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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMrefinements of the trace of the FEBAenemy avenue of approach into theare designated. See appendix X for adivision area. First priority for plandiscussionof appropriate control ning is the assumed penetrations,measures. Battalion task forces rarelywhich if executed would have thehold a reserve.most effect on the mission of the force(a) Based on an analysis of terrain thebattalion task force commanderconducting the mobile defense. Plan-ning priorities may shift as intellimaydesignate a specific terrain fea- > gence of the enemy develops.ture as a blocking position. He mustspecify when or under what cir-(a) Counterattack plans permit, to theextent possible, the reduction of thecumstances the position(s) is to betime required to commit the reoccupiedand the priority.serve if the penetration develops as(b) When the battalion task force commanderdetermines that his forcesenvisioned, and to assign prioritiesfor reconnaissance, engineer efforts,should be disposed initially in as- and coordination. If the enemysembly areas, rather than in de-penetration does not conform to thefended localities, he designates theassumed penetrations, modificationappropriate assembly areas and is-can be made without excessive losssues warning orders for the occupa-of time.tion of the positions.(b) Assumed penetrations will normally(c) When the battalion task force corn-conform only generally to actualmander determines that he will con-enemy actions. Although useful forduct a delaying action or offensiveplanning, assumed penetrations areaction he employs the techniquesnot to be construed as preselectedoutlined in chapters 9 and 7 respec-areas into which the enemy musttively. Combinations of these ac-be canalized before being attackedtions may be used. Such combina-by the reserve or nuclear fires.tions add to the complexity of the (2) When disseminated to the commanderplan and must be expressed clearlyof the reserve, the division countertosubordinates.attack plans will include-(3) Company. Company team command- (a) Assumptions of the status and locaersassign positions and sectors offire to platoons based on the tasktion of both friendly and enemyforces.force order, forces available, and (b) Control measures.enemy avenues of approach into thecompany team zone. The companyteam does not hold a reserve.(d) Missions for brigades and otherunits subordinate to the division.(a) Blocking positions are organized inaccordance with paragraph 261 and (e) Plans of fire support.FM 17-15.(3) Based on the division counterattack(b) A delaying action is planned in ac-plan, the commander of the reservecordance with the techniques out-prepares and disseminates detailedlined in chapter 9 and FM 17-15.plans to subordinates. The sequence(c) Offensive action is planned in accordancethe techniques with con-priority established by the commanderof work is in accordance with thecordance withconducting the mobile defense. Desideredin chapter 7 and FM 17-15.pending upon the time available, dec.Counterattack Planning. tailed reconnaissance is accomplished(1) Counterattack plans are prepared, as by all commanders, and rehearsals area minimum, to attack an assumedconducted. Fire plans are preparedmajor penetration on each principalto support each counterattack plan.AGO 9139A 123