Mr Thunderhands, I enjoyed reading your post. I have a quick question. Typically, the US Army was unable to execute doctrinal cavalry tactics in the southwest due to the uneven terrain and the use of severely restrictive terrain by the Apache. It seems that the Army really conducted operations as mounted infantry, utilizing their mounts to move from place to place, or deploy the rear or flanks of Apache positions/camps. The soldiers would then dismount and assault on foot. Would you say this was basically the same tactic used by the Apache during the engagements with the US Army? I know during raids on civilian targets, the Apache often remained in the saddle. Your thoughts and wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
The Apache used horses to get them from point a to point b and would often use them in raids. Having said that they were the supreme guerilla fighters and preferred to ambush from a position of stealth, which meant on foot. They used the terrain to hide, and could bury themselves in the sand, in a scrub-less terrain and not even be seen. Many of them used supernatural powers given to them from their god Usen. Some of the main Characters, like Lozen and Geronimo were Shamans and could access the supernatural, to know exactly where the enemy was at all times. The Calvary of the US army were like a fish out of water in the Arizona desert. Compared to the Apache they had two left feet. An Apache could run 80 miles in 110 degree heat with little or no water. At times when they were being chased, they would literally ride their horses until they dropped and would sometimes butcher and eat them. They then continued, on foot. They were some of the worlds best trackers. The only reason they lost was because of the following. One: The Army used Apache scouts for tracking. Two: They were outnumbered, and Three: the enemy had superior fire power. Having said that! The Army and others chased Geronimo for many many years with 20,000 people and could never catch Geronimo and his small band until they voluntarily surrendered. Hope that helps.
Mr Thunderhands, I enjoyed reading your post. I have a quick question. Typically, the US Army was unable to execute doctrinal cavalry tactics in the southwest due to the uneven terrain and the use of severely restrictive terrain by the Apache. It seems that the Army really conducted operations as mounted infantry, utilizing their mounts to move from place to place, or deploy the rear or flanks of Apache positions/camps. The soldiers would then dismount and assault on foot. Would you say this was basically the same tactic used by the Apache during the engagements with the US Army? I know during raids on civilian targets, the Apache often remained in the saddle. Your thoughts and wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
The Apache used horses to get them from point a to point b and would often use them in raids. Having said that they were the supreme guerilla fighters and preferred to ambush from a position of stealth, which meant on foot. They used the terrain to hide, and could bury themselves in the sand, in a scrub-less terrain and not even be seen. Many of them used supernatural powers given to them from their god Usen. Some of the main Characters, like Lozen and Geronimo were Shamans and could access the supernatural, to know exactly where the enemy was at all times. The Calvary of the US army were like a fish out of water in the Arizona desert. Compared to the Apache they had two left feet. An Apache could run 80 miles in 110 degree heat with little or no water. At times when they were being chased, they would literally ride their horses until they dropped and would sometimes butcher and eat them. They then continued, on foot. They were some of the worlds best trackers. The only reason they lost was because of the following. One: The Army used Apache scouts for tracking. Two: They were outnumbered, and Three: the enemy had superior fire power. Having said that! The Army and others chased Geronimo for many many years with 20,000 people and could never catch Geronimo and his small band until they voluntarily surrendered. Hope that helps.