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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMCHAPTER 12OTHER OPERATIONS -MISSION TYPESection I. GENERAL318. Description or retrograde. These operations evolve as aThe following operations described part in of the the overall mission of a unit, forsections are normally conducted in conjunction example, an airmobile operation conducted insections are normally conducted in conjunctionwith major operations, that is, attack, defense, conjunction with an attack to seize crossingSection II. AIRMOBILE OPERATIONS319. General limited to any particular type combat unit.However, mechanized infantry battalions andarmored cavalry units of the armored divisiondivision gives the division a capability to con- armored cavalry units of the armored divisionduct airmobile duct operations airmobile to assist in thewill participate most frequently in airmobileoperations. For information on the planningseizure of deep objectives. This capability operations For information on th Ifor and execution of airmobile operations, seeincreases the speed and flexibility of armoroperations. Airmobile operations are notSection 111. LINKUP OPERATIONS320. Definition operation must establish the command relation-A linkup operation is the convergence of two ships and responsibilities of the forces involved.separate ground units and usually occurs *in Both the linkup force and the force with whichjoint airborne, amphibious, shore-to-shore, air- linkup is to be made can remain under controlmobile, and infiltration operations; during the of the directing headquarters, or either forcerelief of an isolated unit; the breakout of an may be attached to the other.encircled force, or an attack to join a friendly c. Command and Staff Liaison. Liaison isguerrilla force.normally established during planning and continuesthroughout the operation. As the dis-321. Conduct of Linkup Operations tance closes between the forces, additionalThe initial phase of a linkup operation is liaison personnel are exchanged. Air vehiclesconducted as any other offensive operation; facilitate and expedite this exchange.however, as the linkup forces close the distance,coordination and control are intensified andrestrictions are placed on the forces involved.a. Planning. Plans for a linkup are coordinatedin advance and must be timely. It isextremely important that the forces involvedincludes the channels for radio communicationbetween the two forces. It must prescribe dayprimary and alternate means. High-performhavean early and continuing exchange of ance aircraft and air vehicles can be used toinformation.give signals or to otherwise extend communib.Command Relationship and Responsibili- cation. Visual signals such as flares or panelsties. The headquarters directing the linkup may be used during daylight, and flashlights or160 AGO 9139A