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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMSection VI. PLANNING ARMOR OPERATIONS43. General (2) To form the basis of the concept ofThe tempo of events in mobile warfare andthetheoperationoperationstatedstatedininparagraphparagraph3a3athe rapid fluctuations in tactical situationsof the operation order. For a discusplacea premium on time. The successful com-sion of the concept in this form seemander makes sound and timely decisions. Heappendix IX.is assisted by his staff in developing a plan to b. The commander's concept may include,implement the decision and an order to dis- among other things--seminate the plan to subordinates.(1) Type of operation (penetration, envelopment,delay on successive positions,44. The Decision mobile defense, reconnaissance ina. The decision is the result of a reasoned force, screen, and covering force).analysis of all factors affecting the employment (2) Area of operation (avenue of apofunits in combat. The steps to be consideredproach, sector of defense, flank to beand their sequence are contained in the esti-secured).mate of the situation (app. VII). It must be (3) Scheme of maneuver (formation foremphasized that, because of rapidly changingthe attack, disposition of forces forsituations, estimates are normally accomplisheddefense and delaying action, organizamentally.tion for combat).b. The decision encompasses the following as (4) Purpose of the operation (to destroya minimum. Some items may be fixed by orderthe enemy in position to be able toof higher headquarters.continue the attack, to block enemy(1) WHO (the unit to take some action, movement, to determine enemythe command as a whole).strength and dispositions).(2) WHAT (the type action to be taken; (5) Purpose of the reserve (number ofattack, occupy, delay on successiveunits and their organization for compositions,etc.).bat, general location, and anticipated(3) WHEN (time the operation is to start employment).or end).(6) Preparation for future operation(4) WHERE (the area from which, (changes in organization for combat,through which, or to which the actionpositioning of units, or order ofwill be accomplished).march; special efforts to support fu-(5) HOW (statement of the scheme of ture operations).maneuver, organization for combat, (7) Special instructions (security measandplan of fire support).ures, employment of combat and com-(6) WHY (statement of the purpose, bat support units, use of air vehicles).which includes details necessary to (8) Control measures (objectives, phaseinsure intelligent preparation and ex-lines, boundaries, axis of advance, deecutionof the plan).lay lines, blocking positions).45. The Concept (9) Nuclear weapons (use in scheme ofmaneuver, restrictions on use, allocaa.The concept is an elaboration of the de- tions).cision and is used for two purposes--(1) To announce the concept to individ- (10) Troop safety. This is expressed as theuals who will prepare the plan to exe-degree of risk to troops that the comcutethe decision. It will be as detailedmander is willing to accept to accomasnecessary to insure that plans areplish the mission.developed in accordance with the com- (11) Priorities (priorities of fire, combatmander's desires.service support priority).AGO I39A 17