Joint Task Force Pope

[redleg]

Thanks for the comments, fellas! I feel like my skills are improving, but maybe I finally cracked the code with this last batch when it comes to dry brushing.

PG, maybe I will do a couple vehicles in a different pattern. Except for MASSTER - I'm scared to try and paint that pattern on anything!

[panzergator]

I've done a few in MASSTER. It's best to start with the sand. It's easy to get too much brown. Paint it second. Next is green, last is black. The sand and brown are about equal, the green is less and the black least. You can find patterns on the internet for different vehicles, which makes it easier. MASSTER is actually easier than MERDC.

[pmskaar]

Wow! That is some great work on all those vehicles. Back in 1985-87 I was stationed at Los Alamitos, CA with Readiness Group Los Angeles aka RGLA in the Armor BAT. I may have done some work with those guys while I was there.

[redleg]

That's pretty interesting, Pete! Were Sheridans ever used as a regular tank battalion? I'm only familiar with them as a cavalry platform, VISMOD for NTC, and as the airborne tank battalion for the 82nd.

I just finished up a trio of Blackhawks. I have been neglecting my helicopters for the last couple of years, but I'm going to try to finish up a couple air cav units soon. These Blackhawks are going to the assault troop of my ACR project.

[Hoth_902]

Brilliant Mike, simply brilliant looking. Now you need to get some decals on those birds.

[panzergator]

The only LIGHT ARMOR (note terminology) battalion in the US Army belonged to the 82nd. Its role was similar to the WWII US infantry division's tank battalion.

[panzergator]

The only LIGHT ARMOR (note terminology) M551 battalion in the US Army belonged to the 82nd. Its role was similar to the WWII US infantry division's tank battalion.

[redleg]

Thanks for the info, PG! I was thinking about building a whole battalion. Perhaps I will hold off until I get a few other projects complete

[Cav Dog]

Nice Job on the Blackhawks!

[chrisswim]

Mike, nice UH-60, look very nice.
Guess you are ready to insert some bad guys on a special op.

[redleg]

Funny story about my helicopters: Several years ago I found a site for US Army TO&Es that listed an ACR assault troop (aviation squadron) as having 15 Blackhawks. So I have had 15 Blackhawks on my mind for quite a while. Some time later, I came across some FKSM slide decks, and I decided that since they have great detail as to specific vehicles and personnel, I would use the FKSM 71-8 ACR reference, December 2008 as my TO&E guide. I have been focused on other parts of the regiment as I slowly (very slowly) collect helicopters. So anyway, my Blackhawk inventory is up to 12 birds and I look at the FKSM slide for assault troop and what the hell? 10 helicopters??? (Just for fun I looked at the FKSM reference from 2004 and it showed 8 helicopters in the assault troop).

So I guess my assault troops is complete! I'm still going to order those last 3 Blackhawks to be the EW birds, and I will repurpose the other 2. One will probably become my personal C2 bird as I currently have a Huey in that role.

And it's interesting to see the variation in colors i used over the years. At least the Army doesn't have any tan helicopters!

[panzergator]

Redleg,

Since I have a plethora of Sheridans and don't have the TOE for a plethora, I run two M551 reconnaissance battalions and one USAREUR-organized (6 M551s per platoon) armored cavalry squadron as a regiment. I also have a divisional squadron for one division and a couple separate troops for odd assignments in support of different formations as needed. When I get the 3d printer back up, I'll print the M113s needed to convert the battalions to squadrons, but I'm happy to run 'em as they are. I may remove the 152mm barrels from some to convert to 30mm, 35mm, or 40mm, which can be easily done with styrene. Maybe add some armor to those. The vehicle still has good speed, maneuverability cross-country. The Shillelegh and 152 gun round are the problem for the platform.

[pmskaar]

Excellent work on the Blackhawks, Redleg!

[redleg]

OK so I changed my mind....AGAIN! I'm going back to 15 Blackhawks. There was some variation between the references I was looking at (some had no Kiowas) so I ended up back at my original plan for 4th Squadron of 3 aero cav troops (OH-58D), 2 attack troops (AH-84D), and 1 assault troop (UH-60L).

PGH, I like how you think with the Sheridans! I just finished the 14 tanks for my company and I'm going to hold there for a while. Here are the 2 HQ tanks. I'll do a few support vehicles to go with them!

[panzergator]

Your Light Armor company might be available to secure your airfield or act as a ground reconnaissance company for your Air Cavalry unit. Other missions might support a river crossing if you've maintained the water screens, support infantry combat in cities or woods. The short barrel makes it a lot more useful in confined spaces or dense forests than the longer-barreled tanks. The company might support your Stryker troops or paratroops, as well. And there is always a guard or screen needed somewhere, TOC security, or trains security. It's a good "flying" company - quick reaction force. Just try to send a mounted infantry platoon along when you can.