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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMdisorganize and delay the attacking enemy and (3) The mobility of the defending forcesto provide time and space for action of thecompares favorably with that of thestriking force. The bulk of the combat powerenemy.of the command is deployed as a counterattack (4) The enemy has the capability of emforcewhich employs the principles of offensiveploying nuclear weapons and the decombatto destroy the enemy at the most favor-fender must employ maximum disperabletime and place.sion and mobility to decrease vulnerb.In the area defense emphasis is placed onretention of specific terrain and offensive andability to nuclear attack.(5) The air situation permits relativelydefensive actions are directed at stopping theenemy forward of the forward defensive area orfreemovementofthedefendingforces.(6) Minimum time is available for deployejectinghim if he penetrates this area. The bulkment of forces and organization of theof the combat power of the command is com-ground and defensive positions.mitted to defense of the forward defensive area. c. Area defense is less desirable for armorReserves are employed to add depth to the de- units because it does not make maximum use offense, to block or destroy enemy penetrations, the mobility of the tank. Its adoption is favoredto counterattack and restore the defensive posi- whention,or to reinforce threatened forces.(1) There is a lack of depth in the defensivearea.225. Selection of the Type Defense (2) There 'is a requirement to retaina. Selection of the type defense to be used specific terrain.depends on the mission; the nature of the ter- (3) Terrain restricts maneuver by therain and the degree to which specific terrainmust be held; the relative mobility and combatdefending force.(4) The attacker possesses a mobility difpowerof opposing forces; the air and nuclearsituation; depth of the defensive area; and disferentialover the defender.(5) The attacker possesses air superiority.position and planned employment of all friendly (6) Time is available for the constructionforces by higher headquarters.of defensive positions to include thepreparation of barriers.b. Mobile defense is the preferred type ofdefense for armor. Its adoption is favored 226. Factors Affecting Employmentwhen-The commander must employ armor in a(1) The mission and the area of operation manner calculated to make maximum use of itspermit the defense to be organized and favorable characteristics. Regardless of thefought in sufficient depth.type defense that may be employed this calcula-(2) Terrain permits relatively free move- tion is based on a reasoned analysis of thement by the defending force. factors of METT (pars. 29-33).Section II. ORGANIZATION OF THE DEFENSE227. General Techniques in organizing the defense of theIn either the mobile or the area defense, ground in these cases are basically the same andare discussed in this section. They include rearmorunits may be required to organize the connaissance, planning, organization of thedefense of specific terrain in accordance withcommand and control, fire planning,the overall plan of defense of the higher com- surveillance, and employment of supportingmander. In mobile defense, a small armor unit troops.may be required to organize a sector of the forwardedge of the battle area (FEBA) or one or 228. Reconnaissance for Defensive Actionmore blocking positions. In the area defense, Upon receipt of an order to assume thethe unit may be assigned a sector to defend as defensive, the commander makes a map studypart of the forces in the forward defense area. and formulates tentative plans. As soon as pos-116 AGO 91S9A