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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM249. Organization and Functions tration and restoring the integrity of the battleof the Reservearea. The situation may require that certainground be held regardless of the cost or riskNormally, armor units of battalion taskinvolved; therefore, a commander cannot withforceand smaller do not designate a reserve. draw from a defensive position without ap-However, armor units may be designated as an proval of his higher commander.element of either a division or brigade reserve.The reserve is constituted from forces not re- 251. Actions of Security Forcesquired in the forward defense area. The reserveis located to protect key terrain and is in Area Defensepositioned to block penetrations from both the The security force accomplishes its missionfront and the flanks. Counterattack plans are in the same manner as discussed in paragraphdeveloped for possible penetrations by the 238. The security force maintains contact withenemy; in addition, counterattack plans are de- the enemy until it withdraws through theveloped to strike the enemy in front of the FEBA (FM 17-30 and FM 17-15).FEBA or to the flanks. Objectives, routes,lines of departure, and direction of attack are 252. Actions of Forces in the Forwardselected for each counterattack plan. Key per- Defensive Echelonsonnel should reconnoiter the route for each Forces in the forward defense area engagecounterattack plan. The reserve plans to rein- the enemy at maximum effective range of theirforceforceororcovercoverthethe swithdrawalwithdrawal ofoffrontlinefrontline weapons. Initially, long range fires are deliveredon the enemy; as he continues to advancehowever, the exact composition of the reserve within range of other weapons, the volume ofis determined after a study of the factors of fires is increased. If the attack is not disruptedMETT. For a discussion of the armored bri- by the close defensive fires and the enemy pregade,tank battalion and tank company, see FM pares to assault the position, final protective17-30 and FM 17-15. fires are delivered. Adjacent units may be250. Conduct of Area Defensemoved to positions from which they can deliveradditional fires upon the flanks of theThe success of the area defense depends upon enemy.the solidity of the defense, maximum applicationof firepower in front of the FEBA, and 253. Actions of the Reserve in thetimely execution of counterattacks to destroy Area Defenseor eject enemy penetrations. The commanderconducts the defense aggressively. He maina.If the enemy penetrates the forward de-fense area, the commander uses his reserve ortains continuous surveillance, using air vehi- other forces to limit the penetration. Once thecles and other agencies to locate enemy forma- penetration has been slowed or stopped, thetions and attack positions and to adjust sup- commander launches a counterattack to deportingfires. Once contact has been estab- stroy forces in the area and to restore thelished, he makes every effort to obtain detailed FEBA.and timely information about the enemy. The b. All available combat and combat supportdefense progressively disrupts and weakens forces are used to support the counterattacks.the enemy from the time he comes within long Plans must be sufficiently flexible to permit therange fires of the security forces. Emphasis counterattacking forces of frontline battalionis placed on blocking avenues of approach atthe FEBA. Forward defensive forces exerttask forces to participate in the counterattack.every effort to halt the enemy. However, if the c. Once the enemy force has been destroyedenemy penetrates the area, forward defensive or ejected, the reserve may return to its origforcesattempt to force him into areas favor- inal positions or may occupy and defend theable for counterattack. When launched, coun- regained ground.terattacks are aimed at eliminating the pene- d. The reserve may be used to conduct126 AGO 0139A