<XMP><BODY></xmp> African RDF


African Rapid Deployment Force


        Colonel Alexander's article on a Rapid Deployment Force for Africa provides a good insight as to how any RDF should be applied –to create openings for following forces.
http://www-cgsc.army.mil/milrev/english/mayjun97/alex.htm

        For a whole continent the maintenance of one airborne brigade is a small investment of both resources and manpower. If done correctly a multinational African force would help break down tribal and national barriers. Cross training with American and European forces would also help promote greater understanding on both sides.
        To promote esprit de corps the force should have a good name. I'm inclined to name it after Shaka, who was probably Africa's greatest military leader, but I can see objections to this from certain corners. Those who have served with the RDF should be entitled to wear an RDF service ribbon.

        Where possible the force should use weapons and equipment of an African origin.

        The RDF would consist of troops seconded from their home army to the brigade for a tour of duty. Other elements of the Brigade, such as certain specialists, instructors, the brigade headquarters and some of the support battalion staff detachments may be of a more permanent nature.
        Seconded troops will generally use the equipment of their parent force.
        Many soldiers in Africa have found it practical to fight in tee-shirts and shorts where conditions allow. Suitably camouflaged examples of these items should be available.
        Webbing should have straps at the back so a field jacket and long trousers can be carried when not being worn.
        Extra camouflage cream will be required to cover exposed limbs, and this should be of shades that work well with a dark skin base. Any Caucasian soldiers will need extra cream to "Al Johnson-up", since white soldiers are often targeted preferentially.

        Standard weapon of the RDF should be the 7.62x39mm AKM. This is the weapon that most troops in Africa will be familiar with and large supplies of ammunition are likely to be available in the area of operations. Seconded units that use another weapon, such as the SANDF will convert to AKMs for RDF duty.
        Since the AKM cannot fire grenades without an adapter being fitted, the force should be amply equipped with M203 style launchers. The South African Revolver grenade launcher might also be used.
        Most units that were armed with the AKM before joining the RDF will probably also have machine guns using the 7.62x54Rmm round. However, South Africa is likely to supply most of the RDF's vehicles and these are likely to have 7.62mm NATO calibre weapons. Either the vehicles will need to be refitted or infantry units will convert to the FN MAG and Vektor SS-77.

        Most units will probably have the RPG-7 as a infantry support system, but the African made FT5 may also be adopted.
        Sniping rifles will be an important weapon for the RDF, acting as a force multiplier and allowing more precise removal of aggressors. It is possible that the snipers will form a fairly permanent contingent of the unit.
        The anti-tank platoons of the para-infantry battalions should include several 106mm Recoilless rifles as well as ATGW since these will be useful for infantry support.

Artillery
        The artillery allocation of the brigade will probably include several types of weapons. These may include:-
        At least one battery of light towed guns that can be moved by helicopter. Likely weapons are the 105mm British L118 (M119) or the Russian 122mm D-30.
        One or more batteries of 120mm mortars. These will probably be mounted on light vehicles, but can also be parachuted into action and moved by handcarts.
        Another useful system would be a battery of Multiple Rocket launchers, either mounted on light vehicles or trailers. The South African Mechem RO 107 may prove suitable.

        Air defence will be provided by shoulder launched SAMs, although it would also be useful to have a platoon of light automatic ADA cannon. The ZSU-23 will probably be used for this.

Armour and Vehicles.
        The Brigade should have at least a company of armour to provide reconnaissance and infantry support. The armament of these vehicles will also supplement the ATGW capability of the Brigade.
        Likely vehicles for this element are the Eland and possibly the 90mm armed Ratel, since the Rooikat is too heavy for C-130 transport.
        It is unlikely special vehicles will be produced for the force. This is unfortunate since what it really needs is an air-transportable assault gun/tank destroyer. This would be armed with a 90mm or 105mm gun and would be a lower and better armoured platform than any armoured car or light tank. A very simple way of producing such a vehicle is described here.
        Vehicles armed with 60 or 81mm gun mortars may also be used, and would prove useful in civil control situations.
        At least one para-infantry battalion of the brigade should be mechanized. This will allow the brigade to land in a safe area and rapidly move to its objective. Colonel Alexander suggests the Mamba APC. A vehicle for operations in Africa should be hardened against anti-tank mines. A better armed and more aggressive looking vehicle than the Mamba may be selected instead.
        While wheeled vehicles may be suitable for Southern African conditions, I'd like to see confirmation that this is true for all of Africa before a wheeled vehicle is adopted.



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