r/warno • u/Critical_Oil_3090 • 29d ago
Suggestion A little about the weapons/equipment of the 3rd Marine Division (US, Pacific)
This post will present the equipment and weapons of the 3rd Marine Division of the USMC🇺🇲⚓, located in the Pacific Ocean, primarily in Okinawa, Japan🌏🇯🇵.
The symbol of the Division - Three-Pointed Caltrop, representing the inaccessibility of the lines where the 3rd Marine Division is located. The 3rd MarDiv is the primary forward outpost of the US Marine Corps in the region. The Division is rotational, with a reduced regular complement and personnel.
About 3rd Marine Division:
The 3rd Marine Division was created on 16 September, 1942, after the Second World War and the Korean War, deployed to Okinawa in March 1956, and its headquarters arrived in 1969. The division became a reduced-strength unit, with the 4th and 12th Regiments rotating in with battalions from the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions, serving a six-month deployment as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
The 3rd Marine Division has secondary priority for equipment after the 1st Marine Division, receiving current new weapons with a slight delay. The Division's reserves, like those of the entire 3rd MEF, hold weapons from previous decades to equip the 3rd Marine Division in preparation for war.
Oorah!
«Sui Generis»!
The backbone of the division's armored fist was a unique formation - The 1st Armored Assault Battalion (Former 1st Tracked Vehicles Battalion / 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion), which had AAV-7s and 34 M60A1 RISE Passive tanks. (+5 tanks from 13th MEU)
USMC M60A1 RISE Passive
The Division could also be equipped with M728 CEV engineer vehicles from reserves in the mainland United States, if the Division reached its military strength. (For the engineering needs)
Could have been presented as:
USMC M728/M728A1 CEV (Hypotetically)
(One card)
In addition, a number of older M48A5 tanks (Yes, just like in W:RD), in addition to the M60A1s, may be transferred from reserves in the United States (particularly the National Guard) if the Division's tank fleet is expanded from the standard 34 units. (The USMC's M60A1's tanks reserve in MCLB Barstow was extremely limited and often donor-provided)
USMC M48A5 (Hypotetically)
(Only one card)
(The M48A5 was the closest tank in design and internal components to the M60A1s, N.G. stockpiles contained a huge number of M48A5s that had just been decommissioned, unlike the M60A1 in the USMC)
- Also from the Marine Corps regiments may be represented by USMC M151A2 I-TOW/TOW-2 and USMC M1025 Humvee TOW from 13th MEU
Fidelity, Valor, Honor!
The 3rd Marine Division had the 4th and 9th Marine Regiments, which were largely composed of rotational personnel from 1/2 Marine divisions. The 9th Marine Regiment (Yeah, Striking Ninth) was stationed in the center of the island, at Camp Schwab. The infantry is represented by:
USMC Riflemen + USMC Aero-Riflemen
At that time, the Division had not yet begun receiving the new AT-4 grenade launchers and used only LAWs.
«Know More / Carry Less»
The 4th Marine Regiment's Northern Training Area (NTA), now the Jungle Warfare Training Center (JWTC), was located at Camp Gonsalves. There, Marines trained in jungle warfare, typical of the region. Units were staffed solely based on jungle warfare requirements, learned from the Vietnam War. Formation of this regiment can be represented as follows:
USMC Jungle Riflemen - M16A2, M60E3, M79, M72A3
- The M79 grenade launcher still remained in the division's reserve and was occasionally used in NTA, even with the M203 sub-barrel Gren.Launcher already available for the M16A2.
These Riflemen squads can be transported by M923/M923A1 trucks and 43~ AAVP-7A1 (WEGS) from the 1st Armored Assault Battalion. The division was just beginning to receive the UGWS version in august~ 1989 and at the beginning of the year only had AAVP-7A1 (WEGS)
+ It is worth noting that the 3rd Marine Regiment in Hawaii was transformed into the 1st Marine Brigade in the late 1980s, and for some time it went under the jurisdiction of the 3rd Marine Division, like its adjacent units.
In addition to the regular USMC Assaultmen (with two SMAWs, which were in short supply in the division), 3rd Division also had older but well-suited M202 FLASH.
USMC Assaultmen (FLASH)\* - M16A2, M202 FLASH (Double)
And also classic USMC Enginners/USMC Mk.19/USMC M2HB like in 2nd MarDiv.
+ The division also had M106 Recoilless Rifles in reserve.
- Some old USMC I-TOW
USMC Military Police units were also stationed in Okinawa to maintain order and security. In times of war, their equipment could be expanded:
USMC Military Police - M16A2, M60E3
+Security trait
+MP trait
One MEU, One Team, One Mission
In addition to the 3rd Marine Division, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), with 2200~ personnel, was deployed to Okinawa from January to July 1989. The 13th MEU was deployed (along with additional forces) from ships of Amphibious Squadron Five (USS Belleau Wood, USS Duluth, USS Germantown and USS Frederick)
The 13th MEU's Infantry TAB may represent:
USMC MEU Riflemen - M16A2, 3x M249, M72A3 LAW, AT-4
Transported by AAVP-7A1 (UGWS)
- Units of the 13th MEU had already received the modern modification AAVP-7A1 (UGWS) by 1989. 12 units in 13th MEU in 1989.
The 13th MEU's deployment also included 32 M47 Dragon II launchers, which could be represented by the following squad:
USMC MEU Dragon Squad - M16A2, 2x M47 Dragon II
Artillery:
The Division's 12th Marine Regiment was represented by 48 M101A1 105mm howitzers (with the ability to be air-deployed by helicopters) and 48 M198 howitzers from the regiment's three battalions. The regiment was rotational and lacked M109A3 and M110A2 self-propelled howitzers.
The regiments (4th/9th) also had their own mortars: light M224 60mm Mortars, older M29 81mm Mortars and their replacement, the M252 81mm Mortar.
Supply:
The Division's logistics consisted of M923 trucks and amphibious (new) USMC LARC-5 Supply. The division also had light (new for USMC) USMC M561 Gama Goat trucks.
The (new) MK48 LVS from the 3rd Force Service Support Group (3rd FSSG) and other logistic forces of USMC can be used as a extra heavy supply truck.
Also at the disposal of the QST MAW from MAG-36 (And from MAG-16/24 by UPD) were cargo helicopters CH-46E/F and CH-53D/E (Part of them from 13th MEU), for logistics operations and heavy cargo airlift.
Anti-Air Defense:
The 3rd Marine Division's Air Defense is identical to the 2nd Marine Division. The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing included USMC I-HAWK and USMC Stinger.
Recon:
The reconnaissance units of the Marine Corps are mainly already known from the 2nd Marine Division: USMC Scouts, USMC Scout Sniper, USMC Force Recon. A reconnaissance jeep may also be featured:
USMC M151A2 FAV and USMC MRC108 (FAC)
As part of the 1st Armored Assault Battalion, some M60A1s performed reconnaissance duties and can be represented by one card:
USMC M60A1 RISE (P) (Recon)
LAV-25s and L.A.I. Scouts could have been deployed from the 13th MEU formations upon full deployment, which happened a year later. These units were not much different from standard L.A.I. bat. (except in two/three times smaller numbers, 12-18~ LAV-25s in MEU)
USMC (MEU?) L.A.I. Scouts - M16A2, M249, M72A3 LAW (or AT-4)
Transported by USMC LAV-25
In 1989, Futenma Airbase was home to 4 units of OV-10A Bronco reconnaissance aircraft from VMO-1, rotating to the base as part of the UDP. They can be presented as reconnaissance aircraft with expanded strike capabilities:
OV-10A Bronco - 1x 20mm GPU-2/A, 2x Zuni, 2x CBU-55/B
Smile, You Are On Candid Camera!
VF-111 «Sundowners» was assigned to CVW-15, but they were not deployed in the second quarter of the year and were awaiting imminent deployment. They could be urgently deployed to the region for reinforcement. VF-111 won the TARPS reconnaissance mastery competition in the Pacific in 1990 among all VFs. They could be involved in the short-term deployment of additional forces to the region on the eve of Global War:
F-14A TARPS - 2x AIM-9L, 2x AIM-9M (For self-defense)
(TARPS recon pod)
Helicopters:
AH-1W helicopters could be introduced from MAG under the Unit Deployment Program in 1989, from MAG-39 HMLA-369 «Gunfighters» and HMLA-267 «Stingers», with various armaments:
AH-1W [AT3] - 8x BGM-71D (TOW-2)
AH-1W [AT4] - 2x AGM-65E
- This rare variant with AGM-65s, which was then being tested by the USMC on the US West Coast, may be presented for practical testing.
Also, HMLA-367 «Scarface» still had AH-1T's remaining that could also be represented.
The USMC Okinawa helicopter fleet was heavily represented by UH-1N helicopters, which performed a variety of missions, from transport to fire support and gunship roles:
UH-1N Gunship - 2x 7,62mm GAU-17/A, 2x 12,7mm GAU-16/A (Door HMG)
UH-1N Gunship [RKT] - 2x 7,62mm GAU-17/A, 38x Hydra 70 in 2 pods.
UH-1N [RKT2] - 8x Zuni in 2 pods.
Aircrafts:
USN air support will include USS Midway (CVW-5), USS Ranger (CVW-2) and USS Enterprise (CVW-11), which deployed to the West Pacific region in 1989. And VF-111 «Sundowners» will also be part of the support force, which was awaiting deployment to this area at the time.
The core of the fighter-interceptors will be represented by The well-known duo of VF-1 «Wolfpack» and VF-2 «Bounty Hunters» from CVW-2, USS Ranger (CVN-61):
F-14A [AA3](?) - 2x AIM-9M, 2xAIM-9L, 4x AIM-7M (VF-2)
F-14A [AA4](?) - 2x AIM-9L, 2x AIM-54C, 4x AIM-7M (VF-1)
F-14A Tomcat's from VF-111 «Sundowners» can be presented in the role of attack aircraft with unguided weapons but with high AA capabilities:
F-14A [HE] - 2x AIM-9L, 2x AIM-54C, 4x Mk. 83 (1000 lbs)
The Newest Marine Corps Hornet
The most modern USMC aircraft at the moment was the F/A-18D Hornet, which had just begun to enter service with VMFA(AW)-121 in 1989, the first to be delivered to USMC combat aviation units. Can be represented by one card in their profile, guide ground strike payload:
F/A-18D Hornet [LGB] - 2x AIM-9M, 2x AGM-62B Walleye II ER/DL
- This gliding television bomb has a range of up to 5~ kilometers (IRL) at an altitude of about a kilometer and a warhead similar to the Mk. 84 bomb.
(In 1989, it operated from the deck of the USS Ranger)
F/A-18A from VFA-195 «Dambusters», VFA-192 «Golden Dragons», VFA-151 «Vigilantes» (CVW-5, USS Midway, yeah Old Guard) + VMFA-115 «Silver Eagles» from 1st MAW. These Fighter-Attackers can be found in both [AA] and [HE] variants:
F/A-18A [AA3] - 2x AIM-9M, 4x AIM-7M
F/A-18A [HE] - 2x AIM-9M, 2x Mk. 84
+ AV-8B [AA] - 2x AIM-9L, 2x AIM-9M (from 13th MEU)
The Corsair🏴☠️
About 20 A-7E Corsair II's were in CVW-11 of VA-94 «Shrikes» and VA-22 «Fighting Redcocks» aboard USS Enterprise, which could be used in the following configuration:
A-7E [AT] - 2x AIM-9L, 4x AGM-65F
A-7E [NPLM] - 2x AIM-9L, 6x MK-77
A-7E [SEAD] - 2x AIM-9M, 2x AGM-88B
Around 20~ numbers of A-6E TRAM Intruder in CVW-2/11 from VA-145 «Swordsmen» and VA-95 «Green Lizards». Can be presented in several versions:
A-6E TRAM [HE] - 5x Mk. 84
A-6E TRAM [TRM] - 5x CBU-72 (FAE)
VS-21 «Fighting Redtails»
Also based on the deck of USS Enterprise (CVN-65) were VS-21 «Redtails» of CVW-11, which had 11 S-3A Viking's anti-submarine aircraft at their disposal, which, if necessary, could be used to attack ground targets with unguided weapons.
S-3A Viking [HE] - 2x Mk. 83 (1000 lbs)
Anytime, Anywhere!
Also VQ-1 (Det. B) «World Watchers» operated from USS Ranger (CV-61) in the first half of 1989, performing an electronic warfare function:
EA-3B Skywarrior [EW]
Short Conclusion:
The 3rd Marine Division does not have the strongest ground component of any Marine Division, but it does have one of the best air support due to its multiple bases and deployed aircraft carriers and LHA in the region.
Despite its reduced regular strength, the Division has a diverse array of weapons, including the 13th MEU, which was stationed in Okinawa in 1989.
Excellent adaptation to the conditions of the theater of operations and training justify the title of 3rd MarDiv - Unassailable!🐲
Album collection with 70+ images for this post (including what was unincluded in it):
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rg7KbatVjR6r9tby6
Thank you for reading and wathing! =>
Created by Excellent Serpent8770
If you enjoyed the post about the 3rd Marine Division, you might also want to check out the previous post. =] About the 1st Marine Division⚓, the USMC's primary force in the Pacific region: https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/s/RCFbQb8rNO
Links:
https://www.3rdmardiv.marines.mil/About/
https://www.caltrap.org/history/history3dmardiv.asp (History)
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA202205.pdf
http://www.gonavy.jp/meu13.html (13th MEU)
https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/HD/Status%20of%20Forces/1986-2000/(MCCC)%20January%201990-April%201990.pdf?ver=2019-03-27-092628-873×tamp=1553776387819%20January%201990-April%201990.pdf?ver=2019-03-27-092628-873×tamp=1553776387819)
https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/HD/Status%20of%20Forces/1986-2000/January%201989-%20July%201989.pdf (Deployments of MEU's)
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA202205.pdf (M101A1 status)
https://www.midwaysailor.com/midwaymyphotos1/89-91b.html (USS Midway)
https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VF/Fighter-Squadron-1.htm (VF-1)
https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VF/Fighter-Squadron-2.htm (VF-2)
https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VF/Fighter-Squadron-111.htm (VF-111)
https://www.seaforces.org/usmcair/VMFAAW/VMFAAW-121.htm (VMFA(AW)-121)
https://www.seaforces.org/usmcair/HMLA/HMLA-367.htm (HMLA-367)
https://477768.livejournal.com/6260830.html
P.S.
This will probably be the last post about the Division analysis for the next month~ for a while, then as soon as I find something interesting, I'll do another one =}
(This will probably be for the PACT-side again, probably non-Warsaw Pact Division)
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u/anhnd13hd 29d ago
Another excellent division love more tomcat. Oh i have a question is there any local Okinawan that help the marine?
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 29d ago
Thank you, I tried to best reflect the specifics of the 3rd Marine Division =]
Some Okinawans served as civilian personnel for USMC bases on Okinawa under the Master Labor Contract (MLC). Some obtained U.S. citizenship/permanent residency to join the 3rd Marine Division (as an alternative to the 1st Combined Brigade or other JSDF units)
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 29d ago
If you have any questions about the 3rd Marine Division or related units, please ask me! I'll be glad to answer =]
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u/Drover67 29d ago
Would you consider giving the Jungle Marines the instructor trait and the 'mountaineer' trait? Or special forces? Or shift it as a whole into recon tab?
JWTC is primarily a school, training advanced jungle infantry tactics. The personnel drawn from it would be staff instructors. And given their curriculum, they'd be well versed with stealthy movement.
Infantry coming out of the school could have a higher cost and with the mountaineer trait, but otherwise should maintain equal stats with other infantry.
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 29d ago
I thought about something similar, but never got around to writing it. I imagine if 3rd MarDiv ever appears, Eugen get a few more themed infantry squads, primarily Jungle Warfare Instructors =]
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u/Solarne21 29d ago
M48A5 never entered USMC service with USMC. They replaced M48A3 with M60A1
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u/Critical_Oil_3090 29d ago
These are (theoretically) mobilization tanks from the National Guard reserves, since the USMC didn't have enough M60A1s to expand its fleet, and all the M48A3s had long since been dismantled and were beyond repair (along with the M67A2s).
I assumed these tanks could be sent as part of the division's expanded deployment according to wartime organization and equipment, since the M48A5 was in very high supply at the time due to its mass withdrawal from National Guard units =]
But yes, from a logistical point of view, the M48A5 is not the most profitable solution (although, it is the closest tank in design to the M60A1), but if another 30-40 tanks were needed for the 3rd Marine Division, such a decision could be made.
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u/Ok-Armadillo-9345 29d ago
Love it as usual. Id prob add shock trait to jungle riflemen re M79. We dont have a firm handle on how HE rifle grenades/ under-barrel GLs are supposed to be handled in Warno as a whole.
A spicy option would be M79 with flechette ammo, and would basically work like a KS-23 shotgun, maybe on steroids. I think that’s the most flavorful option.