Amateur Combat Experience: Ammo Carrying in the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a period marked by intense and prolonged battles, necessitating extensive logistical planning and preparation, especially concerning ammunition. One crucial detail during this conflict was the ammunition loadout for M60 gunners. This article delves into the specifics of how much ammunition an M60 gunner typically carried, as shared by veterans themselves, along with the context of their squad’s overall ammunition requirements.

Introduction to M60 Gunners and Squad Ammunition Loadout

During the Vietnam War, M60 machine gunners played a pivotal role in combat operations. The M60, a light machine gun, proved to be a valuable asset in numerous engagements. However, to effectively utilize this weapon, M60 gunners needed to carry a substantial amount of ammunition.

According to several veteran accounts, M60 gunners usually carried around six belts of 100 rounds each. Additionally, each member of the squad carried two 100-round belts, providing a total of 400 rounds for the gunner and 600-800 rounds for the rest of the squad. This amounted to a considerable load, often exceeding 1500 rounds in total for the entire squad. Such heavy loadouts were necessary to sustain prolonged fire.

Multiple Accounts of Ammunition Carrying

First Tour Account: During the first tour, a platoon sergeant recounted his experience. The gunner had 400 rounds, while the platoon sergeant carried 200. Adding to this was the additional 100 rounds each carried by the rest of the squad. This made for a substantial ammunition load of nearly 1500 rounds for the squad. Moreover, for each BFA (Basic Fire Allotment), there were three ammo humpers carrying 200 rounds each, totaling over 1000 rounds for a single BFA.

Second Tour Scenario: By the second tour, the loadout had shifted. The gunner now carried the M60 with an assault pack containing 100 rounds, and an additional 50 rounds were sometimes wrapped around him. The assistant gunner carried the tripod and spare barrel along with 200 rounds. The ammo humpers carried 400 rounds each, while nearby riflemen carried 200 rounds. This scenario resulted in an even higher total of ammunition per gun team, estimated at around 2-4 thousand rounds, each carrying significant weight.

Comparative Studies of Ammunition Carrying Practices

Another veteran detailed their loadout during their time. The gunner carried 500 rounds, the assistant gunner carried 400 rounds, and the rest of the squad carried 100 rounds each. Each M60 squad in the platoon was equipped with this ammunition loadout, amounting to a generous supply per machine gun team.

This information highlights the practical considerations of ammunition carrying. While M60 gunners required a sufficient amount to maintain consistent fire, the squad’s overall loadout was designed to balance the need for ammunition with the weight and mobility of the soldiers. The varying loadouts across different tours and squad positions underscore the evolving nature of combat strategies and logistics during the Vietnam War.

Conclusion

The burden of ammunition carrying during the Vietnam War was significant for M60 gunners and their squads. The loadouts mentioned provide tangible insights into the practicalities of combat and the resource management required in such intense military operations.