Construct a 2-Man Fighting Position?

[@SilverShamrockNovelties]

Believe it or not, the Air Force actually produced a very comprehensive training video series for our security dweebs that covers all this. But then they didn’t issue any of them guys an e-tool.

[@benevolentgamer6262]

What videos?

[@TheGunNerd]

Classic government retardation!

[@tylerthegrimm]

Yeah cause the air force doesn't do manual labor lol, that's for peasants.

[@corporaterobotslave400]

You can't dig a two man fighting hole while staying in a five star hotel. Go Air Force. ;)

[@basamortua8791]

@@corporaterobotslave400 “Every minute I stay in this room, I get more lit”

[@mikadeboos2051]

Addition: Dig an IN & OUT for your fighting posn. Meaning you can enter or exit your fighting posn in cover. Dig it at least as far as the nearest natural cover you can get behind on ground level. Or until you're out of sight.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Agreed. Drone footage from the war in Ukraine shows us just how relevant camouflage is!

[@erwin643]

YES, THANK YOU!!! As an 11B Infantryman in the 101st in the early 80's, I was trained by Vietnam Vets and doctrine that was the result of research conducted during the Vietnam War in battlefield survival: Fighting positions, individual techniques, etc. BTW, for all the fighting positions we were always constructing, our company had an inventory of "pioneer tools" as we called them back then: Shovels, pick axes, etc. With all the dopes that are getting killed in Ukraine (both sides) from drones in particular, yeah, can you say "the need for overhead cover"? All of this "stand around/kneel around because I'm wearing a plate carrier" is ridiculous. We were trained to literally live in the prone position, behind cover, ideally. "I'm up, I'm seen, I'm down" - three to five second rushes were doctrine, based on the human persistence of vision and time for someone shooting at you to react with a weapon.

[@davidr1676]

Artillery here and exactly the same. I mean all the shovels and stuff. Every gun had theirs, we had ours in FDC, I'm sure supply, Mechanics, HQ all did. We had cooks also, but I think we did stuff for them to some degree as they'd have longest days and don't want our food getting funked up. Medics, I don't remember as they were more attached to us from Battalion or other. Vietnam Vets still around late 80s to early 90s , but most just needed to fill in some retirement points from service breaks or maybe they were masochistssss. Then the cut backs and realignments started and my opinion started to change as did my goals and that's all another topic, but left me not fulfilling my desired goals. But yeah, our e-tools were not meant for 2 man or "machine gun pit" and I swear we had the shapes picked by Tetris and we carried stuff for big help with overhead cover. Even more stuff for digging and reinforcement when I went with Maintenance and that was National Guard even, but a lot of experience across whatever MOS, Active status, Combat or Theatre, branches, and a certain percent of the guys did maintenence and hauling in everyday jobs and some of us still did more duty than typical guard weekends and training courses with stuff focused on the basics of GWOT and IED crap 6-10 years before that stuff became regular. Hardening vehicles with scrap and sandbags and on and on was stuff we were trained/refreshed on to bring back and teach the college kids and the delicate gals as opposed to the fighting women. Sad day when that unit was moved, but being Guard, no one went with it, just our colors and name and whatever else. Endless stupidity in the 90s led to short-staffed and over deployed in 2000s even some Guard units saw more than fill-in on bases.

[@AmericanMinuteman95]

Doctor you are the Bob Ross of tactics. Thank you

[@gooby8953]

An amazing watch. Always love watching these videos. That jacket is also one of the coolest ones I've ever seen

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Thanks much, brother.

[@Henryivika]

Actually, as I been watching the videos from both sides of Ukraine war, the more and more emphasis from both sides was that the main weapon of the infantryman was a shovel! So I totally agree with your position!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

True on so many levels. Yes, agreed.

[@The_Professor_]

As a combat engineer the failure to construct overhead cover is one of if not the most painful thing I saw the first six to nine months of this war. Recently I’ve seen more use of tunnels and foxholes with little man-constructed overhead cover. However what I haven’t seen improvement with is concealment or trench works. I think a driving factor of this is laziness, the Russians have handy dandy trench digging vehicles. I believe their infantry (which also conveniently lacks an NCO corps) has gotten lazy. Consistently the people engaged by drones and artillery in the videos I see are in exposed trenches. I’d love to see a case study of the rates of poor static positions to UAV/ IDF targeting. I constantly harp on survivability and emphasizing to my marines the necessity of their SME opinion on survivability. I could talk about this all day. A great thing to help drive home the concepts of survivability, FOCDPIG, and SAFESOC I found from the armored side of our men in green thanks to the Chieftain here on KZbin; the survivability onion. For those who don’t know, use your favorite search engine and educate yourselves today!

[@The_Professor_]

Allow me to also say, I recommend angling your grenade sump to further direct the blast. The more turns a blast has to take the better, every ninety degree turn roughly halves the positive blast pressure. You can also keep a spare sandbag to throw over the sump (if the lord above granted you such time) to reduce blast and frag. If your sump is filled with water, fantastic. Water will help slow the frag somewhat and will disperse the blast significantly (as well as provide a refreshing mist, as anyone who’s used a water charge will tell you). You should take on the subject of arctic fighting positions and foxholes. Physics and weather work against the classic fighting hole and need some special considerations. Trench revetment is also a follow-on subject that I consider worth considering especially in positions like a COP or Patrol Camp. I also really enjoy the use of camouflage netting or propped-up tarps over the parapets. That’s a trick I borrowed from snipers. And with that I’ll quit my yapping

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@The_Professor_ - Hadn't thought of turning the grenade sump. That's an excellent point. I'll be sure to mention it in the future. And YES! The use of exposed trenches makes me cringe in anxiety! It is laziness on the part of leadership - the Russians have no NCO Corps, but the Ukrainians do! And both sides have officers who should know better.

[@The_Professor_]

@@christopherlarsen7788 A majority of the positions I’ve seen thus far appear to be squad or team trenches. They tend to follow a lazy-w shape (often too lazy to reap the benefits of the turns). I wonder how much supervision and cooperation the Russian officers can achieve from their troops. After all supervision is a key aspect in the troop leading procedures (often simplified for new marines as BAMCIS). I have seen an excellent trench works from the Russian side in the Crimea. The Chonhar Checkpoint is at the border between (occupied) Ukraine and Crimea. I would attach the images if I was able to, I’m not sure if you’ve seen them. My assessment of the images revealed a Russian MR PLT strong point defense, with what appears to be a company command post to its rear. Just assessing the trenches revealed likely size occupying the positions, vehicle hull-down positions, mortar firing positions, etc. Truly a demonstration for the value of concealment, deception (or as Russian doctrine often calls it; masquerade), and counter-reconnaissance assets. Showing the real-time (and real war) examples of why we execute tasks as we do, why discipline is so important has truly been a gift. Amidst all our training and classes I always make time to pull my squad in to watch videos where mistakes were made. Have them point it out, talk over solutions, etc. Great for getting them engaged and aware of their actions.

[@indoorkite651]

Ive gotta teach a class on this stuff for AT (not in a serious context) this video is a wonderful resource to help understand the fighting position

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Excellent. Glad I could help.

[@cripplers8]

Glad to see this covered. Looking forward to more…..

[@christopherlarsen7788]

I'll keep 'em coming.

[@kimjongun2081]

That thumbnail is pure kino

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Ha! Yep...when done right, they're down right comfortable.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Well-freaking said brother, nothing is obsolete! Another great lesson, this is the stuff people need to be studying on as much as the actual physical training, rhyme and reason absolutely applies and is a foundation to why tactics are what they are. Looking forward to more!

[@jmjones7897]

When you break it down to the personal level, nothing really changes beyond the terrain and people involved

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@jmjones7897 Very true.

[@jmjones7897]

Doc C. Larsen's a solid human and a fine mentor/teacher of warrior type folk. Highly recommend the 1 Shepherd Community for more of the same. Happy Freyday to you brother

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@jmjones7897 I agree! Have attended the S&S Winter Forge and will definitely be attending some of the OS FTX's, feels good to get back to the practical application kinetic action patrolling and training. A happy Freya's-Day to you as well brother!

[@jmjones7897]

Excellent material and presentation. Thank you brother

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Good to see you on the social media threads, brother.

[@spartan8345]

I watched a video the other day where some Russians were holed up in a trench. They took 5 or 6 tank rounds before the gunner finally snuck one in there. That squad ultimately lost that fight, but it showed that a trench or well dug fighting position can buy you one of the most valuable resources on the battlefield, time. If their AT hit his shot they might of won the fight.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Yep. I've seen quite a few drone videos (both Russian and Ukrainian) dropping ordinance on troops. Well camouflaged positions are not targeted. Well built positions survive the attack.

[@markhager8321]

Wow. I learned so much with this. Thanks

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Absolutely, brother.

[@rmarlow66]

We had to build up in Germany we were told that mustard gas could be a risk, so we used filled sandbag’s, 4x4’s and plywood that we carried in trailers. We had to build up high enough for the feed tray covers could be fully opened. We camouflaged the fighting position/entry control point, camouflage bags were used for covering the ground inside the fighting position. We also had to prepare a range card for both the fighting position and the CP, we had a TA-312 to communicate with the CP.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

I remember specifically the discussion on various chemical agents that sank to the earth in specific conditions. The MOPP suits were pretty good, but inside a fighting position we'd use our old PVC "Gumby" rain suits over the top of the charcoal MOPP suits to deal with chemicals sinking into the earth. Hot as hell...but kind of nice in the winter.

[@rmarlow66]

@@christopherlarsen7788 my time in Germany was with Patriot Air Defense, so we would go to the field in MOPP 2, winter it was nice to have the extra installation, summer was spent sweating while building the fighting position/entry control point. We wore the MOPP suits without wet weather gear in the winter.

[@jmjones7897]

@@christopherlarsen7788 hah! Just had a short phone discussion on the benefits of always keeping minimum 2 bandanas on yer person. Never can tell when you might need to piss on one those rags Atropine ampule + and old used to be OTC epi inhaler wouldn"t hurt. It's almost like Civil Defense was a bad idea. I digress... Got an old MOPP suit inna tote, damn sure not trying to walk around w/it on a daily basis Trousers are way too damn big anyway so anybody that needs a Large holller

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

Turns out the russians dug into the red zones in Chernobyl and stayed sleeping in the positions for weeks, areas in the forest even the scientists of that area need to severely limit their time around, and they had no protection at all from it with loads of cases of radiation poisoning. It made me think of the measures other countries take against even a slight risk of chemical weapons attack and against tactical nuclear weapons while these lot are going knee deep into it for no good reason. I can see how something like tear gas would be extremely useful still as a non-lethal way to clear trenches and get prisoners, but despite its use by the police using tear gas is a war crime if used like that militarily.

[@lpang0604]

Great presentation and fantastic editing!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Thanks, brother.

[@CitadelDefense1]

Happy to see you are about to rocket past that thousand subscriber mark. Get it my man

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Much obliged! And yes, this morning, apparently.

[@Kobold1650]

As a former combat engineer, hole in the ground will never be obsolete. It's such a rediculous force mutiplier to have a good prepaired position, and it costs all of $10 to give a guy an e-tool. Probably $100 with how the army shops, but still.

[@juggernaut7625]

Here I thought Doc Larson was going to pick up an E-tool and show us first hand! Funny how you mentioned the fighting positions and digging a trench network between them, I recently saw a video of a Ukrainian UAV flying over and marking points of interest, including a Russian soldier with a deer in headlights look.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Exactly! If we're going to build trenches, then we are obligated to camouflage them, also. Otherwise, all of our work will be easily detected, and then targeted.

[@gooby8953]

The Russians have had almost no camouflage discipline so far, even going so far as to post photos of their own trenches to be geolocated

[@Craterfist]

Hey, as long as the ground stops bullets, I'm happy to hide in a hole in the ground.

[@EverydayMarksman]

I laughed out loud when you got to "happy little tree." Great video!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Thank you, brother.

[@kurtschmidt5005]

Love the info!

[@WellDressedCaveman]

You found the Holy Hand Grenade!😂 I recently bought a Cold Steel Spetnaz shovel to practice.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

I saw those. Aside from the silly hype of becoming a Teppanyaki chef...how do you like it? It looks like a solid piece of gear, similar to the older USGI non-folding e-tool. I was thinking of purchasing one myself.

[@WellDressedCaveman]

@@christopherlarsen7788 It seems very solid. I view a folder as having a point of weakness, that can fail or give you problems. Threads can get messed up etc...I would recommend one for sure.

[@WellDressedCaveman]

@@christopherlarsen7788 of course I would prefer a mini excavator any day, over a shovel. LOL

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@WellDressedCaveman - Ha! True.

[@SilverShamrockNovelties]

@@christopherlarsen7788 having used both, the Spetznaz shovel is slightly inferior as an excavating tool, but slightly superior in its ability to cut through small roots and pry rocks out of the way. The real trade off is that an e-tool takes up less space on your LBE.

[@LeaveMeAlonePlz]

Outstanding!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Thank you, brother.

[@bushnut8305]

currently in eastern Europe they are fighting from from fixed positions and trenches again. Arty has become very important again. with the added problem of drones with NV and Thermal.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

True! For decades I've heard that trenches, tanks, and artillery are "antiquated" and that the world will never fight such a battle again. The war in Ukraine proves all of that wrong.

[@BearClawAK47]

Ukraine has proven that fighting positions still play a role in modern warfare.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Very much so! The war in Ukraine has also proven that camouflage is still relevant on the battlefield. You'd be surprised to hear the discussions from 2005-2015 among senior experts in which the concept of camouflage was dismissed as an obsolete art within the modern battlespace. Warriors, vehicles, and fighting positions that are not camouflage become easy prey for drone-delivered munitions!

[@BearClawAK47]

@christopherlarsen7788 not surprising. At one point, they discussed getting rid of all MBTs. They get so focused on the current or last war they can't imagine the future conflicts

[@skylongskylong1982]

Found out the other day that certain Western NATO armies during basic training are no longer teaching how to construct fire trenches anymore. Not sure if this is due tactical doctrine, or the physical demands to build construct one !

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Probably a bit of both. Precision-delivered munitions by drones are making any open trench an easy target. So, there is that to consider. Trenches were already difficult and physically demanding to build. The steadily decreasing physical standard for combat arms in order to allow female Soldiers and Marines to participate, has also meant a change in what is achievable. The absolute need to include overhead concealment, if not cover, just increased the physical difficulty. Lower standards means this will not be taught in military schools.

[@formam1022]

I believe that trenches and fighting position is key for rural communities defending themselves, you see it now in Ukraine, a lot of prepared citizens worry about cqb and house clearing, I focus on defensive positions for my people. defense before offense.

[@HUTZELMUTZEL]

17:20 dont dig at a tree, any tree has roots, some are on the surface - all conifers - other are going deep - deciduous trees and you have a blind spot - and any tree in front of you is a "target marker", dont do this - und german words for this are "Schützenmulde" und "Kampfstand"

[@HUTZELMUTZEL]

19:00 why the cover not in the lenght -across the full Kampfstand from one side to the other side with tree trunks on sandbags and full front open side for firinge positions without blindspots, ohh come on

[@christopherlarsen7788]

I've dug around trees - Not Fun! The roots get in the way and are very difficult to cut through. Unless you have Combat Engineer (Pioneer) support. Then the backhoe and bulldozer come in quite handy!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@HUTZELMUTZEL - You are describing the fighting position "with armored support." In that case, yes. Build up the cover to the front, rear, and even to the sides to protect the warriors. Allow for firing positions forward and even to the sides. But in the US Army we also have fighting positions "without armored support." This means NOTHING stands higher than the forest floor. Not even 1 inch! Anything that is tall can be detected. If your position can be detected, it can be targeted and penetrated. No. Fighting positions under these conditions are never elevated above the forest floor. They are level. We dig down. We camouflage from enemy observation for the air.

[@GlaDi02]

Foxholes/ Trenches are also a nice tool when it comes about creating Camouflaged ECPs (entry control Points). In current P2P conflict HESCO VCP would be an easy target. Grenade sumps can be also placed right in front of FP, but then it should be covered with metal net. In Supported Foxhole variaton, one should always try to mask Bump, by placing and masking ground next to foxholes. It's easier in Europe as in our forrests one still can see trenchlines from WW II. Funny how FMs and ATPs from 1944-89 when it comes about field fortification are not obsolete.

[@TheForkliftOfDoom]

Thankyou for an explanation of a fighting position. One thing I never understood is why a standard position is two men? If one man is hit the second man goes to his aid and no one is firing. A 3 man position allows for one men to continue firing while the second man aids his comrade.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Wow. A fantastic question! The US Army learned from its mistakes in World War II (not the least of which was from the research conducted by military historian GEN S.L.A. Marshall) that "combat isolation" profoundly impacted the Soldier's will to fight. The fix to this problem was to discontinue the single-man fighting position, a.k.a. "foxhole", and to instead put multiple Soldiers into each fighting position. Thus, the 2-man fighting position was born. Are there 3-man fighting positions? You bet. Crew-served weapons such as the machine gun crew and rocket crew often use the 3-man fighting position. Is the 2-man position inferior if a Soldier is wounded? Yes and no. Any compromise to the firepower of a fighting position is a serious concern. However, Soldiers are trained to (1) defeat the enemy before rendering medical aid, and (2) to administer self-aid until the enemy is defeated and help can be offered. Indeed, one of the often-paid compliments of enemy forces to the American GI is the enemy's amazement that Americans don't simply roll over and quit when wounded in battle! We tend to fight on until we either defeat the enemy, lose consciousness from the wound, or die. So, no Soldier expects their battle buddy in the fighting position to stop fighting in order to care for our wound. Warrior ethos.

[@TheForkliftOfDoom]

@@christopherlarsen7788 Interesting. When I was serving in the Australian army doctrinally, we were supposed to have 2 man positions but since the infantry section at the time consisted of 3 tams of 3 rifleman. (a scout group, a gun group and an assault group) So it was common for us to adopt 3 man positions. Then as I am a native Russian speaker, I got to read a lot of doctrine and talk with friends and family who do all defences in trenches. Then we always had some Brits on exchange, and they do a 4 man fighting position. Each approach has its pros and cons, and I never could figure the ultimate solution.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@TheForkliftOfDoom - Agreed. Each method has pros and cons. I believe the US doctrine relies on 2-man fighting positions so that our squads and platoons can cover a larger defensive front. That is, we spread out further. But this is just a guess.

[@user-rcghjewqw]

​​@@christopherlarsen7788 "Blackhawk Down" movie shows otherwise. I mean wounded were taken care of immediately, (which quickly lead the situation becoming much worse)

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@user-rcghjewqw - Not sure how realistic that movie was. I've heard mixed reviews. The fictional film 'Full Metal Jacket' has a scene in which US Marines rush into the kill zone of an ambush to save their fallen buddies, only to have more Marines killed. When I watched that movie with my buddies as we were stationed with the 101st Airborne Division, we almost laughed at the ludicrousness of this scene! We were taught better than that! It was beat into our heads. Yet... In the very real life battle of Fallujah in 2004, I watched in horror as a US Marine fell wounded in middle of an intersection, only to have multiple Marines rush to his aid and cut down by an enemy machine gun position. I was utterly baffled. Furious! Had the Marines not been trained to the same standard as US Army Soldiers? I don't know. It was tragic, heartbreaking to watch. Maybe it was just their emotional reaction.

[@BuckFoeJiden]

Militaries that depend explicitly on higher technologies will always find themselves at the mercy of whether or not that technology works. You may be able to intercept a paper note, but you can never hack it with a computer. 🤷‍♂️

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Exactly. Runners carry messages by memory (compared to couriers who carry written messages). This makes runners the most secure form of communication in the battlespace. It's incredibly difficult to hack the ancient ways.

[@BuckFoeJiden]

@@christopherlarsen7788 that's exactly why I keep backup iron sights on all of my rifles. Even the SASS builds I've done have BUIS, and a stowed key to remove the optic. Redundancy begets success. Side note, I've recently taken a deep dive into your videos, and it's some of the absolute best information I've seen. The only other person putting out stuff this high quality is @RiskyChrisky and I think you guys could do well collaboratively. Thanks for what you're doing on here! It's a real gift to anyone who's into this sort of thing, whether professionally, personally or both.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@BuckFoeJiden - Thank you. As a matter of fact, I've been meaning to reach out to RiskyChrisky for a while now. I think some cross collaboration would be fun.

[@BuckFoeJiden]

@@christopherlarsen7788 I'll keep my eyes peeled for it for sure!

[@OldNavajoTricks]

There's no such thing as an obsolete weapon imo, outdated perhaps as technology improved but that doesn't detract from the original items threat potential. 👍 You also remind me of an old actor, George Kennedy 🤘

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Agreed. Knives, clubs, stones, and fire are still plenty lethal! (Also, thanks. George Kennedy was a cool dude.)

[@OldNavajoTricks]

@@christopherlarsen7788 One of the original legends from the golden era. 👍

[@tidypog3272]

Can you imagine denying the utility of the shovel with Ukraine going on right now

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Exactly! Likewise...can you imagine denying the value of overhead cover and concealment with the modern combination of drones calling in artillery fires? Wow! What's old is new again. I marvel at the ignorance of those who claim a specific weapon or tactic is "obsolete." Really? Because that solution was borne out of a baptism of fire. I'm pretty sure that within the context it was intended, it's still relevant in combat.

[@doughboyjr9418]

How would these trench systems develop over say 8 years, you would eventually add concrete bunkers and other heavy defenses, correct in your opinion?

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Yes, correct. But it wouldn't likely take 8 years...more like 8 months. Dig deeper, use concrete, cover all of the trenches, and turn each fighting position into a fortified bunker!

[@1337flite]

I can't imagine anyone but the dumbest soldier or a civillian even contemplating that a fighting position with OHP (over head protection) being obsolete - they're the guys I want as enemy. Sure mechanisation may make some parts of a battle highly mobile. But when you're at the halt you want protection. And if you are expecting a deliberate attack or receiving mortars or artillery is even a possibility and you have the time you need to revet the pit to stop the sides caving in from near misses of artillery. For this you need long and short pickets, corrugated irom and wire. You could make do with wood/logs and possibly rope. Essentially you place the sheets of corrugated itron against the walls of the pit, and hold it in place with the long pickets. Then you dig shallow (maybe 12"/30cm) trenches at 90 degrees to the iron and out maybe 3meters. At the end of the shallow trench you drive in the short pickets. You wrap several strands - I can't remember the text book solution's numbers - around the top of the long and short pickets, the idea being that this helps prevent the long pickets and iron from caving into the pit. Obviusly similar can be achieved with logs and wooden stakes and rope, but probably less effective and obviosly more time consuming if you have to go harvest the materials. I really nice fighting pit is a few days of hard work if you have the materials delivered and don;'t have to go harvest logs etc. The Aussie army digs (or at least did, when I was a digger a coupla decades ago) a pit with the long axis pointing roughly at the enemy and the OHP goes on the enemy end. The idea is that the entrance to your overhead protection is on the enemy side, which makes it much harder for enemy rounds whether they be small arms or other to enter the part of the pit that is under the OHP. Typcially two pits are dug roughly parallel and then the open end can be joined - and OHP put over the adjoining trench if time permits. An interesting lesson learnt by we Aussies from VietNam was that when attacking well prepared dug in defenisive works, that tanks using AP/APCBC rounds - i.e. solid shot, non explosive rounds was quite usefukl in the closing stages of the assault when HE was too dangrous to assaulting infantry. The rounds fired into the trench or in front of the trench could penetrate the earthworks, caused shock, and damaging the trench, yet could be fired very close the advancing infantry without endangering them since there was essentially no shock in the atmosphere outside the eafrthworks and very little fragmentation. This is probably not practical with modern fin rounds from a tank main gun for one thing the sabot petals are probably a risk to grunts and the penetratiomn may be too high and not generate as much shock. But the similar effects might be achieved with IFV AP/APDS rounds especially now that modern IFVs are getting into the 40mm and 50mm calibres or maybe the "assault guns" that some armies are bringing back.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

It's an odd thing to say "I love trenchworks" in warfare - because I'm not fond of war at all! But it is more than interesting that trench warfare continues to be relevant. I think this is because the man-on-the-street thinks that trench warfare started and ended in WW1. It is, of course, much older than that. Overhead cover is a rather new adaptation. And with flying capabilities (drones, etc.) overhead cover is more critical now than ever before. It turns out the Aussie and US doctrines are quite similar. In Mechanized Infantry regiments, we were taught the same lessons about using the M2 .50 caliber Heavy MG in assaulting fortified trenchworks for the very reasons you've cited here. Good stuff. I think the US military has a lot of re-learning to do.

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

Corrugated iron can be really dangerous, i think there are better options out there

[@mrd7067]

Strongpoint defense ? Linear defense ? Why not full overhead cover and the entrance at an angle to the back so if a drone drops explosives on you or laser designates you for mortar fire it won`t kill one or both inside ? I mean you already have kind of heavy machinery. Drones, thermal, night vision, radar and guided ammunition for artillery, mortar and anti tank rocket changes a lot. The next "big" change i see are lasers and/or shockwave weapons on bataillon or even company level that are used to counter all of this things. The standard will probably become 6 company bataillons with 3 fighting companies, one for recon and drones (including swarm drones) and a heavy company with anti air, heavy mortars that can be used as mortar as well as as "Sturmgeschütz" (already exists with the finns [120mm], south africans [60mm that are supposedly as deadly as the old 81mm] as well as the russians [i think since tha 80s]) and one company that leads and supports the bataillon with logistics. I don`t know where conventional warfare will go from there. Thanks for your time.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Right. I covered linear defenses in the Area Defense, plus I've covered Mobile Defense. I will also address Strongpoint Defense most likely at the end of this year. I'm waiting on my next book publication to get through the works. Everything is backlogged. I didn't address thermal detection, although the 2-man fighting position offers significant protection from thermal detection. There are no perfect solutions in the battlespace - no immovable wall or irresistible force. But it is surprising how many problems a hole in the ground will address. Even fueled-air explosives, while incredibly powerful, have had only modest success with subterranean structures. Unless, that is, the explosive is first pumped into the structure. In that case, the entire structure is certain to collapse. Conventional warfare will continue to evolve, like all things. However, the mistake is to think that unconventional warfare will somehow supplant convention and make it obsolete. That's not the case. Conventional and un-conventional warfare have two completely different purposes, methods, and effects. It's akin to saying dental surgery will make pharmaceutical research obsolete.

[@mrd7067]

@@christopherlarsen7788 I agree. The problem with conventional vs unconventional warfare in my pov should be solved with two different branches in the military both of which specialise in each. I have here a folder with the things my godfather was taught in his basic training 1970 Okt< right in the Fulda gap (Bundeswehr). Quite interesting what they did compared to what we were taught 2010.

[@HankMcGurk]

I watched a few South Americans with bows and arrows take urban cover and fight riot cops armed with grenade launchers and shotguns. Once one of the riot cops took an arrow to the leg, they backed off. Looks like *The Combat Leaders Field Guide* I've got a copy around here somewhere. Great book. I used to use it when preparing war games for a group of my friends throughout High School and College. I'll take another look. I did develop a mathematical system to try and emulate actual battlefield hits, but few had interest, and statistics were hard to find. Great vid. On an aside, how much does a dumb fire direct fire shoulder fired rocket weigh?

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Everyone thinks archery is obsolete...until the sky darkens with arrows raining in!

[@HankMcGurk]

@@christopherlarsen7788 Great to see you. A shame I missed the last livestream. I pray you are well. With so many riots going world wide, it might be difficult to retrace the video. If I run across it again, I'll link it to you. God Bless.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@HankMcGurk - Also...your question on the weight of a rocket launcher. The M-72 LAW is a 66mm fire-and-forget rocket with the earlier versions weighing in at an impressive 5.5 pounds! Later versions weigh in at 8 pounds, but have better penetration into steel as well as better thermobaric pressures. The LAW has a practical range of about 250 meters. The AT-4 is an 84mm fire-and-forget rocket weighing between 15 and 18 pounds, depending on variant. The AT-4 has vastly superior steel penetration compared to the LAW, but doesn't appreciate the same thermobaric pressure that the LAW has for destroying bunkers. The AT-4 has a practical range of about 600 meters.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

I used to be a riot cop like you, until I took an arrow to the knee... :-D

[@fredscott1702]

"Our arrows will blot out the sun!" - Persian messenger "Then we shall fight in the shade"- Leonidas Quoted for the movie "300"

[@brianc9374]

Don't The French special forces use crossbow for sentry elimination? I think I read somewhere they do or at least did.

[@brianc9374]

Things that may be obsolete concerning a digital mechanized army... Might still be of value concerning criminals, rioters and looters. Things we should think about before dism

[@anthonykirsch6482]

the first words of the video. ok fighting positions, let's jump right into it. did you do that on purpose doc

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Ha! Of course! Okay...no. But now I wish I had.

[@Stefwich1911]

Would you ever consider a video on sniper employment or sniper hides?

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Huh. Well...you are the first to ask me that question. Let me give it some thought. I don't see why I couldn't cover that topic. Sounds interesting. Thanks.

[@Stefwich1911]

@@christopherlarsen7788 appreciate it for sure. Not a lot of units and leadership know how to utilize snipers… usually the sniper knows best but it’s always nice to learn more about their implementation on a platoon or company operational level. Figured you’d be the man for the job 💪🏻

[@raylast3873]

But the body armor would still help you against things like grenades and shrapnel right?

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Oh yeah. Even the soft body armor is a big help. Plates are also a benefit, but are designed for protection against direct fire small arms. It all helps.

[@mckwilly]

off sublect, but in Brents last chat and in many others we are all talking about making changes locally, with school boards, and local qovt seats, a video by Warthog71 had a story talking about how they are required to be bonded, and someone went after one of them though the bonding agency and essential had their bond withdrew, which in turn they were not able to hold there position ant longer the clip starts at 17:40, curious if its valid and does it hold water?

[@mckwilly]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGizZHlrqM2NntU

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Interesting tactic. I'd have to think that bonding works differently from state to state, but I might be wrong about that. Still, the point is well taken. Attack the opponent's legal status to hold elected office, and remove them from their seat. Effective. Now, here's my word of caution. If it works for your cause, then it also works for your opponent's cause. We must be very careful of the weapons we craft. They WILL BE used against us in time. But, an all-out strike today that cleans house inevitably buys valuable time and space to build better defenses. No doubt.

[@mckwilly]

@@christopherlarsen7788 thanks for replying, I'm not well-versed in this but what it comes down to is accountability no matter how we approach it, like you said they are gonna find a way to counter and snuff ys out before it can gain momentum

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@mckwilly - As a tactic, it has its time and place. It can be used effectively. I've just seen political "weapons" leveraged so many times in my years, and then ten years later that same political weapon is used on the people who created it. They are absolutely dumbfounded. Literally shocked beyond words...just sitting there, unable to fathom that the weapon they fashioned was used against them.

[@ilovepotatos]

Boy I must be some nice German Grass

[@Fede_uyz]

We would see trench fighting resurface only a month after this video came to be...

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Yeah, sadly. But the reality is that the classification of "subterranean warfare" which includes both trenches and tunnels has never really left us. Tunnel warfare was used extensively in Vietnam and more recently in the Tora Bora region of the war in Afghanistan. It is still used by Hezbollah in souther Lebanon and throughout the Gaza Strip in Israel. Trench warfare made a huge comeback on the eastern front of the German defense in the latter years of WW2, and similarly was used extensively by the UN Allies in the last two years of the Korean War as fighting stalled along the 38th Parallel. Trench warfare saw a renewed life in the decade-long Iraq-Iran War throughout the 1980s. And so, perhaps we shouldn't be so surprised to see trench warfare being used in Ukraine today.

[@Fede_uyz]

@@christopherlarsen7788 absolutely! I saw that this video was released 'recently' and i thought why you didnt mention ukraine and how trenches, dugouts, bunkers etc. Made a strong comeback, then i checked the date and it was almost exactly one month before the invasion begun. Really shows how we can never be sure of the future

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

It was waready happening in ukraine from 2014, and iraq and syria.

[@BearClawAK47]

Will you be re-releasing your book? I've looked and its unabtainium.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Short answer: YES! Long answer: The reason I haven't gotten back to my videos in a year is that I have been writing the third edition of OPFOR SMARTbook 3: Russian Military. The publisher says the book should be released this summer. AND THEN...I can get back to the Light Infantry Tactics update. Promise.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Yes. You can still buy the SUT SMARTbook. The Lightning Press offers all of the SMARTbook series. SUT SMARTbook is now in its 3rd edition and is one of the best sellers. I you like more titles (ahem...OPFOR SMARTbook series) they'll package them for you at a discount. Plus, they also offer Kindle e-book versions.

[@MesaperProductions]

On Amazon at least, your book is out of print. Where can i buy a physical copy?

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Ah, yeah. It went out of print last December after an 18-year run. I'm working on a new, larger book. In the meantime, I'd highly recommend Paintball and Airsoft Battle Tactics. Yes, it's a terrible title! (NOT my idea! The publishers!) But I think you'll find it's a good book.

[@gjnezat]

Brent0331 needs to build, one to standard. Lol

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Agreed.

[@davidoftheforest]

somebody tell Mad Jack Churchill that archery is obsolete in the battlespace

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Exactly!

[@adventurehawksancientharmony]

Funny you showed up in my feed. I recently purchased your books

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Excellent! I don't know how that happens...but we pay tribute to the algorithm deities.

[@geektarded]

What brand/model of sleeping pads are those on top of the packs?

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Therm-A-Rest brand RidgeRest model, 20in x 72in. This foam mat is ultra light, weighing just 14 oz compared to the USGI Isomat at 20 oz. They are remarkably affordable at typically $20 each, and incredibly durable. These in the video have been used for perhaps 10 years in One Shepherd Leadership Institute. Best foam mat I've ever used.

[@geektarded]

@@christopherlarsen7788 thank you for the quick reply and great content.

[@HankMcGurk]

Do you work for the DHS?

[@christopherlarsen7788]

No. US State Department, Bureau of Diplomatic Security - BUT...these videos are my own creation and do not reflect the work I do for the State Department.

[@HankMcGurk]

@@christopherlarsen7788 Hey, that's great. I appreciate an honest man who ensures the security of our Diplomats. My respect for you grows. Have a great day.

[@davidwood7530]

When digging in clay sharpen your shovel

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Ha! True.

[@davidwood7530]

Thank you sir I appreciate your time as well as all of your experience

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@davidwood7530 - Thank you, brother.

[@jmjones7897]

Chris Larsen Do you find it difficult to watch movies- series around people who aren't directly experienced in lethal interpersonal violence? More to the point, are you able to enjoy entertainment for it's own sake without critiquing all the Hollywood bullshit that would get you and your pals smoked in a hot minute? Seems to be kind of a downer for the other folks involved. Asking for a friend

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Ha-Ha! Yes! I find it difficult. But as my daughters will tell you...they find it more difficult.

[@jmjones7897]

@@christopherlarsen7788 ❤️

[@Valerian_007]

what was the point of connecting the fighting positions to each other? in the modern battlefield, is this not nessecary?

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Flexibility in the fight. Soldiers can reinforce or abandon positions, and then counterattack - all from a subterranean position (e.g. trench or tunnel) when each fighting position is connected. The historic example here would be the Japanese underground fortifications at the Battle of Iwo Jima.

[@Valerian_007]

@@christopherlarsen7788 they can do all of that and keep themselves supplied without exposing themselves, but in today battlefield they need to be concealed(tunnels)and not open

[@christopherlarsen7788]

@@Valerian_007 - Yes. Correct.

[@Valerian_007]

@@christopherlarsen7788 like the vietcong tunnels?

[@Valerian_007]

@@christopherlarsen7788 will guided tube and rocket artillery that can hit targets accurately many miles away in all weather conditions(much cheaper) replace close air support?

[@hansblitz7770]

Yeah, glad I never became a war pleb for the J Crew.

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Ha! 'War pleb' is synonymous with Infantryman. Now that's funny. (Guilty!)

[@jennibaker3444]

Well okay then

[@xusmico187]

calling this guy "Doctor" is like calling a rock a diamond. He has a PhD but so what. All he does is read TM/FMs, buys milsup gear, pays military has beens to "instruct" and peopkle pay hi for "training" guess im jealous i didnt come up with this game. Must wonder if this guy can even dig a cat hole much less a FM spec position,

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Offense intended, I'm sure! But this is funny on so many levels. You are literally more than four decades too late. I had a US Army sergeant major say this same thing to me many, many years ago - and he meant it AS A COMPLIMENT! - "The Rock" EDIT: Also, never give a guy with a PhD the opportunity to brag about it. So pretentious! (And yes, that is exactly what I'll do...since you've asked.) My PhD is in learning technologies and educational psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. My research interests and publications have been within human factors, cognitive science with a particular interest in the heuristics of combat leaders decision-making under austere conditions - following in the traditions of John Boyd, Gary Klein, and Edward Snowden. Of course, I am better known for my SMARTbook publications that are sold to US Armed Forces school, not the least of which include the JFK Special Warfare School and Naval Special Warfare School. And more recently I have joined the Irregular Warfare Directorate as a research analyst in the Washington, DC metro area. Thanks for asking.

[@SchitzoNewsNetwork-wu7zd]

Israel thanks you for your service to them!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

I've enjoyed working with the Israelis.

[@budakart]

Come to Islam n success