"Belgian Mech Platoon" Topic

I am interested in how Belgian mechanized or infantry platoons were organized as there is some quite conflicting data.

Pretty much all sources agree on 4 vehicle platoon (whenever M75, APX, M113 or AIFV) carrying Platoon HQ and 3x Squads.

Squad size seem to be quite consistent at 11 men (sans driver and vehicle commander that would give 9 dismounts). Armament is usually given at all FN FAL force, albeit at least one source gives two FAL-O shooters per squad in 1960s.

Platoon HQ is where things get complicated, as I am under impression it served as weapons squad as well. What is usually mentioned are 6-7 men, holding 1-2 machine guns (usually two FN MAG, particularly for later periods), 1x Blindicide RL-83 and 1x 60mm mortar. As MILAN was introduced in 1979-1981 period, it seems 1-2 firing posts were also added. 8x LAW seem to have been also carried.

As one of those guys was RTO, how were all those weapons manned? Even if HQ/weapons section was 11 men too, it would still have been very hard. Since all sources agree that weapons were distributed to squad according to tactical situation, does that mean they were operated directly by soldiers from 3x mechanized sections? Some weapon specific training was certainly necessary.

Weapons and Tactics: Hastings to Berlin by Jac Weller (1966) gives a total heavy weapons in Belgian infantry company as 3x 60mm Light mortar, 6x MMG, 3x RL-83 Blindicide. On top of that were additional 2x 81mm Mortars and 1x .50 HMG in company headquarters.

Total men per platoon 44, 3x squads of 11 men plus Platoon HQ section with 11 men as well.

Squad is given as: 1x MMG (in APC, can be dismounted), 2x AR (FAL-O), 1x scoped FAL, 3x auto FAL, 4 semi-auto only FAL, 1 SMG.

Extrapolating, that would mean 2 men per 60mm mortar, 4x men per MMGs and 1-2 men for Blindicide. 7-8 fighting men, 1x RTO, platoon commander and driver.

I don't know how they crewed MILAN posts as well however….

The only official source I have seen is Guide Technique du Sous-Officier d'Infanterie from 1954, however organization have probably changed. Still it gives an interesting perspective.

Rifle is SAFN 1949.

Platoon HQ:

- platoon commander (SMG, 5x magazines, flare pistol)
- platoon 2inC (SMG, 5x magazines)
- assistent (same as above)
- 2x runners (one with SMG, other with pistol w/ 26 rounds)

3x Rifle sections (each 9 men)

- section leader (SMG, 5x magazines)
- 2x rifleman (rifle, 10 x 5 round stripper clips)
- 1x rifleman w/scope (same as above)
- 1x rifleman w/ENERGA (rifle w/launcher, 2x ENERGA)
- 1x ENERGA rifleman assistant (rifle, 2x ENERGA)*
- 1x MG Gunner (.30cal MG, 9x 20-round magazines, pistol)
- 1x MG Assistant (rifle, 50 round bandolier, 8x 20-round mags for MG)
- 1x MG Corporal (SMG w/5 mag, 3x 20-round mags for MG)

*Additional 2x ENERGA rifle grenade could be carried in vehicle

Weapon section

- section leader (SMG, 5x magazines)
- 1x MG Corporal (SMG, 5x magazines. 4x 20rnd ammo boxes)
- 1x MG Gunner (MMG with tripod, pistol, 9x 20-round magazines)
- 4x Ammo Bearers (rifle, 50 round bandolier, 8x 20-round mags for MG)
- 1x Blindicide Gunner (rocket launcher, 2x HEAT rounds, pistol)
- 1x Blindicide Assistant (SMG w/5mags, 4x HEAT rounds*)

* additional 3 rounds could be carried in vehicle

That gives 5-men HQ section, 3x 9-men Rifle section and 9-men Weapon section, for a total of 41 men.

Wow, fantastic info, many thanks for sharing this.