This is why KZread has pretty much displaced all of my TV viewing except the occasional Seinfeld episode. So much research and effort has gone into this, by just a normal "nobody" citizen and not a production house, with information you just can't get on TV. Well done! Subscribed.

Still one of the best historical and tactical series ever placed on youtube. With excellent narration.

0:41 "Purple Heart Formation" LOL Great video, keep it up!

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sub, the watch, and the comment!

@seanmac1793

3 жыл бұрын

it's the tactical blob everyone know this. It makes the units way easier to manage

@anthonyhayes1267

3 жыл бұрын

There was a portion of a standard bomber formation that was call purple heart corner

@loteixeira

2 жыл бұрын

​@@seanmac1793 LOL tactical blob. I totally lost my shit.

@seanmac1793

2 жыл бұрын

@@loteixeira it's much easier to band box select units when they are in the tactical blob and then you attack move them

For ww2 buffs like me, this is what I've looked for for decades and you have nailed it perfectly!!!! Hope you can keep up the interesting info.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. I try to make the types of videos I wanted to see when I started researching this stuff and was trying to get it all straight.

@Glove513

4 жыл бұрын

Seems like the WW2 doctrine was more thorough than when I served in the ‘80s. We had a dude in my platoon that always used to say “Scouts Out, Sir” when saluting officers. Now I finally know what he meant. Thanks for putting out some very well done and very educational content.

i read the comments my advise "keep making these"

You really cannot stop making these, you do much to good of a job.

@bigmoniesponge

3 жыл бұрын

He has returned!

I've recently discovered your vids and have enjoyed them. More, if you please. 😉

These are fantastic. Please keep them coming.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I may not be able to crank out these videos as quickly as I'd like, but there are plenty more to come.

@survivalchef8684

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook sir. Need more video For ww3

My Dad was a platoon scout in WWII, now I appreciate his bravery even more.

Your videos are so deadpan funny and informative. I love them. I just watched all of them. That transition. Wonderful. I can't wait for more to come. Thanks for all your hard work.

Yes! I've been waiting for a new video, please put out more of this material (in your own time of course) it is SO informative and historically accurate there's no other youtuber who covers what you do and I love every video you put out! maybe one day you could cover modern US tactics and maneuver warfare in general.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. A lot of work goes into these videos so it's gratifying to know others find value in that effort. There are definitely more on the way (in my own time of course).

Im late for the party but man, i hope you keep doing more videos. It does really help.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. I plan to continue. I don't know if it's one long party that's just begun, or if there are several parties planned. Semi-annual surprise parties.

These are excellent videos. As a former WWII reenactor, these would have been helpful for people running field exercises as part of reenactment events. I hope you make more!

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I will be definitely be making more.

And here I was, just thinking I would enjoy seeing another of your videos. Keep up the good work.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, good to know the channel's not forgotten. I always think my notifications bring some confusion -"When did I subscribe to this channel?"

@CommissarMoody1

5 жыл бұрын

Ha, well I honestly watched the videos all again last week. So they were still fresh in my mind.

I wanted to thank you for all your work & effort on these. I've found them to be incredibly informative & found nowhere else on the platform.

As always a brilliantly produced and researched video. They are always worth the wait. Keep up the great work.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for coming back. I always appreciate the support of my repeat shoppers (especially since the shop is only open once every few months).

Please make more videos! These are excellent, and that's an understatement. You have a gift my friend. I figure mechanized cavalry reconnaissance squadron formations and tactics are about 200 videos down the list, but I'll be here waiting.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I really appreciate it. Progress on my new video stalled-out about halfway through...But it will be finished eventually. And there will be more videos following it.

Such an underated channel. Please upload again! Your vids are popping' off!

and with this i am subscribed i love stuff like this its really interesting. you make enough jokes to be entertaining while being serious and clear enough to understand and believe you. you mic could use some work BUT nothing that cant be ignored.

please keep the amazing work! I have been looking for the details in these videos for a long time. Finaly I found them in a well manered material. Well done!

"Formations and movement techniques are not the sexiest of topics" Since when? What memo did I miss?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Hey, I may not agree, but I am having trouble imagining a 40 vs 40 multiplayer video game where one side walks in formation for an hour or two while the other side just waits in holes.

@filipeamaral216

5 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Play Arma and you will see. he he he Great video. I love to study small unit tactics. You should make a video about the Marines next!

@owo5869

4 жыл бұрын

Filipe Amaral Squad better.

@owo5869

4 жыл бұрын

G.I. History Handbook Proximitly one platoon vs another one cool.

@sleepingninjaquiettime

3 жыл бұрын

It's really basic and simple and also really boring to do.infantry movement is actually a little interesting compared to armor movement and formations. It sounds cool but trust me it's simple AF. Once you do all day contact drills boots on the ground you would never be that excited about it again.

I don't remember it being described in the fm 7-8 but we called it a platoon in V, squads in column, teams in wedge. Every time we did any movement it was SOP in every unit I was in to call the whole thing out...like platoon in column, squads in column, teams in wedge. Or platoon in wedge, squads in column, teams in wedge.

Keep it up dude. I love this videos. It teaches us a lot of things that we didn't know back then and is really neat to see all of those informations. Thank you for giving us a lot of details on how they used to fight the enemy back then and how the formations were utilized in WW2 by the USA.

your information is seriously satisfying. I love learning these things from you- awesome videos !

Thanks for the videos. We are really hoping you'll be able to produce more.

Love your videos. Well done. I can't wait for the next one.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. I appreciate the support.

Man, this made me really appreciate and think about the role of scouts.

These are amazing, please start making them again.

I really appreciate your videos. Good job!

Very good video and I would love to see more but what I already have is of excellent quality and can stand on it's own. Please make more

Yeah m8 hoping you're still putting more of these together, not just for this war but for others! Great content

recently discovered your channel hope you upload more content, love it all

Mannnn, these are fantastic! Please keep dropping these vids! Dope!

Wow it's already been 6 months since this video... When can we expect the next one?

Loved that bit at 0:41. Would love a short video roasting other movies like this. Love your work!

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

That could turn into quite a long video... Thanks for watching.

This series is fascinating. Thanks.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. My formations videos in particular are not the most popular, but I think the topic is a key piece of the puzzle, if not the most compelling to viewers.

Keep theses videos coming please!!!

Some new videos would be great. Love the content and you have a good voice for the work your doing.

Your videos are great. I know they take a long time to do, but thanks for doing it. Keep them coming!

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. I plan to keep them coming.

@overanalysedhistory6070

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook not to pester but we are still waiting and we will wait

Just stumbled on to your channel. Really well done. I love smart content.

How's the Platoon Tactics video coming? Just wondering, I know the whole incident happened during the first attempt and all, but your videos are great, you, Military History visualized and Hand Grenade division are probably the three best Military history youtubers out there, I can't wait for what the future brings, anyway, Good luck and God's speed sir.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. I apologize for the sluggish progress. About halfway through the video I hit a creative wall. I couldn't figure out the best way forward, and just put the video aside hoping the inspiration to finally crack it would come to me. I hate letting my subscribers down, but I don't want to put out a video until I'm happy with it. I really appreciate the interest and encouragement.

These videos are absolutely awesome, I really do hope you can do more in the future and maybe expand to the Marine Corp or jump the fence and discuss German platoon formations.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I assure you, there will be more videos in the future...

Excellent informational piece! Not going to lie up until the 10:30 I was sweating the platoon leaders position in the formation. I kept thinking: "Man, they must really hate their LT!"

Great video man! Really enjoyed it 👍

Loving your content man, keep it up!

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thxs for the info, I'm glad I'm to old to use it but I sure thank the ones who have and will in the future,, gb

🏅🥇🏆Very well done my friend. Informative and interesting. An excellent documentary in my opinion. 👍🤙👌🎯

Awwwww :( honestly I seriously enjoyed this video. I'm sad to see another video hasn't been uploaded but this video was HIGHLY enjoyable and it's things that I love to learn about. Keep up the good work and can't wait to see more videos in the future :)

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

@TheLameguitarist The platoon tactics video is finally up if you're still interested!

big thanks for all your videos ... i hope that you make others about Vietnam war

Could you make a Video on how to hold positions or other defensive aspects? Really enjoying your videos so far. Keep up the great work.

I haven't had a chance to watch this yet but I do enjoy these video so thank you for putting them out, even in modern days these tactics can be used do modern army or army that do not have the edge in technology

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for stopping by. I hope it was worth the watch whenever you got around to it.

i do love these videos and the graphics but i would like to see more of the old school footage in these videos

Very cool !

So... It's been almost 14 months since the last time you posted a video... Not to be impatient, or anything, but when can we expect another video in near future? Or should we even expect new episodes in the first place?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the interest and the gentle prodding. You have every right to be impatient. I dropped the ball and let my subscribers down. I began work on the next video nearly a year ago (the audio is fully recorded and about a third of the visuals are complete), but I became so frustrated I put it aside and never returned to it. I just wasn't happy with how it was turning out and lost motivation. (If I was bored by it, how could I expect viewers to be interested?) But, one of the side-effects of social distancing during a global pandemic is more time to revisit and finish stagnated projects...

@tylerm9509

4 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Glad to hear you're still working on these. They are very informative!

I'm a simple man; I see a G.I. History Handbook video, I like it.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate it.

Hello @G.I. History Handbook. Love your videos, just wanted to suggest putting a thumbnail link on the video during sections where you mention another video in your series. other than that keep up the good work.

Lovely. Thanks again. 🖖

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for watching. 👍

like you said, it would be refreshing if Hollywood paid attention to stuff like this.

Get this man a keg of beer! Loved the vids mate! P.s the advert to this video was the new remastered version of Apocalypse Now. Can it get any better?!?!? :-)

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Very much appreciated.

Love these videos. Plan on making more?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

@Thomas The follow-up video has been posted if you're still interested.

Keep these coming man

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

I plan to. They take some time for me to put together, but the work continues.

@smokingunstudios6474

4 жыл бұрын

G.I. History Handbook I know was a content creator myself, just saying They are great quality stuff so I’ll be looking forward to your next upload

Your content is amazing - well illustrated, knowledgeable, thorough, with impressive original source cited to support even minute detail. I eagerly await whenever you choose to cover weapons platoons. I disagree with your concern that this subject matter isn't "sexy"; you're illustrating what few really have, the real and actual methods that fighting men moved and were organized. You really should consider a patreon page! Even if you worry about not being able to keep a consistent schedule, you could set it so that you are only paid by your patrons when you release a new video.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. It's extremely gratifying when someone recognizes the effort that goes into these videos. I really do appreciate it. Whenever my viewers bring up Patreon I consider it, but I'm not quite sure what I can really offer my patrons. What kinds of perks would you be interested in?

@mastermaul345

5 жыл бұрын

Hey! Sorry for such a late reply. Anyhow, to be honest I would be more than satisfied with a more regular release schedule. But I realize that may not be a very realistic thing to ask of you. As an alternative, you could possibly offer the source material you have referenced? I've had a very hard time tracking down the Infantry Journals you have frequently drawn from. You could also perhaps offer the artwork you have used in creating these episodes to a higher tier?

hey there I have a question for you. if able could you talk about unit makeup and formation of a us mechanized infantry platoon circa 1989/1990s . Ive been putting together a Twilight 2000 campaign and have been getting conflicting information on unit makeup and use of such units. if you have any insight or information on the subject please let me know

I don't care what formation you are in. Us combat engineers would put in an irregular outer edge minefield to ruin your day.

dying for the next!

great job, keep it up buddy

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. There's always more on the way...Slowly but surely...

I learned from this. Ty

Like before watching. Full confidence

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I hope it was worthy.

@martiaseques

5 жыл бұрын

Sure was, @@G.I.HistoryHandbook

So good. I would *love* to see you cover a WW2 British Section and/or Platoon.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. While I've read some War Office Infantry Training Pamphlets and watched some UK infantry training films, I haven't dug any deeper.

@gulfrelay2249

4 жыл бұрын

Go to Lindybeige.

The Purple Heart Formation... Hollywood's favorite formation.

0 dislikes just as it should be, i dont think there is a justification to dislike such a video

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Well, it was bound to happen eventually. Someone's clumsy finger must have hit "dislike" by accident.

Another great video, I'm enjoying these immensely.. Just one nitpick. Please provide distances in meters too, that would be excellent.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

I usually do provide distances in meters. In this video they appear on the bottom left-hand side of the screen in black text. I don't say them out loud, but I try to provide the approximate metric conversions...Most of the time...

@5ataner

4 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Not saying the distance in meters is fine, however your previous video had meters next to yards and I was expecting the same in this video. I completely missed the fine print in the corner and had to convert the distances by manually.Well, I'll know where to look next time. And again, thanks for the great video.

Another wonderfully put video. Is there any place we can privately contact you? I’d love to help contribute to research, editing, or funding if possible! I’m well acquainted with airborne related things, and so are a few friends I know that are in the history scene.

Great video, may I ask what the symbols for the PLT Leader, PLT Sgt, and etc are called? And where can I learn more abot these.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

Жыл бұрын

They are just referred to as "military symbols." A general overview of authorized unit symbols can be found in FM 21-30, but other manuals (such as FM 22-5) and various training materials contain many more representing individual soldiers. (These sources don't always agree with each other -- sometimes a squad leader is a single slash, sometimes it's an "X" -- but I have tried to use a consistent set of symbols across all of my videos.) The system was first developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers during WWI, and it is still the basis of current "NATO Joint Military Symbology," but it is an ever-evolving system. (For example, enemy units are now represented by red diamonds rather than red rectangles.) The symbols in my videos were all used in WWII-era sources at one time or another. Some are still in use (platoon leader), others are period-specific (platoon guide).

@thekuan7002

Жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook thanks for the reply. Guess I'll just have to be careful which symbols to use during which period.

What about ammo and extras across *Organization of the WWII U.S. Army Infantry Rifle Squad* count of BAR magazines (how much on pouches BAR gunner, assistant and carrier), M1 Garand round clips per single rifleman, grenades (frag/smoke) ect, total ammo count on squad (section)? Maybe you knew some link about this (even platoons and companyes)?

Love the videos, is there any chance that new videos will come?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

There will definitely be new videos...

@NarwhaI95

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook I'm looking very much forward to it!

@theminorityshack7071

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Same

Can you clarify on the Able, Baker, Charley subdivisions of the squad? In a previous video you mentioned that A,B,C were late war terms and probably not used in combat. In this video IIRC you quoted a soldier using those terms. Can you also tell when the manual that first used Able, Baker, Charley was written? I first read about them in Weigley's Eisenhower's Lieutenants.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

The Able, Baker, and Charley terminology for the scouts, BAR team, and riflemen does not show-up in any Field Manuals (that I've seen) until the 1 February 1946 edition of FM 22-5, Leadership, Courtesy, and Drill. That's five months after the Japanese signed the Instrument of Surrender in Tokyo Bay. But, the Able/Baker/Charley terms, as well as their accompanying arm-and-hand signals, were introduced into doctrine a year earlier. Until new manuals were printed, or received official numbered changes in the off-years, doctrine was altered with a series of temporary Training Circulars that added-to or replaced doctrine found in the Field Manuals. The contents of successful TCs were incorporated into future FMs. The Training Circular that introduced the Able/Baker/Charley teams was adopted at the end of January 1945. It was absorbed by the training infrastructure in the months that followed, but was not reflected in any manuals until after the war. For example, on 30 March 1945 the Clemson University newspaper (The Tiger, Vol.XXXIX, No. 20) printed an article titled, "New Drill Prepares Cadets for Combat," that informed its readers about a change to the school's ROTC program: "The Clemson Cadet Corps is undergoing intensive training and instruction under new Army Regulations in reference to Extended Order Drill, dated January 29, 1945. …A squad can best be directed and controlled by breaking the squad down into...ABLE, BAKER, and CHARLIE. (A, B&C). These team designations are used in conjunction with arm and hand signals which are also effected by the Training Circular that contains the new three teams..." (Note: The team arm-and-hand signals from the 1 February 1946 edition of FM 22-5 are completely different from the wartime set depicted in this video at 13:10. The signals from early 1945 were introduced as new additions to the then-current edition of FM 22-5, Infantry Drill Regulations, Change 4 dated 1 December 1943. The 1946 signals involved holding a rifle pointed up, down, or sideways.)

@UmHmm328

5 жыл бұрын

G.I. History Handbook Thank you for the detailed response. I don’t know if you’ve read Weigley’s book but he criticizes it as a weakness in combat. Do you think he knew these distinctions as far as when the system was actually implemented?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

To my great shame I have not read Weigley’s classic, so I don't want to comment on material of which I'm not familiar. I will say that nearly everyone who's ever written about this subject has regurgitated some lines from the June 1946 "Report of Special Committee on Organization of the Infantry Division," about Able/Baker/Charley tactics rarely being employed in combat, specifically the under-girding opinions from the "Tactics B" committee, and called it a day. They then cite each other and create a Woozle effect. It's clear to anyone who digs into wartime training material (official, semi-official, unofficial) that Able/Baker/Charley teams don't show up anywhere until 1945. When authors talk of their use before then, in Normandy for example, I do wonder how deeply they've actually delved into the subject.

@UmHmm328

5 жыл бұрын

In your video, it’s Mr. Catanzaro, 41st Infantry Division, that mentions the breakdown of the squad into 3 sections, but he does NOT use Able, Baker, Charley. .That’s what I thought was someone quoting ABC prior to 1945. Helps to hear it a second time.

Nice videos, Where do you find those figures to make the soldiers and graphics?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I create everything but the period photographs and manual illustrations. It's the part I hate the most and takes by the far the most time. Conducting research, writing scripts, recording audio...those are the parts I don't mind, but the graphics soak-up the time and cause the most frustration.

@CiboloCreekTactical

4 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Thanks, I have been looking for ways to create or download some simple top down figures for a military/preparedness project I want to do.

Good stuff.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Once done with all the US Army stuff it'd be really cool to see some UK/Commonwealth Section content, you don't really see a lot of that either in reading or video form

I am just wondering, 1 if there is an eta on the next video, and two how high up the chain are you playing to go, company level battalion etc

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

I blow past too many deadlines to make any commitments...Not too soon, but not too long I hope. "It'll be done when it's done." I plan to keep going as long as it's fun. I don't have firm plans beyond my next three videos, but I have lots of stuff percolating.

@TrashGoblin824

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook I'm happy at least to see you're not dead and haven't abandoned this channel :)

Hey G.I! When are we gonna get the rifleman squad defensive tactics I’m dying for it ahaha

I wonder if there are similar and or sources for how other armies like the commonwealth, soviet and German armies moved at the platoon size

Is there by any chance that the next video you do will show the formation of a U.S. rifle company or the weapons platoon?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

My next video will be on rifle platoon tactics, but my next organization video will cover the weapons platoon. I don't plan on making another dedicated formations video. These are my least popular type, and I've already said much of what I've wanted to on the subject. That doesn't mean I won't discuss weapons platoon or rifle company formations, I'll just add that information to either an organization or tactics video...I'm not sure which yet...

@jimmymcknight7345

4 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Sounds perfect understand man. Keep up the good work. 👍

I was wondering if you or anyone following this channel might answer a question for me. I'm curious about life in garrison. That is, on a military base as it would be for, say, bomber pilots or even infantrymen before going into France on D-Day. Specifically, I'm curious about their daily routine and something has me a bit confused. The definition of reveille as I understand it, is the bugle call that tells a soldier it's time to wake up. However, I've discovered that it's actually used to signal when the flag is being raised at the beginning of the official working day. Can you shed some light on this? Did soldiers actually wake up when reveille was sounded? Or were they expected to wake up before that and be in formation by the time reveille was sounded? Thanks in advance.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

According to The Officer's Guide (1942), reveille was the "signal for morning roll call." While TM 20-205 (1944) defined reveille as a, "bugle call marking the rising hour at a post or camp," soldiers were actually awoken by "First Call." (I've seen a 1943 article in which first call is described as "roll over and go back to sleep" and reveille as "scramble for clothes.") Soldiers weren't actually expected to be in formation until "Assembly" was played five minutes after reveille. First call was classified as a "warning call," reveille was a "service call," and assembly a "formation call." So, first call meant: Wake up! Reveille meant: Seriously, get up! We're calling roll soon so you better be out here." Assembly meant: If you're not in ranks before this tune ends you'll be listed as AWOL! Reveille was also when the color was raised. The flag went up on the first note of "Reveille." Depending on the installation, this would also be accompanied by the boom of the "reveille gun," also known as the "morning gun." There was a similar custom in the late afternoon; the bugler played "Retreat," the flag was lowered on the last note, and the "retreat gun" (AKA "evening gun") was fired. The bugler would also play "To the Color." (If a band was present the national anthem would be played.) During the reveille and retreat ceremonies all transportation was halted and military personnel (as well as US civilians) stopped to salute the rising/lowering flag (or direction of music).

@rgurwell

5 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook That helps a great deal. Thank you for the clarification.

@konstantinosnikolakakis8125

5 жыл бұрын

Fun fact, reveille is a french verb which means "to wake up" (except in french the two Ls are pronounced as a Y as in "you").

Could you please make another vid about platoon tactics that’d be awesome...

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

That's my next video. Coming soonish...

@thenikelperian3109

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Thanks, your Videos are very educational and interesting so they’re basically great!

@spencergorman366

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook You would not believe how hyped I am to hear that

@theminorityshack7071

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Keep going man! I hope things are alright!

Have you thought of making such videos but on later (or earlier) conflicts or do you prefer sticking to WWII?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Just World War II for now. I've certainly dug into earlier and later periods, but mainly to get a handle on where the WWII stuff evolved from, and what it evolved into. For example, in the process of making this video, I researched interwar and Cold War platoon formations to understand where they sat on the continuum. And it's always interesting to check in on modern doctrine to see what is still around, or just which way the pendulum has swung. (These basic platoon formations are still around, but look more like their pre-WWII versions because they both utilize four-squad platoons.)

Please make "Tactics of the WWII U.S. Army Infantry Rifle Platoon"!

how was the squad/ platoon camp place to sleep and eat orgonized?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

In combat, members of the platoon slept and ate in a hole in the ground that they dug themselves. In bivouac (army camping), the platoon bivouacked as part of the company, and the company as part of the battalion. The battalion usually provided interior guard, air-antitank warning, and a bivouac outpost. The company set up its own kitchen and latrine. If a platoon was tasked with outpost duty it would also conduct patrolling. It may have constructed roadblocks or prepared demolitions. Foxholes were still dug in case of emergency, but men could sleep in tents that were concealed from aerial observation. An outpost squad could be posted as outguards with some members acting as sentinels.

@michaelmilburn911

5 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Do you think there could be a video on this information in the future?

Are you gonna do an artillery video?

THX

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

In WWII combat Sept 1944 France, the CO of the 141st IR ordered that a Platoon of the 1st Bn be assigned to protect a Forward Observer establishing an OP overlooking the St Ame Valley. What would the composition of such a Platoon most likely look like? Fighting their way to the OP was considered a possibility in the Co's order .

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Well, as I always say, "I'm just some guy on the internet." There are others out there, maybe reading this very comment, with experiential incite that could be layered atop the historical. I can only provide you the answer of "a man with a book in his pocket."There were several factors such as time, distance, terrain, and the enemy that would needed to be accounted for. If the platoon had a ways to travel, and needed to get there in a hurry, it may have started the march in a platoon column. As the platoon was acting on its own, and the enemy situation was uncertain, by the book, it would likely transition to a platoon wedge when contact became possible/probable, as this formation provided the most flexibility and best all-around protection. This is all dependent on terrain. A wedge could be difficult to maintain if the platoon was pushing through heavy woods, as an example. (At this point in the war the 141st was in the Vosges, right?)

@herbertstrickland9015

4 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook This "Platoon" with Forward Observer was motorized and pushed through the marching 2nd Bn to establish the OP expeditiously. The FO told me in 1994 that he recalled having six or eight riflemen with him at the OP. Thanks for your prompt response.

@herbertstrickland9015

4 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook Yes on Vosges. The "Platoon" and FO departed from the Moselle River bridgehead and established the OP near Putieres in a limestone rock quarry overlooking the St Ame valley. The "Platoon" of Co B was attached to the 2nd Bn at 1100 hrs on Sept 24, 1944 and pushed through the 2nd Bn whose destination was Putieres. My father was KIA on the 25th in route back to the Moselle River bridgehead when his jeep and companions were ambushed at a German roadblock. My father was MIA for four days but a jeep companion that was KIA was reported KIA on the 25th.

Any chance you have a Power Point of this for use in teaching in the field?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry, I don't.

Ok, I'm gonna say it, because it has to be said, your videos are excellent, well researched, and generally good. But, there is one small problem, you haven't uploaded in two years. As one of your long time subscribers, I suggest, despite your creative block, or whatever it is, to either post the platoon tactics video, or move on. I say this as a fan who enjoys your content, and wishes to see more of it. May you one day have a million subscribers!

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

The platoon tactics video is definitely coming next. I've dusted it off and the thing is on track to be over an hour long. (I've got nearly 50 minutes completed.) I think I might split it up into two parts.

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

In case you didn't have notifications turned up, I'm happy to report the next video it up.

I see you didn’t touch on the platoon wedge being able to take contact from the rear

Nice video could u do a vidoe on the training of a ww2 gi

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

5 жыл бұрын

It's something I've toyed with, but it's not in the queue right now. I've got a specific video in mind that will cover a certain major aspect of training…

I have see a Lt. Col Paul S. Bond in books going back to the 1930's, one of FM's you have used shows a Col Paul S. Bond 1945. If this Officer entered WWII as a Lt Col, how did he stay a Lt Col or a Col for so many years?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

He was no longer an active duty officer by WWII, but he still ran P.S. Bond Publishing Co., where he edited resources "conforming to the War Department program." His company produced things like updated ROTC textbooks each year.

It has been a year and a half. Where are you?

Where is the next video!!!

Any plans on continuing the topic?

@G.I.HistoryHandbook

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely. Tactics of the WWII U.S Army Infantry Rifle Platoon...When it's finished...

@buckplug2423

3 жыл бұрын

@@G.I.HistoryHandbook cool!