My grandfather was part of the US Marine Corps during Vietnam, and he says that no one wanted to be inside their M113 during a crossing out of fear that if it sank or the river current worsened, you'd be trapped inside and drown.

Don't know if that's a reasonable fear or not, but it's an interesting piece of what soldiers fear in wartime.

[–] setsneedtofeed@lemmy.world 9 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

There’s been enough documented incidents of soldiers drowning in armored vehicles to call it a reasonable fear. Especially if the vehicle rolls over, that can be a very bad situation.

[–] Established_Trial@lemm.ee 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Wow! I can’t say I blame them as I feel the exact same way just thinking about it. People like your grandfather were more badass than we give them credit for

[–] PugJesus@kbin.social 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I'm glad my grandfather came away from the war much as my great-uncles said he was before it - a sweet, kind, silly guy who enjoys cheesy action and horror movies and loves my grandmother to death. I'm blessed to have him.

[–] Track_Shovel@slrpnk.net 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

How did that engine not flood

[–] PugJesus@kbin.social 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Some M113s are amphibious. Waterproof, floatable, and all that jazz.

[–] Track_Shovel@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 years ago

I meant to respond to this yesterday but it didn't get around to it. This post sent me down a rabbit hole about m113s. Apparently so most widely used armored fighting vehicle in the world. Even a nuclear missile launcher variety. Absolutely Baffling. That said, I've driven an argo in the bush and the shit people do with them is nuts.