This footage depicts a People’s Defense Force (PDF) mortar team dropping rounds on a Junta/Army outpost near Moegoke, in the Mandalay region of Myanmar, as well as a machine gun team.

The mortar crew is shown set up at 0:12. Note the less-than-stellar placement of the unit insignia over the fighters’ faces- it’s my guess that given the natural human tendency to look for faces, this is a quick-and-dirty way to rep the unit, annoying as it may be. My initial thought was that perhaps they were using the insignia to obfuscate the fighters and protect their identities, but it’s just a little too haphazard and inconsistent for that.

At 0:42, to the left, we see a PDF fighter in excellent socks using their cell phone to adjust angular measurements and aim. The myriad ways in which fighters improvise, adapt, and overcome to continue their fight- where ever they may be, across the globe- are always worth consideration. This is what brought the video to my attention and interest.

At 02:18, the footage transitions to a machine gun team, using what appears to be a PKM machine gun. The irritating placement of the unit insignia returns, like an unswattable fly. Among the PDF we see the usual mix of AR and AK pattern rifles as they move through the jungle.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.