391: Chapter Three Hundred and Eighty-Nine: The Difficult Jungle Battle 391: Chapter Three Hundred and Eighty-Nine: The Difficult Jungle Battle Jungle warfare, throughout human history of warfare, is undoubtedly the most headache-inducing type of combat.
Everyone knows urban combat incurs heavy casualties, but the casualties in jungle warfare are not any less significant.
Large-scale jungle wars in human history are much less frequent than urban warfare, but each jungle war is accompanied by an extremely high casualty rate.
In military terms, jungle warfare usually refers to battles that occur in tropical forests, and the greatest trouble with jungle warfare lies in the fact that forests provide unparalleled concealment for both parties involved.
In the jungle, the most decisive factor in determining victory is geographical elements.
Whether one is absolutely familiar with the local environment determines the outcome of the battle.
Someone who is particularly familiar with the local terrain, vegetation, climate, and wildlife, even if only equipped with the most basic weapons, will have an absolute advantage.
Conversely, without this knowledge, the jungle itself will become the biggest obstacle.
High humidity and heat, along with copious rainfall, are harsh tests for both people and equipment.
The extremely limited visibility can render even the most excellent warrior helpless.
Imagine, Gao Yang is an outstanding marksman; he could have taken out enemies from hundreds or even thousands of meters away, but in a rainforest with absolutely no visibility, his long-range advantage is completely nullified.
The Satan Mercenary Corps is equipped with a night vision device for each person, so launching night raids is their most common choice.
This works in any environment other than the rainforest, but with the shelter of trees and dense vegetation, whether it’s low-light night vision or thermal imaging night vision, it’s all useless, and you still can’t see far.
Heavy weapons are out of the question in the jungle.
Tanks and artillery can’t get in, and planes can’t see the targets to drop bombs.
No matter what kind of heavy weaponry it is, precision strikes are not to be hoped for.
Carpet bombing would be the more feasible approach, and the jungle environment affects not only distance but also the effectiveness of firearms.
The trees can block bullets and absorb the shock waves and shrapnel from explosions.
The two most recent large-scale jungle wars were fought by the US in Vietnam and by Huaxia against Vietnam.
Everyone knows the results: the US military paid a heavy price in the jungles of Vietnam, with the most advanced weapons at their disposal but unable to handle the North Vietnamese guerrillas.
While Huaxia achieved victory, it also suffered heavy casualties.
For the generals of Huaxia and the US, the most troubling factor was not the Vietnamese military but the endless jungles.
Without the jungle, the Vietnamese would have been bombed to smithereens long ago.
But with the jungle, Vietnamese soldiers turned into monkeys that could jump and scurry around.
During the Vietnam War, the US used Agent Orange, a defoliant aimed at the trees and not at humans.
In Huaxia’s self-defense counterattack against Vietnam, to deal with the Vietnamese fire points hidden in the dense trees, the approach used was massive concentrated rocket barrages.
After waiting for the blast waves from the rockets to blow open the vegetation, gun artillery would take down the Vietnamese fire points one by one.
If countries as powerful as the United States and Huaxia find jungle warfare extremely difficult, not to mention the smaller and weaker countries.
For decades, Colombia’s anti-government forces have been unable to be defeated, simply because they could hide in the jungle whenever the battle turned unfavorable.
Without the jungle, the anti-government forces in Colombia would have been eradicated countless times.
Thinking about fighting in the jungle, Gao Yang genuinely felt troubled.
The Satan Mercenary Corps had equipment and skill advantages, but in the jungle, their advantages were minimized to the lowest point, and the enemy was undoubtedly familiar with the rainforest.
Just by that alone, Gao Yang and his team were utterly at a disadvantage.
And if the enemy also had an advantage in numbers and firepower, the outcome of the battle could be extremely disastrous.
Gao Yang hadn’t experienced jungle warfare, but he knew how terrible it was, and after voicing his question, Cui Bo responded with a gloomy face, “Yeah, once in the jungle, I’m useless.”
Gao Yang sighed and said, “Among us, has anyone fought in the jungle before?”
Glolov gave a wry smile and said, “Jungle warfare, I have fought in the rainforests of Congo.
I must say, it’s really difficult to fight there.
Thankfully, I was facing Congo’s rebel army, whose combat effectiveness is low and could not fully utilize their familiarity with the jungle to their advantage.
But even so, we still paid a heavy price.”
Tommy hesitated and then added quietly, “I’ve fought in forests, but not in rainforests, so I can’t say I’m familiar with jungle warfare.
However, I do have some understanding of fighting in forests; at least I know how to fire in a forest.”
Gao Yang was very interested and said, “Oh?
Tell us more, where did you fight in a forest before?”
Tommy spoke gravely, “In 1999, during the Kosovo War, to avoid NATO bombings, the South Union deployed a large number of troops in forests.
At that time, as a member of the civilian guerrillas, I also stayed in the forest for a while.
Later, when fighting against the Arzus, we often initiated battles from the forest and frequently fired from within.”
Gao Yang said with relief, “Very good, really good.
Although it’s not the rainforest, at least you have some experience.”
Bruce said gravely, “The Colombians aren’t those fools from the Congo; they’re experts in jungle warfare.
Big Dog, how much do you understand about jungle warfare?”
After pondering for a moment, Glolov spoke in a low voice, “I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I have some understanding.
I actually spent a considerable time in the Congo, so I do have some experience.
However, I’m definitely far behind those natives who live in the jungle.
Also, the environment of the Congo rainforest is quite different from that of the Amazon rainforest.”
Gao Yang shrugged and said, “You see, that’s the problem.
I’d rather fight a battle in the Arctic than take a stroll through the Amazon rainforest.
Don’t forget, the environment in the Amazon rainforest is even more harsh than in the Congo.
So, you all might want to consider carefully about whether to go to Colombia.”
Frey laughed and said, “What’s there to consider?
Satan isn’t afraid of anything, no matter where.”
Although combat in the rainforest is really annoying, I believe it’s feasible as long as we make the necessary preparations,” Glolov stated.
Bruce also laughed, “I know jungle combat is tough, but I’m more eager to accomplish this mission.
The British say that if you can fight in the jungle, you can fight in any corner of the world.
I want to try it out in the jungle.”
Everyone’s attitude remained firm; they were determined to go to Colombia.
Gao Yang nodded and said, “Great, we’ve confirmed our trip to Colombia then.
Tommy, do you have any thoughts?”
Tommy shook his head and said, “You’re the commander.
If you say we go, we go; if you say we don’t, we don’t.
I have no personal opinion.
Besides, if I get to join the combat and there’s a bonus for it, I’m very much looking forward to this trip to Colombia.”
Gao Yang clapped his hands and announced, “Alright, since we’re in agreement, our next concern is the equipment.
Our current gear is definitely not suitable for jungle warfare, so we’ll need to completely re-equip.
As the newbie, Tommy, you’ll get a full set of gear.
The communication equipment and clothing are standard, but you can choose your own weapons.
Let’s hear your preferences now.”
Without hesitating, Tommy said, “My primary role is definitely that of a gunner, so I need a mortar.
Just one barrel will do.
If I can choose, could you give me a Huaxia-made PP8960 mm mortar?
It’s very light; I can carry it myself.
Although the barrel is a bit long, its maximum range can reach 2700 meters, and the advantage of increased range is that I can make two shells land at the same time.
There might be a slight delay for the third one, but I can ensure the delay is within half a second.”
“Additionally, I would like the PP93 60 mm long-range mortar.
Its barrel is a bit long, but the weight is still manageable, and its range can reach nearly 5600 meters.
When necessary, I can achieve the maximum range I need, and the accuracy isn’t as bad as that of a rocket launcher.
However, the biggest problem with the PP93 for me is that it’s somewhat difficult to operate alone, and that’s if I’m using just one barrel.”
Immediately, Gao Yang said, “Is that all you need, these two types of mortars?
Of course, that’s no problem.
Do you have any other needs?
Also, I want to know if your choice is for this upcoming jungle campaign, or for general use in the future?”
Tommy pondered for a moment and replied, “That’s all.
The other cannons are too heavy.
As for what I’ll need this time, I think only the PP89 and the Type 63 will be necessary.
The full length of the PP89’s barrel is 830 millimeters, and the Type 63’s is only 550 millimeters.
Compared, the Type 63 is more convenient.
However, the longer range of the PP89 means greater instantaneous firepower density for me, so without knowing what kind of situation we’ll face, I can’t make an accurate judgment.
The best choice would be to decide after reaching Colombia and understanding what we’re up against.”
Gao Yang was very satisfied with Tommy’s meticulous attitude.
Choosing different weapons for different situations was a good habit.
As for mortars, which were inexpensive and plentiful, Tommy could have as many as he wanted.
Even if it meant discarding a mortar after a single use, it wouldn’t matter because a Type 63 mortar was only a few hundred US dollars; they could be considered disposable after firing off all the shells.
Gao Yang looked at Uriyangko and said, “Your business is here.
Tommy’s requests shouldn’t be a problem for you, right?”
Uriyangko smiled and said, “Of course.
I don’t even need to prepare for you personally.
When you arrive in Colombia, you can pick whatever types of mortars you want.
Southern Industry has exported a large number of 60 mm mortars to Africa and South America.
There are plenty of PP89s and PP93s, and as for the Type 63s, they’re everywhere.
I’ll have my colleagues prepare everything for you.” (To be continued.
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