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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMsnow-covered terrain, cause an increase in 313. Conduct of Operations in Deep Snownight movements, which are frequently aided and Extreme Coldby clear atmosphere and bright moonlight. a. Offensive Operations. Offensive opera-Deep snow provides concealment, but increases tions are conducted as described in chapter 7.the difficulty of orientation on the terrain. b. Defensive and Retrograde Operations.Long movements require the use of naviga- Defensive and retrograde operations are contionalaids. ducted as described in chapters 8 and 9.Section V. MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS314. General thoroughly. The terrain may permit tanks tosupport attacking infantry with relatively longareas ofofhighhigh altitudessubjectsubjecttotoextremeextremerange direct fire. This requires excellent radiocommunication and thorough coordination bechangesin weather; snow-covered slopes muchof the year, few roads most of whichtweenare narrowthe infantry and tank units.and twisting, and few if any communica- b. Key terrain features are primary objec-tion centers. In general, operations in moun- tives. Attacks along low ground are usuallytainous terrain retard and restrict maneuver, costly because the defender has excellent obserreducethe rate and effect of fire, and make vation. The route of an attacking force willcommunication and supply difficult. Mountain normally be along ridge lines or on other eleterrainand weather can be either a dangerous vated terrain. On such terrain, the attackingobstacle to operations or a valuable aid, accord- force will often gain tactical surprise. Exingto how well it is understood and to what tensive engineer work may be required to placeextent advantage is taken of its peculiar char- tanks on high ground where they can closelyacteristics (FM 31-72).support the attack. It may be necessary to builda trail from low ground to the attack position.315. Effect of Mountains When mountainous terrain contains corridorsthat are favorable to the attack and permit ema.The nature of the terrain normally limits ployment of armor, armor units may attackthe use of armored vehicles to roads and trails. down the corridors while infantry units attackTactical surprise may be achieved by employing along the ridge lines.varying degrees of engineer effort to permit c. Available roads and trails must be kept intanks to move to advantageous firing positions good repair to permit the movement of armor.in the roughest types of terrain.Tank dozers and bridging material must beb. Consideration should be given to obtain- kept well forward.ing information from local inhabitants of the d. No more armored vehicles should be takenarea about trails and natural obstacles that forward than are required for immediate operoftendo not appear on military maps.ation. Having uncommitted armored vehiclesc. Adequate logistical support for armor in forward areas causes unnecessary damageunits engaged in mountain operations is ex- to roads and may create traffic hazards fortremely difficult. Roads are usually few in supply vehicles.number and require extensive maintenance. If decisive armor action becomes possible,Helicopters may be used for supply operations.armor forces are committed in mass, supportedd. Mountainous terrain presents many com- closely by artillery and engineers. Objectivesmunication problems. Radio communication, are usually critical points on the hostile routesparticularly FM sets, may be affected by high of supply and withdrawal, the capture of whichground between stations.would isolate the enemy forward position.316. Offensive Operations 317. Defensive and Retrograde Operationsa. In mountainous terrain, an armor attack The fundamentals of defensive and retromustbe planned in detail and the troops'briefed grade operations discussed in chapters 8 and 9158 AGO 9139o