Alpine regiment: Difference between revisions
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==Individual Gear and Weapons== |
==Individual Gear and Weapons== |
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[[File:Scout sniper snow MARPAT.jpg|thumb|right|180px|USMC sniper and spotter. The sniper is using a [[M40]] SWS equipped with a silencer]] Specialized weapons are needed to fight in extreme conditions. Gun oil gets very viscous in cold temperatures, so special lubricants are needed for reliable small arms. [[Assault rifles]], [[sniper]] weapons [[pistols]] and [[sub-machine guns]], normally silenced and having advanced optics, are used by alpine forces. Long range killing is preferred, to keep stealth and reduce risk of fatalities. [[Grenades]], [[mortars]] and [[rocket launchers]] are rarely used due to risk of [[avalanche]]. [[Machine guns]] are rare too, because of their weight and bulk. Most common [[ammunition]] is of a coarse-grained [[gunpowder]] and brass coated projectiles. Most common calibers are [[5.56]], [[.308]] and [[7.62]]. [[.50 BMG]] is not as common because it produces a very large sound and the weapons it is used in are much too heavy and bulky. |
[[File:Scout sniper snow MARPAT.jpg|thumb|right|180px|USMC sniper and spotter. The sniper is using a [[M40 rifle]] SWS equipped with a silencer]] Specialized weapons are needed to fight in extreme conditions. Gun oil gets very viscous in cold temperatures, so special lubricants are needed for reliable small arms. [[Assault rifles]], [[sniper]] weapons [[pistols]] and [[sub-machine guns]], normally silenced and having advanced optics, are used by alpine forces. Long range killing is preferred, to keep stealth and reduce risk of fatalities. [[Grenades]], [[mortars]] and [[rocket launchers]] are rarely used due to risk of [[avalanche]]. [[Machine guns]] are rare too, because of their weight and bulk. Most common [[ammunition]] is of a coarse-grained [[gunpowder]] and brass coated projectiles. Most common calibers are [[5.56]], [[.308]] and [[7.62]]. [[.50 BMG]] is not as common because it produces a very large sound and the weapons it is used in are much too heavy and bulky. |
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Revision as of 00:54, 20 January 2012
It has been suggested that this article be merged with Mountain warfare. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2012. |
Alpine Regiments depend on mountain warfare to engage enemies and survive harsh conditions. The term alpine comes from the Alps in Europe and regiment comes from the French term régiment describing a military unit. An alpine regiment is a unit or division of a countries' armed forces that is tasked with conducting operations and or patrolling alpine areas.
Conducting military operations in alpine areas is an extreme challange to foot soldiers due to below freezing tempetures, crevasses and extreme weather. Fighting on slopes in areas with a very low tactical advantage against an enemy presents it's own problems. Troops need specialized weapon systems, advanced support systems, specialized clothing and camouflage, highly trained soldiers and a group mentality.
Individual Gear and Weapons
Specialized weapons are needed to fight in extreme conditions. Gun oil gets very viscous in cold temperatures, so special lubricants are needed for reliable small arms. Assault rifles, sniper weapons pistols and sub-machine guns, normally silenced and having advanced optics, are used by alpine forces. Long range killing is preferred, to keep stealth and reduce risk of fatalities. Grenades, mortars and rocket launchers are rarely used due to risk of avalanche. Machine guns are rare too, because of their weight and bulk. Most common ammunition is of a coarse-grained gunpowder and brass coated projectiles. Most common calibers are 5.56, .308 and 7.62. .50 BMG is not as common because it produces a very large sound and the weapons it is used in are much too heavy and bulky.
Snow Camouflage is also a huge factor in alpine warfare, due to little or no natural cover. "Snow camo" was a key emphasis in the Winter War in the 1940's because of the winter conditions of the front lines.
Modern snow camo is a kind of MARPAT style snow variations.