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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMCHAPTER 8DEFENSIVE OPERATIONSSection I. GENERAL221. Purpose of Defense munication and maneuver of reserves and heIn theIn-the defensedefensearmorarmorunitsunitsprevent,prevent,resist,resist,seeks to deny the enemy the use of terrain whichmight jeopardize success of the defense. Advantageis taken of obstacles to strengthen thepurpose of the defense is to gain time pending position or to divert the enemy into areas suitthedevelopment of more favorable conditions able for counterattack. Obstacles in the areafor undertaking the offensive; economize forces have a strong strong bearing bearing on on the the general defensivein one area to concentrate superior forces for scheme, including the distribution of forces anddecisive offensive action elsewhere; destroy or positioning of the striking force or reserves.trap a hostile force; reduce the enemy capacity An evaluation of the enemy avenues of apforoffensive action; or deny an enemy entry proach in conjunction with key terrain featuresinto an area.serves as the basis for positioning troops, surveillancemeans and fires. In an analysis ofterrain, the following factors should be con-The doctrine of defense envisions the use of sidered:security forces to provide early warning to (1) Key terrain.detect, delay, deceive and disorganize the enemy (2) Observation and fields of fire.attack; forward defense forces to organize the (3) Cover and concealment.forward defense area to repel the attacker and (4) Obstacles.develop the situation; and a reserve force to (5) Enemy avenues of approach.eject or destroy the attacker by offensive action.This doctrine also envisions capitalizing onmobility, firepower, and offensive action to avoid tactical surprise by the enemy since theestablish a defense to retain the initiative; attacker normally retains the initiative as todenying the attacker his decisive objectives the time, place, direction, and strength of thewithout the defender becoming fixed and deattack.attackCommandersCommandersprovideprovideforforall-roundall-roundstroyed;troyed;andand denemydestroyingdestroying thethe operationbydemandsfire and securityinformationto insureof approachingearly warningenemyandforces.reliableAllmaneuver. The nature of the operation demandsadequate space for maneuver and a high degree units, regardless of their sze, are responsibleof mobility. ~~~~~of mobility. ~fortheir own security.c. All-Round Defense. Although the defense223. Basic Considerations of Defensive is designed primarily to combat an enemy at-Operationstack along the most probable avenues of approach,the enemy may attack from a directionThe planning, organization, and conduct ofThe planning, organizationtheg, and conduct of other than expected or considered likely. Also,the defense are based on the following contheenemy may attack the rear by envelopmentsiderations:or large-scale guerrilla action. The defendinga. Proper Use of Terrain. Terrain is a major unit must be capable of meeting an attack fromfactor in the selection of the defensive area and any direction. It must not permit the enemy tothe location and distribution of defending gain a decisive advantage by surprise as to theforces. The defender seeks to control key ter. direction or location of the attack. The derainfeatures essential to observation, com- fender prepares for all-around defense by the114 AGO 9139A