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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMshores, and speed of current flow. Other infor- ments for control of the fire must be made withmation sought is the same as for a normal the units being supported, so that the tankattack.fires may be lifted, shifted, or stopped in ab. Fire Support. Maximum fire support is manner similar to that of artillery and mortarbrought to bear against known and suspected fires. When employed in such a role, tanksenemy positions on the far shore. Smoke is must be supplied with ammunition in excess ofoften employed to screen the crossing, particu- their normal loads so that all tanks, when laterlarly on the flanks. Tanks support the crossing employed across the river, will have full loadswith direct fire.of ammunition.c. Preparation for the Assault. The pre- c. Movement into the Bridgehead. As sooncrossing procedures outlined in paragraph 352 as the infantry have gained a foothold on theare completed for each carrier. Life preservers far bank, tank units are ferried across to aidare worn by crewmembers.in enlarging the bridgehead and defending itagainst hostile armor. In nuclear warfare,d. Execution. Speed of The total elapsed overconcentration of troops on the bridgeheadtime between approach to the river line and the area must be avoided, to prevent presenting acrossing must be held to a minimum to insureHowever, belucrativetarget to the enemy. However, besuccess.Once started, the crossing is comcausetank ferrying requires the same equippletedwith speed.ment used in the floating bridge, ferrying overe. Formations. Formations depend on the small streams is unusual.availability of crossing sites and of fire support.The crossing should be made in waves, 349. Expansion and Exploitationpreferably formed by platoons, each in line of a Bridgeheadformation. ~~~~formation. ~Any bridgehead must be expanded quicklyf. Action on Far Shore. Should the steep- and secured to protect the bridge site and pernessor condition of the banks on the far shore mit assembly of forces in the bridgehead area.not permit the armored personnel carriers to The initial security and expansion of theleave the water, they are held against the bridgehead are normally accomplished bybanks while their squads dismount through the mechanized infantry, with tanks supporting bytop hatches and move onto the shore. Armored direct fire from across the stream until theypersonnel carriers may be used to ferry across can cross.other troops, ammunition, and fuel and lubricants.350. Capabilities of Supporting Engineer348. Employment of Tanks in the Attack Equipmentof a River Line Engineers use assault boats, rafts, andbridges formed by connecting units of the moa.General. Tanks participate usually in an bile assault bridge together to form the deattackof a river line as a part of a combined- sired vehicle. Additional equipment may bearms team. The greater part of the available furnished by corps and army engineer units.tank units are held in reserve until a satisfac- Depending on the size of the operation, thistory bridgehead is established on the far bank. would vary from the small, light footbridge toOther tank units may be assigned the mission the heavy vehicular bridges capable of carry.of direct-fire support of the mechanized infan- ing division loads. Air vehicles may be usedtry crossing.to assist in the assembly of these bridges byb. Fire Support. Reconnaissance must be delivering prefabricated components directly tomade to determine the best positions from the waterline.which tank fire support can be delivered. Tanksare brought forward by covered routes to defl- 351. Expedient Crossing Meansladed or dug-in positions. Alternate positions Many expedient means or methods to crossare prepared as required. Positive arrange- personnel and equipment may be employed us-172 AGO 9139A