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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM(4) When one carrier overtakes another overtaken has the right-of-way. The(this is not normal, but may happenpassing vehicle should cross the wakewhen one vehicle is having trouble),of the overtaken vehicle at any angleit may pass the slower vehicle onof at least 45' and should be sure toeither side, provided there is ampleprovide ample passing space.space. However, the vehicle beingSection IX. OPERATIONS AGAINST FORTIFIED POSITIONS353. General have tanks in support. Each man and eachThe attack of a fortified area is made by avehicle on the team is given a special missioncombined-arms assault force consisting of to perform The teams must be allowed as muchtime as possible for rehearsals and reconnaistanks,mechanized infantry, field artillery, en- time as possible for rehearsals and reconnaissance. Normally, each team is assigned onlygineers, and tactical air when available. Special one pillbox, bunker, or similar fortification atitems of equipment and ammunition may be required.FM 31-50 covers in detail the attack offortifications.a time.c. Employment of Tanks Against Fortifications.The tanks normally provide direct-fire354. Effects of Fortified Positions support to the assault teams. They fire at ema.Reconnaissance of Fortified Positions. A brasure openings and attempt to destroy thethorough estimate of the situation, and detailedplans and orders, are essential in an attackfortification. Tanks usually follow other ele-ments of the team, but must be close enoughagainst a fortified position. The estimate is to give direct support at all times. Tanks notbased on an extensive reconnaissance. The re- attached to an assault team may give additionalconnaissance starts with a preliminary mapand airphoto study, after which all command- d. Employment of Flamethrowers Againsters make extensive personal reconnaissance. Fortifications. Both portable and mechanizedObservation posts, patrols, interrogation of flamethrowers may be used in the assaultcivilians, and Army air vehicles are used to teams. The flamethrower is an effectivegain information. The reconnaissance seeks weapon for the last-minute, close-in protectioninformation on-of men placing breaching charges and for mop-(1) Location of fortifications, such as pill- ping up the fortification after it has beenboxes.breached.(2) Location of obstacles, such as mine- e. Use of Smoke Against Fortifications.fields, wire, and trenches.Smoke may be used to screen the entire front,(3) Details of fortifications--embrasures, to cover the movement of troops into position,thickness of concrete and steel, en- to screen one or both flanks of a gap createdtrances and exits, underground or- by unequal advance of units, to screen an areaganization, etc.outside of the immediate action, or to blind(4) Location and type of enemy weapons. observation posts and fortifications that can-(5) Defiladed approaches to the position. not be neutralized by other weapons. Even(6) Positions from which direct-fire sup- though the attack is made during darkness,port can be furnished to the assault- smoke may be valuable to counter the possibleing force.enemy use of illuminating flares and shells. Theuse of smoke must be coordinated, to insureb. Organization of the Assault Teams. The that it will not interfere with the need forassault teams are normally built around mecha- direct fire on fortifications and for ground obnizedrifle platoons with tanks supporting each servation by the assault teams. If conditionsteam. The assault team is divided normally are at all favorable, every effort should beinto 1 or 2 flank groups as needed, an assault made to blind fortifications that can supportgroup, and a support group. Each group may those being attacked.AGO 9139A 177