1959 US Army Vietnam War Terrain Intelligence ... - Survival Books

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(4) Railroads are shown on the terrain study. Detailed information
is presented in the written text.
(5) Hydrologic structures of all types are described. Detailed
information is presented in the written text.
Section III. DESCRIBING MILITARY ASPECTS OF TERRAIN
33. General
a. Determining the military aspects of the terrain for ia particular
operation requires a knowledge of the terrain and of the operation
planned. Not having complete knowledge of any specific military
operation, the person preparing the terrain study should describe the
military aspects in terms of generalized operations. G2 will interpret
them in terms of the operation being planned. This is particularly
true of key terrain features and avenues of approach.
b. Descriptions of the aspects of terrain vary with the echelon. At
army level, descriptions are general; at division level they are more
detailed and specific.
34. Observation
The description of observation includes an evaluation of the ground
and air observation in the area, and a brief discussion of the terrain
features in that area that affect observation. Periods of visibility
are described by a visibility chart in the weather and climate section.
The effect of the terrain on observation by special devices such as radar,
infrared equipment, and sound-ranging devices is described when
applicable. The description of observation is generally included in
the text. A lower echelon study map may indicate the location of
individual observation points.
35. Fields of Fire
The description of fields of fire in the terrain study is included
in the text, and is primarily concerned with flat-trajectory weapons.
The description includes a general evaluation and a discussion of the
terrain features that affect fields of fire. Features which limit or
restrict fields of fire are described in detail. Terrain features that
create special problems in the use of high-trajectory weapons are
described when they exist. (Areas of marsh or volcanic ash that
smother explosive shells are examples of such features.) The possible
effect of terrain on nuclear actions is described when pertinent.
36. Cover and Concealment
This includes a discussion of the problem of constructing installations
to provide cover, such as foxholes, bunkers, and underground
installations. The means available for providing cover from nuclear
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