I have always found short bursts from an M-2 to be very persuasive.
Jeff, I like the way your GMC and WG think. These guys are real problem solvers.
They couldn’t just pull alongside and drop anchor on the starboard bow?
Sweet.
The CMAA, GMC, Warrant Gunner and I had a long discussion about tactics after I reported aboard and did my first boarding (as just another team member). Which was pretty heady company for a ET2. We came up with the following:
- The cutter would maneuver so the vessel to be boarded (hereafter VTBB) would be amidships about 100-150 feet off the starboard side of the cutter. This way the M-2, 20 mms, and if so desired, an M-60 could all be brought to bear on the VTBB.
B. The lifeboard to transfer the boarding party would be lowered from the port side of the cutter, circle around the cutter and approach the VTBB from the far side.
III. Instructions to the crew/passengers of the VTBB would come from the loud hailer on the cutter.
4th. The boarding crew would be advised via radio from observers on the cutter when it was safe to poke my head over the gunwale.
We figured with lots of belt or cannister fed heavy caliber full auto aimed at them, they’d be less likely to be stupid. This way we got around the challenge of me climbing the boarding ladder and over the gunwale while holding an M-16, 12-g pump, or M-1911. The pistol would be holstered and/or long arms would be slung over our backs until we got both feet on the deck of the VTBB.
You have to remember they didn’t often get a chance to fire them. And they’re fun to shoot, especially when you can tell a GM3 or 2 to clean it after you’re done with it. I was surprised at the way they were willing to listen to a lousy ET2. I think it was the CIB.