106 GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT (GCE) FUNDAMENTALS

1. 106 GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT (GCE) FUNDAMENTALS

2. TRIVIA: What is the Navy significance of this Photo?

3. John "Doc" Bradley (July 10, 1923 – January 11, 1994) was a US Navy Corpsman

4. 106.1 Explain the purpose and employment of a Marine division. The mission of the Marine division is to • Execute amphibious assault operations and such other operations as may be directed. • Provide the ground amphibious forcible-entry capability to an amphibious task force (ATF) • Conduct subsequent land operations in any operational environment. • Using combined-arms tactics and tailors the force to the demands of each mission. • Employed as the GCE of the MEF or may provide task-organized forces for smaller MAGTFs.

5. 106.2 Name the types of regiments and battalions in a Marine division. • 3 Infantry (Regiments) • Artillery Regiment • Headquarters Battalion • Tank Battalion • Assault Amphibian Battalion • Combat Engineer Battalion • Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion • Reconnaissance Battalion

6. Battalion Landing Team (+) Line Infantry Companies (x3) H&S Company Weapons Company Artillery battery Reconnaissance Platoon Combat Engineer Platoon Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon Aassault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon TOW section Tank Platoon (when required)) Shore Fire Control Party (SFCP) Scout Sniper platoon 106.3 What is the Ground Combat Element (GCE) of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC))?

7. 106.4 What is the GCE of a Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB)? • Regimental Landing Team • The MEB GCE is composedof an • Infantry regiment (+) • Artillery • Reconnaissance • Engineer • Light Armored Reconnaissance • Assault Amphibian • Other attachments as required.

8. Battalion 106.5 What is the GCE of a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)? • 3 Infantry (Regiments) • Artillery Regiment • Headquarters Battalion • Tank Battalion • Assault Amphibian Battalion • Combat Engineer Battalion • Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion • Reconnaissance Battalion

9. 106.6 State the area of responsibility of the following components: Infantry regiment • The primary mission of the infantry regiment is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver or to repel his assault by fire and close combat. The infantry regiment is the major element of close combat power of the Marine division. The regiment, with appropriate attachments, is capable of independent, sustained operations. “Locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver or to repel his assault by fire and close combat”

10. 106.6 Artillery regiment • The mission of artillery in the Marine division is to furnish close and continuous fire support by neutralizing, destroying, or suppressing targets that threaten the success of the supported unit. The artillery regiment is the primary source of fire support for the Marine division. Its operations and actions are closely integrated with those of the infantry to be responsive to rapidly changing tactical situations. The artillery regiment provides a fire support coordination sectionto assist in establishing and operating an FSCC at the division COC. “Furnish close and continuous fire support by neutralizing, destroying, or suppressing targets”

11. 106.6 Tank battalion • The mission of the tank battalion is to close with and destroy the enemy by using armor-protected firepower, shock effect, and maneuver and to provide antimechanized fire in support of the Marine division. The battalion is best employed as a maneuver force without detaching units. However, the division commander may task organize forces of tanks, mechanized infantry, and other division resources based on mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available (METT-T) that require cross-attachment of tank battalion and infantry regiment assets. Employment of the tank battalion must take advantage of the speed, mobility, and firepower of the organization.

12. 106.6 Headquarters battalion • The primary mission of the headquarters battalion is to exercise command, control, and administrationof the Marine division. It contains an H&S company, a division headquarters with an H&S company, (a reconnaissance company), a special security communications team, a communications company, a military police (MP) company, the division band, and a truck company.

13. 106.6 Assault amphibian battalion • The mission of the assault amphibian battalion is to • Land the surface assault elements of the landing force and their equipment in a single lift from assault shipping during amphibious operations to inland objectives and to conduct mechanized operations and related combat support in subsequent operations ashore. • Provide ship-to-shore lift capability during the amphibious assault. • Provide mobility equal to that of tanks to the assaulting elements of the MAGTF during operations ashore. • Transport personnel in tactical operations. • If assets permit, they may be used as cargo carriers forward of the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA).

14. 106.6 Light armored reconnaissance battalion • The mission of the LAR battalion is to • Conduct reconnaissance, security, and economy-of-force operations • Within capabilities, conduct limited offensive or delaying operations that exploit the unit’s mobility and firepower. • Be employed separately or as part of a GCE. “LAR battalion assets emphasize the mobility and firepower that are characteristic of light armored vehicles (LAVs)”

15. 106.6 Combat engineer battalion • The mission of the combat engineer battalion is to • Enhance the mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability of the Marine division • Provide the limited general engineering. “enhance the mobility, countermobility, and survivability”

16. Aromored Assault Vehicle

17. 106.7 State the purpose, employment, and characteristics of the following: The Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV)—official designation AAV-7A1 (formerly known as LVT-7) is the current amphibious troop transport of the United States Marine Corps and is also operated by other forces. The AAV-7A1 is a fully tracked amphibious landing vehicle manufactured by FMC Corporation. It is used by USMC Amphibious Assault Battalions to land the surface assault elements of the landing force and their equipment in a single lift from assault shipping during amphibious operations to inland objectives and to conduct mechanized operations and related combat support in subsequent mechanized operations ashore. Three types of AAV-7A1s exist; AAVP-7A1 (Personnel) AAVC-7A1 (Command) AAVR-7A1 (Recovery)

18. Light Armored Vehicle

19. 106.7 Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) • The LAV-25 is a lightly armored, eight-wheeled, amphibious vehicle. It is equipped with a stabilized 25mm cannon, a pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun, and a coaxially mounted 7.62mm machine gun capable of engaging mechanized targets and personnel. • Manned and operated by a driver, a gunner, and a vehicle commander is capable of carrying four infantry scouts in the rear.

20. M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank

21. 106.7 M1A1 tank • The M1A1 combat (main battle tank uses high speed, maneuverability, and a variety of weapons to attack and destroy enemy tanks, equipment, and forces. The tank provides protection from enemy weapons. • The tank is equipped with a laser rangefinder. • Equipped with a thermal imaging system (TIS). • Main gun, M256 120mm • Coaxial machinegun, M240 7.62mm • Commander’s machinegun, M2 .50 cal • Grenade Launcher M250 • Engine: Turbine engine

22. M203 40mm Grenade Launcher

23. 106.8 State the purpose, employment, and characteristics of the following weapons: a. M203 grenade launcher • The M203 grenade launcher is a lightweight, single-shot, breech-loaded, pump action, shoulder-fired weapon attached to an M16A1 or A2 rifle. • Weight of launcher unloaded........1.4 kg (3.0 pounds) • Caliber.........................................40 mm • Maximum range.......................400 meters (1,312 feet) • Maximum effective range: • area target……...350 meters (1,148 feet) • point target….….150 meters (492 feet) • The M203 fires high-explosive, illuminating, signaling, CS, and training ammunition.

24. M240G (M240Gulf) Medium Machine Gune

25. 106.8 M240G Machine Gun • The  M240G  (medium) machine  is   an   air-cooled,   belt-fed,  gas-operated   automatic weapon.  The weapon fires from the open-bolt position and is fed by a (disintegrating) belt of metal links. • The  M240G  is  a  versatile  weapon  that  can support both offensive and defensive operations. • It can provide a heavy volume of close, accurate, and continuous  fire  support • When  employed  as  final  protective fires, forms an integral part of a unit’s defensive fire plan and can effectively break up and stop an enemy

26. 106.8 M240G machine gun Cont. • Total system weight (gun and tripod complete)   ..........................  45.6 pounds • Weight of machine gun.....................  25.6 pounds • Weight of barrel   .............................  6.6 pounds • Length of machine gun ........................ 49 inches • Height of machine gun on tripod   .................................... 17 inches • Ranges Maximum   .................................  3,725 meters • Maximum effective   ........................  1,800 meters • Grazing fire   .................................  600 meters • Caliber   .................................. 7.62 millimeter

27. M249 Squad Auttomatic Weapon

28. 106.8 M249 machine gun • The machine gun, (light), squad automatic weapon, M249 (saw) is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt or magazine-fed, automatic weapon that fires from the open-bolt position. Maximum rate of fire of 850 rounds per minute. • Primarily, ammunition is fed into the weapon from a 200-round ammunition box containing a disintegrating metallic split-link belt. • As an emergency means of feeding, the saw can use a 20 or 30 round M16 rifle  magazine,   • this  will  increase  the  chance  of stoppages.   • The saw has a spare barrel to allow quick  barrel  changes  during  employment • barrels  must not be interchanged with those from other saw’s unless the headspace has been set for that weapon by ordnance personnel.

29. 106.8 M249 machine gun • Weight of SAW: With bipod and tools .........17 pounds • With 200 round drum   ...................... 23.92 pounds • Measurements: • Length ...................................40.87 inches • Ranges: • Maximum.................................  3,600 meters • Point targets .............................  800 meters • Area targets   ............................  1,000 meters • Grazing fire    .................................  600 meters • Ammunition: Caliber.................................. 5.56 millimeter • Weight of full 200 round drum   ...........  6.92 pounds

30. MK 19 Heavy Machine Gun (40mm)

31. 106.8 MK-19 machine gun • The  MK-19  (Heavy machine gun) is  an  air  cooled,  blowback-operated, fully automatic weapon • The ammunition is fed into the gun by a (disintegrating) metallic link  belt • The  MK-19  is employed from a tripod or from a variety of vehicles • Suppress and destroy enemy personnel, fortifications, and vehicles

32. 106.8 MK-19 machine gun (Con’t) Can be used to-- • a. Protect motor movements, assembly areas, and supply trains in bivouac. • b. Defend against hovering rotary aircraft. • c. Destroy lightly armored vehicles. • d. Fire on suspected enemy positions. • e. Provide high volumes of fire into an engagement area. • f. Cover obstacles. • g. Provide indirect fires from defilade positions.

33. 106.8 MK-19 machine gun (Con’t) Weights/measurements: • Total system weight (gun, cradle, and tripod)    ............................ 140.6 pounds • Weight of gun   ..............................  75.6 pounds • Weight of gun cradle (MK64 MOD5)    ......... 21 pounds • Weight of M3 tripod  ..........................  44 pounds • Length of gun    ............................... 43.1 inches • Ranges: Maximum   ..........................  2,212 meters • Ammunition: Caliber   .......................... 40 millimeter

34. 81mm (Medium) Mortar

35. 106.8 81mm (medium) mortar • The immediate objective is to deliver a large volume of accurate and timely fire to inflict as many casualties as possible on the enemy. • The 81-mm mortar, M29A1, is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, high-angle-of-fire weapon. • The components of the mortar consist of a cannon, mount, and baseplate. • Found in Weapons Co of the Inf Bn. 8 guns per platoon. “AKA – BN CMDR’s Hip Pocket Artillary”

36. 106.8 81mm mortar (Con’t) Weights (pounds) • System (including basic issue items) (total in three loads) • Barrel l28 • Mount 40 • M3 Baseplate 25.4 • M23A1 Baseplate 48 • M53 Sightunit 5.25 • Range (Minimum to maximum) 70 to (4,737) 5733 meters • Rate of Fire • Sustained 3 to 5 rounds per minute for 1 minute • Maximum for 2 minutes 12 rounds per minute • Maximum for 5 minutes 12 rounds per minute

37. 106.8 81mm mortar (Con’t) • Length: 56 inches (142.24 centimeters)Weight:Mortar Assembly: 35 pounds (15.89 kg)Bipod: 26 pounds (11.80 kilograms)Baseplate: 25.5 pounds (11.58 kilograms)Sight Unit: 2.5 pounds (1.14 kilograms)Total: 89 pounds (40.41 kilograms)Bore diameter: 81mmMaximum effective range: 5700 metersMinimum Range: 80 metersRates of fire:Maximum: 33 rounds per minuteSustained: 16 rounds per minuteElevation: 45 to 85 degrees

38. 106.8 81mm mortar (Con’t) The following are authorized cartridges for the 81-mm mortar, M29A1: • High explosive--M374 series and M362 series. • White phosphorus--M375 series, M370 series, and M57 series. • Illuminating--M301 series. • Training practice--M68 and M880 (SRTR).

39. M224 (light) 60mm Mortar

40. 106.8 60mm (light) mortar • 60-mm MORTAR, M224 • The immediate objective is to deliver a large volume of accurate and timely fire to inflict as many casualties as possible on the enemy • Mortars are suppressive indirect fire (high-angle-of-fire) weapons. They can be employed to neutralize or destroy area or point targets, screen large areas with smoke, and to provide illumination or coordinated HE/illumination • Found in the Weapons Platoon, of the Line Inf. Co.. 3 guns per section.

41. 106.8 60mm mortar (Con’t) : • The 60-mm mortar, M224, can be fired in the conventional mode or handheld mode. The mortar is a muzzle-loaded, smooth-bore, high-angle-of-fire weapon. It can be drop-fired or trigger-fired and has four major components: • The Canon • the bi-pod assembly • the sight unit • and the base plate M8or M7

42. 106.8 60 mm mortar • WEIGHTS • Complete mortar 46.5 pounds • Cannon, M225 18.0 pounds • Bipod Assembly M170, 15.2 pounds • Sightunit, M64A1 14.4 pounds • Baseplate 3.6 pounds • RANGE 70 to 3,490 meters

43. M198 Towed 155mm Howitzer

44. 106.8 M198, 155mm howitzer • General characteristics • Length: • In tow: 12.3 m (40 ft 6 in) • Firing: 11 m (36 ft 2 in) • Width in tow: 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) • Height in tow: 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) • Weight: 7,154 kg (15,758 lb) • Bore diameter: 155 mm • Maximum effective range: • conventional ammunition: 22,400 m (14 miles) • rocket-assisted projectile: 30,000 m (18.6 miles) • Rate of Fire: • Maximum: 4 round/min • Sustained: 2 round/min • Crew: 9 enlisted • Unit Replacement Cost: US$527,337 M777-Light Weight 155mm towed howitzer being fielded

45. M777 Light Weight 155mm Howitzer (Con’t)

46. M777 Light Weight 155mm Howitzer (Con’t) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Weight: 10,500 lbs or less Range: 30-40 km (assisted), 22.5-30 km (unassisted) Minimum Range: 3.7-2.7 km high angle Maximum Rate of Fire: 5-8 rds/min for NLT 2 minutes Min Elevation: 0 mils or less (300 mils for charge M119A2/M203A1) Maximum Elevation: At least 1275 mils Sustained Rate Of Fire: At least 2 rds/min External Lift: CH-53E & CH-47D @ high/hot (4000 ft/95oF); MV-22 & CH-53D @ low/cool (Sea Level/60oF) Heavy Drop: Yes (LVAD) from C-130 and larger Ground Mobility: NTE towing capabilities of PM; equiv. fording Prime Mover: USMC - MTVR, Army - FMTV 5 ton

47. 106.8 5/54 MK-45 naval gun • 5”/54 • Max range 21,887 meters • Ammo: HE/HC/ILL/WP • Max rate of fire 32/20 • Sustained rate of fire 30/16

48. M2 50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun

49. 106.8 M2 .50 cal (heavy) machine gun (Con’t) • The machine gun, caliber .50, Browning, M2HB (M2 .50 cal), is a belt-fed, recoil-operated, air- cooled, crew-served machine gun. The gun is capable of single shot as well as automatic fire. By repositioning some of the component parts, the gun is capable of alternate feed. Ammunition can be fed into the weapon from the right or the left side of the receiver); however, the infantry generally uses only left side feed. A disintegrating metallic link belt is used in feeding. The force for recoil operation is furnished by expanding powder gases which are controlled by various springs, cams, and levers. Maximum surface of the barrel and receiver is exposed to permit air cooling. Perforations in the barrel support allow air to circulate around the breach end of the barrel and help in cooling the parts. The heavy barrel is used to retard early overheating. “belt-fed, recoil-operated, air- cooled, crew-served machine gun”

50. 106.8 M2 .50 cal machine gun (Con’t) Weights/measurements: • Total system weight (gun, and tripod complete)     ...............……………......   128 pounds • Weight of receiver    ......…..................   60 pounds • Weight of barrel    ............…...............   24 pounds • Length of barrel     ...........…................   45 inches Ranges: • Maximum (M2 ball)     ..…………..   7,400 meters (approximate) • Maximum effective    ......................    1,830 meters • Grazing fire     .................……...........    700 meters • Ammunition: Caliber    .......................    50 caliber