River Assault Squadron

The River Assault Squadron (RAS) formed the tactical element of the Marine River Force (MRF) and was maneuvered against the enemy units in the Delta. Each MRF had control of several RAS's. In effect an RAS was a water-borne mobile infantry battalion.

Each RAS was divided into two 'echelons' called A and B respectively. The 'A' Echelon was the combat element and consisted of a battalion of infantry and fire support vessels. The 'B' Echelon was the support and logistics element.

The 'A' Echelon

• 13 x TANGO BOATS
• Armored troop carriers based on the LCM 6
• Capacity = 1 Platoon
• Armament = 2x .30 Cal MG’s in the waist, 1x .50 cal MG on each side and 1x 20mm cannon in tub at stern
• 1 x CHARLIE BOAT
• LCM 6 converted to a C&C center for the Battalion
• Armament = 1x 20mm cannon in tub at stern, 1x .50 Cal tub on each side and a bow turret with 1x 40mm cannon and 1x .50 Cal MG
• 1 x ROMEO BOAT
• Medical aid vessel based on LCM 6
• Has a helipad forward over the tank deck
• Armament = 1x .50 Cal tub on each side and 1x 20mm tub at stern
• 2 x MIKE BOATS
• Converted LCM 6 monitor
• Armament = same as Charlie Boat but with an 81mm direct fire mortar in the waist and 1x .30 Cal mounting on either side
• 4 x ASPB
• Assault Support Patrol Boat – faster than LCM 6 and acting as a light monitor
• Armament = 2x 20mm turrets and 1x .30 cal on each side

Optional:

• PBR’s (Patrol Boats River)
• Fast launches
• Armament = twin .50 Cal mounted in the bow, 1x M60 on a pintle amidships and a 20mm or .50 Cal in the stern

The 'B' Echelon

This would be moored ‘down river’ and consist of the following;

• 1 x Romeo Boat (aid station)
• 4 x ASPBs for local security
• 1 x Tango Boat (refueller)
• 3 x Artillery Barges carrying a battery of 105mm Howitzers
• 1 x Helicopter Barge (fuel and landing pad for 3 Huey’s
• 7 x LCM 8 (5 for towing and resupply of the artillery battery and 2 for the helicopter barge)