ARTICLES

Source: CMIGroup.com
Potential LAV-based DFS using the Cockerill 90-mm turret
rifle companies, the manoeuvre space and reach for an MIB is greater due to the increased
range and effect of its weapons and sensors, with implications for the CO’s combat support
organizations. The mortar platoon’s medium mortars can still support companies in the
2,000‐metre to 4,000‐metre range. The DFS platoon, with heavy direct fire support weapons,
which are out-ranged by the 25‐mm cannon, can only offer the mechanized battalion the
proposed ATGM capability. Like the U.S. Stryker battalions, the DFS element of an MIB may
be more effective with a mix of armoured vehicles. An innovative mechanized DFS
organization using LAV hulls with anti-armour missile–equipped turrets and/or a large-calibre
gun-system turret such as the Cockerill 90‐mm turret (potentially manned by the armoured
corps) is an option which should be investigated for future capabilities. As France’s recent
campaign in Mali demonstrated, a lighter, wheeled DFS platform—more deployable and
easier to maintain than an MBT—was a very effective platform in supporting dismounted
infantry forces in an expeditionary contingency. 20
In the interim, the MIB combat support company will be organized in the same manner but
based on LAVs as opposed to light utility vehicles. More work should be done to address the
combat support requirements of an MIB with longer-range integral weapon systems. The final
organizational difference would be in the battalion’s maintenance platoon. As opposed to the
smaller maintenance requirements of the lighter IB, the MIB with mechanized rifle companies
and combat support platoons requires additional RCEME soldiers. A detailed table of
organization and equipment for the MIB is found below at Annex B.
78 THE CANADIAN ARMY JOURNAL VOLUME 16.2 2016