching force. The drawback would be equine knowledge, food, water, medecine, a veterinarian for upkeep and diagnosing maladies, and proper training to utilize them to their full potential.
Reference mules, I think they would be an outstanding asset for extended foot patrols for use as a pack animal. Drawbacks I foresee are obstinance, animal handling, water and food, the animal being targeted, adverse reaction to gunfire / explosions, and just plain high tailing it with a bunch of equipment in addition to the reasons listed above for the horse.
Primary method of procurement would be hiring local animals. Trouble would lie in making sure they are medically sound, and appropriate for intended use.
The only couse outside of the military I have found that deals in this is Kyle Lamb's Long Range Pack Animal training. Unfortunately, I do not believe I will be able to convince the Chain Of Command to focus upon something like this in lieu of Bradley Gunnery, and the price is pretty steep to pay out of pocket.
If there is anything you can contribute, whether it be schools I am not privy to, observations, words of wisdom/caution, lessons learned, things to consider, thoughts on the subject, or anything else: I am all ears.
Lastly, if there is anything you feel that may potentially violate OPSEC, I would be able to take this discussion to AKO or AKO-S.
Thank you for your time, expertise, and for allowing me to be a guest here.