LVT-5 in Riverine Operations in Vietnam

[Steak-Sauce]

For those who are interested, I've stumbled upon a recent essay and analysis about the employment of the LVT-5 in the Vietnam War. It's titled:

An Analysis of The Employment of the LVT-5 in Riverine Operations in Vietnam and a Recommendation For the Employment of the AAAV Future Riverine Operations by Major David L. Coggins, USMC.

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ada493329

Discussion:

The LVT used in Vietnam was the fifth variant developed for the Marine Corps and they were many intended for classical amphibious assault operations to the shore
and not much further. In Vietnam there were no classic amphibious assaults across the beach, but there were inland waterways, liquid highways, that carried the enemy and his supplies. Tactics, techniques, and procedures were designed to allow for the maximum employment of LVTs in riverine operations in Vietnam, but there were simply some things the LVT could and could not do in riverine operations.

The AAAV is a quantum leap from the LVT employed in Vietnam. With multispectrum signature reduction, increased land and water speed, digital communications,
and increased firepower the AAAV will provide the MAGTF with an ideal platform to support riverine operations. There will be things the AAAV can and can not do in
riverine operations.

So far it's an interesting read.

One question remains: Coggins states the LVTP-5 could carry a maximum of 34 combat-ready troops with 25 troops as the preferred number. How many Marines could ride in the command variant, the LVTC-5? I've searched with Google, but didn't come up with good results.

[tercio67]

IIRC the command variant was the same as the basic variant, just extra radio's and antenna mounts?

edit1;

http://www.guntruck.com/LVTP5A1Museum.html

edit2:

LVTC5 (Landing Vehicle, Tracked Command, Model 5). This is similar to the basic LVTP5 but the cargo compartment is equipped with additional communications equipment, tables, and mapboards. It has a command crew of nine, plus its normal crew of three. It is distinguishable from the basic vehicle by its additional radio antennas.

[Steak-Sauce]

Thanks for your speedy answer, tercio. Found that link earlier on, but can't see that extra last sentence speaking of 3+12 crew.. Strange. But thanks again!

[Hellfish]

Really interesting. Thanks!

[LineDoggie]

In the Hunnicutt Bradley Book, theres an interesting LVT-5 fitted with a twin 40mm turret like on the M19 and M42 anti aircraft vehicles. Apparently a one off. LVT-AAX1 still exists by the way.

http://www.amtrac.org/2atmc/Tracs/AM18.JPG

[LineDoggie]

For those who are interested, I've stumbled upon a recent essay and analysis about the employment of the LVT-5 in the Vietnam War. It's titled:

An Analysis of The Employment of the LVT-5 in Riverine Operations in Vietnam and a Recommendation For the Employment of the AAAV Future Riverine Operations by Major David L. Coggins, USMC.

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ada493329



So far it's an interesting read.

One question remains: Coggins states the LVTP-5 could carry a maximum of 34 combat-ready troops with 25 troops as the preferred number. How many Marines could ride in the command variant, the LVTC-5? I've searched with Google, but didn't come up with good results.

10 man crew including radio operators