Russian drone footage of Russian infantry engaged by cluster munitions. A Russian team (or just three lost soldiers) approach an intersection and turn left, trudging somewhat unwisely down the center of the road. They actually look like they are walking home from school – not a whole lot of tactical savvy being displayed. A barrage of cluster munitions lands directly behind the three, directly on the road intersection (imagine that), driving the three into a cluster of trees. They emerge from cover, returning to the road, one soldier limping and another crawling. The crawling soldier lays still in the road and his limping partner lays in the grass near him as another round of cluster munitions lands around them. After wards they again return to the road, and the two soldiers begin dragging their disabled comrade to safety.

One would think that soldiers, even poorly trained troops, who have been fighting for longer than five minutes would know that road intersections are often pre-planned or registered artillery and mortar targets. There is little attempt at stealth or to move from cover to cover. The initial barrage lands directly on the road intersection which leads to the conclusion that it was a pre-planned target. Despite the close proximity of the cluster munitions the effects are not devastating as they are all still moving. High Explosive shells with a variable-time or point-detonation fuse might have achieved better effects.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.