Hi guys,

I am planning on some dismounted TOW teams for my modern US Army. I was wondering how many soldiers would form such a team? Obviously a gunner and a guy who helps setting up the launcher. But given the weight of the system, I doubt it is only two. Anybody any info?

Chris

_________________
Sgt. Screams 28mm/20mm/15mm Wargaming Blog (Modern, Sci-Fi)

I think the lowest level that you can still find them would be a Bn weapons company. I remember the tube and CLU and tripod where seperate when used dismounted so i would think minimum of 3 crew dismounted.
Normaly you have them mounted on vehicles , a section of 2 vehicles 1 with luancher and some spare rounds and a second vehicle carrying ammo and maint items 2 guys to a vehicle...course thats from along time ago when we had them in M151s. I dont recall seeing them other then in AFVs recently.....Mikey

_________________
"All Men for the rights of Every man, every man for the rights of all Men"

I saw them dismounted, overlooking valleys in Afghanistan. So, I only wonder how many guys are with one launcher tube, so I can paint up the correct amount.

Recently, the ITAS (Improved Target Acquisition System) has begun replacing older TOW2 sights in ground mounts. This has a much improved thermal sight, not only improving accuracy, but also serving as a very handy surveillance tool for infantry units.

_________________
Sgt. Screams 28mm/20mm/15mm Wargaming Blog (Modern, Sci-Fi)

I have the same pic but I think it was being used as survalance aid rather then a weapon system.....Mikey

_________________
"All Men for the rights of Every man, every man for the rights of all Men"

I read somewhere that the official crew requirement for a TOW is three guys (gunner, a-gunner and pack mule), but I can't remember where for the life of me!

_________________
Platoon Sergeant to his new 1stLT:
Sir, I like to do things the easy way, and I hear you like to do what works... Let's just toss the book now!

I would have thought personally for a dedicated crew, it would be 4 to 5 in number. Working on the fact, the team would need at least one man for each major part to be lugged. One man to carry some reloades and another possibley for security and general assitance in carrying gear.

But thats purely from my head. I have no actual knowledge of current deployment fashions.

To my knowledge there are no dismounted TOW elements left in the US Army. While the TOW can be dismounted from the HMMWV carrier and mounted on its tripod, the vehicle is supposed to be the prime mover. The TOE authorized crew for a TOW carrier HMMWV using the ITAS is 1 NCO, 1 Gunner, and 1 Asst. Gunner.

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed to know. Still there will be a dismounted TOW in my Army. Adapt to the situation, you know....

_________________
Sgt. Screams 28mm/20mm/15mm Wargaming Blog (Modern, Sci-Fi)

From the picture of the one dismounted in Afghanistan, you'd clearly not be far from the reality.

Re: number of Soldiers for dismounted TOW team.

I am currently assigned to a (light/motorized) Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron equipped with M1151 HMMWVs. Each of our two (motorized) Reconnaissance Troops (company-sized element) have three Scout Platoons, each with 18 CAV Troopers and six M1151 HMMWVs: two w/ ITAS (and/or M240B or M249 SAW), two w/ M2 Cal .50 HMGs, two w/ Mk. 19 AGL (and/or M240B 7.62mm MGs). All vehicles have three crewmen (driver, gunner, TC), though a medic is usually carried in one on missions.

Though each TOW vehicle carries everything required to dismount the missile system (tripod, sight, batteries, etc...) they would not normally do so unless required to by the mission, or to establish a well emplaced/concealed Observation/Firing Post. In which case... the TOW would be manned by the three-man vehicle crew or whatever personnel are assigned to provide security for that position.

In other words... the weapon would be manned by as many personnel as are available.

Chris Maes

_________________
1 SQDN 126 CAVALRY RGT
"Courage Sans Peur"

sooooooo there Sgt Scream if you use a dismounted tow team I'm tellin Shawn on you!...Mikey

_________________
"All Men for the rights of Every man, every man for the rights of all Men"

Hello Sgt. Scream,

while it is not a TOW, this site shows three man with each Dragon in the Ranger Weapons platoon.

http://www.suasponte.com/modernrang.htm

But i think, you allready knew this, oder?

Greetings
Wolflord

_________________
"My officers are the first out of the airplane door and the last in the chow line." James M. Gavin

"There must be some way out of here, said the joker to the thief."

The Weapon System TOW as described in FM 3-22-24 ist usually operated on a M966 (HMMWV) and crewed by 3 soldiers, squad leader, gunner and driver/loader. Mounted on tripod, the FM gives no definite number of crew members. It is assumed that these tripod mounted missions are rare and improvised only. The three-member team is thus default.


Quote on the tripod-mounted use of the TOW/TOW2 (FM 3-22-34 p2.1):

_________________
ad astra per aspera
liber et infractus

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." –- Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

Having been a weapons platoon leader in the late 80's - our TOW crews were 3 men. Commander, Gunner and driver/loader. We regularly dismounted with this setup. As far as I know things are still the same with the three man crew.

_________________
Tom

my question is why use the tow when u got a lighter, better, and more maneuverable weapon with the Javelin. we got Tows here and the only time we ever brought them out was to use the thermals for surveillance.