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2RHPZ
06-25-2004, 03:57 AM
"Combat experience gained in local conflicts and the use of troops in peacekeeping operations have demonstrated that the mobility of military units and separate groups, as well as the possibility of information transfer «from ear to ear,» is acquiring paramount importance. This problem is especially acute when troops have to operate in populated areas and on adverse terrain where vehicles' maneuvering is hampered and where troops act in small mobile groups.
High mobility is vital not only for the military but also for the border guard, police, rescue services and other law enhancement bodies. One of the ways to enhance mobility is a reliable cross-country motorcycle. During World War II, motorcycles, which were in service with all fighting armies, offered a relatively inexpensive and effective way to increase the fighting efficiency of military units. Later, motorcycles were replaced by heavier and more expensive armor-protected vehicles (APCs, mechanized and airborne infantry combat vehicles). However, the analysis of combat operations in Chechnya, peacekeeping operations in Yugoslavia and Abkhazia, the routine border guard service and actions by the Ministry of Emergency Situations' forces makes it evident that it is too early to discard the motorcycle and that it should be imparted new capacities.
Russia's Airborne Forces, which have celebrated their 70th anniversary this year, successfully employ motorcycles. These reliable and simple vehicles are used at checkpoints, by military traffic inspectors, for checking communications cable networks, and other purposes, and receive only good references."

"Motorcycles are indispensable in combat operations where there is no clear-cut line dividing opposing forces or when it is necessary to rapidly and covertly arrive at a designated place, engage the enemy and escape a retaliatory blow."

"The motorcycle can be used by reconnaissance, patrol and rescue groups, as well as by airborne assault groups for accomplishing special missions."


More (related linx, pix and specifications) at:
http://www.angelfire.com/art/enchanter/bike.html

gilgoul
06-25-2004, 05:27 AM
Motorcycle where used in my time by some pathfinder and messengers of tank units (501/503 RCC), if i remember well they used cagiva 350 cc and peugeot.

Flagg
06-25-2004, 06:40 AM
One of my customers recently brought in a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA used for running messages back in WWII.

It had a Tommy Gun holster(the Thompson is non-operational :roll: ) and an "anti-head-decapitating device" on it(a bar sticking up at the front of the bike with a wire cutter on it to prevent the rider's head from being popped off by stringing razor wire across the road.....sneaky Germans/Japanese).

The bike is truly badass for it's era.....unfortunately...it pisses about a quart of oil and sounds like a thundie going off every time it starts up.

Current NZ Army uses Kawasaki 250's for running errands and convoy management when radios are a no no.

Sounds like since Timor, 4 wheelers are taking over though :(