Designing an Equipped Infantry Force with 100 Million Dollars

Imagine you have 100 million dollars to allocate to equip 10,000 infantry soldiers. How would you distribute the resources to maximize effectiveness and readiness?

Initial Budget and Considerations

The task is daunting. At a cost of just one million dollars per soldier, this budget might seem rich; however, it is important to break down the costs comprehensively. According to the break-down provided, 10 million dollars per soldier is simply too low, given the cost of training, operational costs, and other necessities such as food and ammunition.

Training and Mission Specification

To start, we need specific details to refine our allocation. Issues such as the inclusion of training, the mission's objectives, and the home region should all be clarified. What about the following?

Is training for new equipment included? Without adequate training, state-of-the-art weaponry and communications systems would be practically useless. What are the mission and duration of the operation? This will significantly impact the gear needed. A force meant to fight in the United States or Russia will require different equipment compared to one intended to maintain order in Africa or suppress civilian unrest in a Middle Eastern monarchy. When considering transportation and garrison, are field kitchens provided? Feeding soldiers can be expensive, and it requires a significant number of personnel to distribute meals. Additionally, are there existing bases, and what are the requirements for fuel and spares? Consider the government's funding source. In less stable regions, funds can be extracted from the populace, often via illicit means.

Sample Budget Allocation

For illustrative purposes, let’s tackle the example with a set budget of 10 million dollars per soldier, totaling 100 million dollars for 10,000 soldiers.

Clothing and Equipment

For clothing and basic gear, start with old British army DPM (Digital Pattern Modelling) camouflage, costing approximately 20 British Pounds (GBP) per set. Good boots, essential for protection and comfort, can be obtained for 100 GBP. A 100-liter bag might be procured for around 70 GBP.

Sleeping and First Aid

A sleeping bag at around 40 GBP ensures each soldier can rest. For other essentials, socks and washing equipment, consider 50 GBP in total. Webbing adds 100 GBP for utility and organization. Opting for a Ruger Mini 14 as a standard rifle, at 1,100 USD, and 50 rounds of ammunition at around 20 GBP, each soldier’s primary weapon equips for 1,277 GBP.

Field Artillery and Support

Each soldier will have a first aid kit worth 30 GBP, potentially extended to 50 GBP for a squad. Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) at 11 GBP each for a daily pack should suffice, with a budget for 70 GBP daily meals for the 10-person squads.

Transport and Protection

The budget for future vehicles and medical supplies totals 1,322 GBP per soldier, leaving a generous 6,842 GBP per soldier. A squad of four soldiers can be housed in a 2-person tent at 75 GBP. A CCF (Combined Cadet Force) starter kit including MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern) gear at 200 GBP can be considered.

Communication and Training

A first aid course at 112 GBP per soldier should be included, potentially supplemented by air soft training if professional training is not available. An L110A1 FN Minimi machine gun, at 6,000 USD each, and additional ammunition bring the costs up to 656 USD per soldier, further bringing the overall cost to 1,333 USD.

Additional Procurement

Remaining 1398 GBP per soldier can be used for various items such as radios, headphones, and anti-tank weapons. A total budget of 13 million GBP per soldier would allow for additional tanks, fuel, and spares.

Conclusion

With clear mission objectives, home nation, and home region specifications, budget allocation for equipping 10,000 soldiers can be refined to maximize efficiency. Understanding the unique challenges and requirements of each operational environment is critical to achieving a well-prepared and effective force.