Ukrainian artillery and mines destroy an APC and surprising number of soldiers, location unknown. An APC scoots across the screen, Russian soldiers piled on top of the vehicle as Ukrainian artillery chases it from right to left across the screen. The vehicle seems to outrun the artillery impacts only to detonate, probably from striking a mine. The vehicle vanishes and one soldier is launched into the air. A surprising number of remaining soldiers exit, spreading out in different directions. Some immediately fall to the ground while others stumble a few steps. A cloud of smoke blossoms near the feet of one soldier, likely from a mortar impact, indicating that the Ukrainians rightly covered their obstacles (the mines) with fires and observation. A few members of the squad seek cover in a large shell crater, but most remain near the APC, either injured or immobilized by fear. This squad is combat ineffective.

We have seen many videos with soldiers riding atop armored vehicles, and each time the Marine in me has to stifle the urge to throw something across the room. Part of the reason is that soldiers riding atop a vehicle are no longer protected by the vehicle’s armor, but another is the vehicle cannot function effectively with a gaggle of dudes riding about on top. Most IFVs and APCs have some sort of weapon system, often turret mounted, and that system cannot traverse and engage targets with a bunch of crunchies in the way, and by throwing a bunch of clowns on top, the APC has been reduced to the status of combat El Camino. It is also worth noting how the defenders effectively integrated artillery fires, mortars which created a dilemma that his particular squad was unable to overcome.

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 Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.