Philippine V-150 Commando Fleet: Outdated But Still Good Enough

Summary

The Cadillac Gage Commando, also known as the M706, was designed in 1962 and played a significant role in the Vietnam War as an armored convoy escort. Despite being largely obsolete in modern warfare, it remains valuable to smaller forces in regions like Southeast Asia and Africa. The vehicle combines the roles of an armored personnel carrier and an armored car, excelling in amphibious capabilities and jungle warfare. The V-150 variant, used by the Philippines, is known for its adaptability and durability, featuring various armament configurations and even improvised armor to withstand insurgent attacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Gage Commando, also known as the M706, was designed in 1962 and is now largely obsolete in modern warfare but still serves in smaller forces.
• 😀 The Cadillac Gage Commando is still in use by nations such as those in Southeast Asia and some African countries, especially for minor conflicts and insurgencies.
• 😀 The vehicle was originally engineered for the U.S. Military Police Corps during the Vietnam War, where it served as an armed convoy escort vehicle.
• 😀 The Gage Commando was one of the first vehicles to combine the roles of an armored personnel carrier and an armored car, similar to the Soviet BTR-40.
• 😀 Its amphibious capabilities, waterproofed engine, and height made the Commando effective in the jungles of Vietnam, particularly for river crossings and vegetation observation.
• 😀 The Gage Commando was produced in three variants: V-100, V-150, and V-200, each offering different configurations and capabilities.
• 😀 The V-150, a hybrid model, combined features from the V-100 and V-200, featuring a heavier axle and modified suspension units.
• 😀 The V-150 has a 4x4 wheel configuration, can reach speeds up to 70 mph, and is fully amphibious without preparation for swimming or fording.
• 😀 The V-150 could carry a maximum of 12 crew members and had the option to be outfitted with various weaponry, including light and medium automatic weapons and anti-tank systems.
• 😀 The V-150 series was exported to 25 countries and became prominent in the Philippines in 2017, where it was used with improvised armor against ISIL insurgents, though the effectiveness of the armor against RPGs was uncertain.

Q & A

What is the Cadillac Gage Commando, and when was it designed?

The Cadillac Gage Commando, also known as the M706, is an armored vehicle designed in 1962. It was specifically engineered for use by the United States Military Police Corps during the Vietnam War.

Why is the Gage Commando still in use despite being largely obsolete?

The Gage Commando remains in use due to its utility in minor conflicts and insurgency situations, especially in smaller forces such as the Army of Southeast Asian Nations and some African nations.

What are the key features of the Gage Commando that made it effective in the Vietnam War?

The Gage Commando's notable features include its amphibious capability, waterproofed engine, height, and ability to observe opponents over thick vegetation. These features made it effective in the jungles and rivers of Vietnam.

What are the three variants of the Gage Commando, and how do they differ?

The Gage Commando was produced in three variants: V-100, V-150, and V-200. The V-150 is a hybrid variant, combining features from the V-100 and V-200, with a focus on heavier axles, modified suspension units, and an upgraded hull for carrying heavier weapons.

What role did the V-150 Commando serve in, and what were its capabilities?

The V-150 Commando was a versatile 4x4 wheeled vehicle capable of achieving speeds up to 70 mph. It was amphibious, with a watertight hull, and could carry up to 12 crew members. It was used in various roles, including armored personnel carrier, anti-tank vehicle, and mortar carrier.

How was the V-150 Commando armored and armed?

The V-150 had a variety of armament stations, supporting light and medium automatic weapons, missile systems, mortars, and cannons up to 90mm. It also featured a fire-extinguishing system that could be operated by the driver.

What was the significance of the V-150 Commando in the Philippines in 2017?

In 2017, the V-150 Commando became prominent in the Philippines when photos appeared on social media showing the vehicle with improvised armor, made from wooden planks and flattened ammunition crates, to protect against ISIL insurgents.

How effective was the improvised armor used on the V-150 in the Philippines?

The improvised armor, which was applied to the V-150 Commando in the Philippines, provided some protection against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), though its effectiveness against proper RPGs was considered limited.

What other countries have used the V-150 Commando?

The V-150 Commando was exported to around 25 countries, making it a widely used vehicle in various regions around the world.

How does the V-150 Commando compare to similar vehicles like the Soviet BTR-40?

The V-150 Commando, like the Soviet BTR-40, was one of the first vehicles to combine the roles of an armored personnel carrier and an armored car, offering versatility for various military and combat situations.