Army of the Republic of Vietnam ARVN Mechanized Rifle Squadron, 1962

In 1962, the two existing ARVN Mechanized Rifle Companies were redesignated the 4th and 5th Mechanized Rifle Squadrons of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ARVN). As more M113 APCs and M114 reconnaissance vehicles became available in late 1962, all four ARVN armored cavalry regiments were similarly reorganized. The ARVN mechanized rifle squadron was organized like a US mechanized infantry company, but it adopted different tactics. Previous combat experience of the ARVN Mechanized Rifle Companies indicated that the American doctrine of mounted and dismounted mechanized infantry combat was bound to fail in Vietnam, because attacks tended to bog down when the infantry dismounted. As a result, ARVN mechanized infantry squadrons adopted armored tactics and fought mounted. In 1967, ARVN cavalry troops adopted the organisation of tank troops with five armored fighting vehicles each.

ARVN Mechanized Rifle Squadron, 1962

• Company Headquarters Section
  • M113 APC
  • M113 APC
• Rifle Platoon
  • M113 APC
  • M113 APC
  • M113 APC
• Rifle Platoon (same as above)
• Rifle Platoon (same as above)
• Support Platoon
  • M113 APC, 81 mm Mortar
  • M113 APC, 81 mm Mortar
  • M113 APC, 81 mm Mortar
  • M113 APC, 57 mm Recoilless Rifle

South Vietnamese M113 APCs were fitted with locally produced gun shields for the .50 cal machine-gun in 1963, until improved gun shields became available in late 1964 to convert all M113 APCs to armoured cavalry assault vehicles (ACAV).

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– Published: 06.04.2005 – Updated:
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