Quote Originally Posted by gute View Post
From all that I have read on this thread I am coming to the conclusion that right size for the HBCT is to combine two HBCTs into one - three CAB maneuver battalions, each with a scout platoon with six M3. Infantry and armor support for the scout platoon comes from the battalion. The fourth CAB supplies the ARS which has three troops with 13xM3 and 9xM1 each. A fourth troop has a mech infantry company with a tank platoon. The remaining mech company falls under the STB as is used for security or whatever the BCT commander orders.
By combing two BCTs you would get fewer bigger units and get a personnel savings from the reduced number of HQs (BCT HHC(185 PAX), FA Bn HHB (86 PAX), STB HHC (165 PAX), & CSS Bn HHC (85 PAX)). By using a CAB HQ as the ARS HQ you save 290 PAX.

Two "standard" HBCT = 3711 X 2 = 7422

7422 -185 (extra BCT HHC) - 86 (extra FA HHB) - 165 (extra STB HHC) - 85 (extra CSS HHC) - 290 (ARS HHTs) = 6610