1963 US Army Vietnam War Armor Operations ... - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMtaneous assault on the objective by the leading force. This technique is especially effective inunits. For a discussion of formations in a dis- an attack of a deep objective. In any event, themounted attack with tanks see FM 7-20 and entire attack should not be halted because ofFM 7-11.engagement by leading elements with enemyb. Time of Attack. Time patterns are avoided security forces. If the enemy resistance is suchto facilitate surprise. Consideration must be that commanders may lose control or receivegiven to the mission and enemy situation. If the effective fire during the attack, visible illuminaattackis to seize favorable terrain for a suc- tion may be employed and the advance conceedingdaylight attack, it may be launched tinued as a daylight attack.during the final hours of darkness to give the c. The ideal to be achieved in the night asenemyminimum time in which to interfere sault is the same as in a daylight assault. Dewiththe subsequent attack. However, attacks ployment by platoons to line formation is comlaunchedduring early darkness permit the at- pleted without halting; any prolonged halt attacker to take maximum advantage of a long this stage of the operation increases the chanceperiod of darkness and exploit the enemy's con- of detection and allows the enemy time to refusionand loss of control. Attacks may be dispose his force on the objective. Mechanizedinitiated during darkness and continued with- infantry remain mounted until dismounted acoutpause during daylight.tion is required. When further surprise cannotbe achieved, visible illumination is initiated or219. Conduct of the Night Attack increased and mechanized infantry are disa.The attacking forces cross the line of de- mounted to allow the force to place its maxipartureat the time prescribed by the operation mum aimed and concentrated firepower on theorder. Commanders are well forward to insure enemy. The key to firepower in the assault isaggressive movement of their units, mainte- volume. The key to shock effect is movingnance of direction, and coordination with other tracks. Every effort is made to maintain theunits and the base of fire. All leaders must line formation and prevent it from breaking upinto isolated groups.exercise close control over their elements to preventa premature assault.220. Actions on the Objectiveb. Enemy security forces encountered during Security elements are sent out far enough tothe advance are disposed of by leading elements. warn of enemy forces forming for counter-This action may require engaged elements to attack within assaulting distance of the capdeploybefore the planned time. Adjacent units tured position. If they are required to go bemaycontinue to advance during this action. yond the established limit of advance, theirFollowing units may be committed around the movements are carefully coordinated with theflank of the engaged unit and assume its mis- base of fire. Before daylight, all elements shouldsion. After the resistance has been reduced, be in position, prepared to continue the attackengaged units may re-form and follow the main or defend the position.AGO 9139A 113