ISSUE 24 : Sep/Oct - 1980 - Australian Defence Force Journal

A CONCEPT FOR AUSTRALIA IN MID AND HIGH INTENSITY OPERATIONS 21the technique so successfullyemployed by the Africa Corps,have the battalion draw theenemy into a prepared killingground where, once halted, theymay be attacked by the division.Counter-Armour In The Attacka. In the attack tanks and infantry shouldassault together with artillery FO'smoving well forward in the assaultechelon to engage defending armour withCopperhead.b. FGA, if available, should be used todestroy depth echelons and to disruptenemy counter penetration/attack forces.c. The brigade counter-armour squadron,from a supporting position, may engagethe defending armour with guns andmissiles and interdict the counterpenetration force. At the completion ofthe assault phase the squadron must movequickly into a position from which it candefeat, assisted by anti-armour artilleryfire, the enemy counter attack force.d. The divisional counter-armour and attackhelicopter squadrons are an excellentcombination to secure a flank. (SeeDiagram 6)Counter-Armour In The Defence. It is in thedefence that the full range of anti-armourweapons can be co-ordinated with devastingeffect.a. The divisional counter-armour squadron,supported by tanks, FGA, AH and antiarmourartillery should commence itsoperations as far forward as possible,even forward of the screen position if theground is suitable.b. As the screen withdraws the counterarmourbattle should continue back bysuccessive bounds until it passes over andthrough the main position. The divisionalanti-armour units once through theposition may then move to counterpenetration/counter attack tasks.c. The defence is a splendid opportunity toco-ordinate the obstacle plan with thecounter-armour plan. Copperhead mayXTHE ATTACK.RDM.RDM+ DFCOPPERHEADDiagram 6