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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMmost always consist of buildings of built-up area. The attacker uses the footholdblock-type construction, with little or area to reorganize, decentralize control, andno space between buildings, except for displace weapons to firing positions from whichan occasional park, street or alley. the continuation of the attack can be supported.This type of construction will require The initial penetration is made on a narrowfighting from building to building and front with tanks leading. All available supportblockto block. This is the part of the ing fires are concentrated at the point selectedbuilt-up area where basic differences for entry. Assaulting forces can expect to enintechniques are required.counter barricades, antitank mines and obstacles,and effective antitank fire. The proba-358. Plan of Attack bilities of success are increased if the assaultis launched from an unexpected direction andPlans for the attack and seizure of a wellpreferablyin the early morning just beforedefended city must be based on a detailed study firstfirstlightlight,duringduringotherotherperiodsperiodsofoflimitedlimitedvisi-visiofthe city as well as the enemy dispositions inunder the cover of smoke. To effectand around it. As in any other attack, planthepenetration on a narrow front, a columnning must provide for a plan of maneuver andformation is employed normally in the initiala plan of fire support. The attacking force assault. The use of a column formation doesmay mavy be composed ofoca mechanizedinfantry-infantry- not mean that all elements of the assaultingheavy direct-assault force and a tank-heavy force should be in column. Several column forenvelopingforce (fig. 32). Both forces are supmationsmay be employed by a commander conportedby coordinated fires. The enveloping ducting the assault. For example, a battalionforce has the mission of preventing the escapeof the enemy, preventing reinforcements fromcompanytask forceteamsmay useinaline,columnwedge,withorechechelon.of itsentering the city, providing direct-fire support These formations tend to shorten the length offor the direct-assault force, and protecting thedirect-assault force from counterattack. The the task force column reducing thetime necesdirect-assault. force sary to move into the built-up area. Regardlessdirect-assault force has the mission of clearingof the formation employed, the leading elethecity of enemy resistance and linking up ments of the assaulting force should use a forwiththe enveloping force. The attack ismation that facilitates the delivery of maxiplannednormally in three phases: in the first mation that facilitates the delivery of maximumfire on the point of penetration. Engiphasethe city is isolated; in the second phaseneers, mechanized flamethrowers, and mineafoothold is gained on the near edge of the detectiondetectionorormine-detonatingmine-detonatingtankstanksororvehiclesvehiclescity; and in the third phase the area is sys-(if available) should be included in the assaulttematicallyreduced.ing force. Artillery airbursts are placed overthe point selected for entry to prevent theenemy from manning crew-served or individuala. Phase I. Phase I is the isolation of the antitank weapons. The mechanized infantrycity and the seizure of terrain features that remain mounted and are carried as close to thedominate the approaches into it. The attacker objective as possible. In the attack of asecures positions outside the built-up area from strongly defended area, the mechanized infanwhichto support the entrance into the city it- try will have to dismount to assist in the asself.The tactics and techniques for this phase sault of the outer defense and to provide closeofthe operation do riot differ from those em- in protection for the tanks. Designated fireployed in an attack against other well-organ- teams or squads may be assigned to work withized enemy positions.a particular tank. Direct communication beb.Phase II. Phase II is an advance of the tween the rifle squad or fire team leader andattacking forces to the edge of the built-up area tank commander is maintained by visual sigandseizure of a foothold. It should insure the nals and external interphone. When operatingelimination of the defender's ground observa- dismounted, the mechanized infantry should retionand direct fires on the approaches into the main to the rear of their assigned tanks toAGO 9139A 181