Members of Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade provide a modern perspective on combined arms as they defend Avdiivka. Russian infantry advance towards Ukrainian positions, moving through a desiccated tree line which provides scant cover or concealment. Shells explode about them, generating puffs of greasy grey smoke. A Ukrainian M2 Bradley enters from the right and hammers the Russians with 25mm fire from its M242 Bushmaster chain gun. The Russian infantry stop cold and seek defilade from the Bradley’s cannon fire, prompting the Ukrainians to send in the drones. Though their cover is sufficient to protect them from direct-fire weapons, the drones provide a threat which the Russians are ill-equipped to counter. They break and begin to retreat, hounded by drones and what might be mortar fire. This is an interesting and effective use of multiple systems to create a combined arms effect which completely neutralized this attacking force before it could close with Ukrainian positions.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.