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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMinitial evaluation of information available. Asthe best use of time. The plan mustan example, information of the terrain may beinclude where to go, the sequence ofgathered from a map reconnaissance as a mini-areas or places to be reconnoitered,mum. The estimate is progressively refined assuch as routes to the attack position;more information becomes available. The es-attack position; routes to line of detimateis a continuous process of evaluationparture; line of departure; locationbefore and throughout the operation. For afurther discussion of the estimate, see appenoffriendly elements and enemy posi-tions, and transportation to be used;dix VII.persons to accompany the leader; andd. Tentative Plan. Based on the decision as coordination to be effected during thea result of the initial estimate, the leader makesreconnaissance. Certain persons, sucha tentative plan, which guides his actions andthe actions of his subordinates, and, at the apasa weapons platoon leader, armoredcavalry platoon leader, or other subpropriatelevels, serves as a basis for staffordinates, may be directed to make aplanning. The tentative plan and tentative de-specific reconnaissance.cision may be modified after coordination and (4) Plan for time and location for issureconnaissanceand before the final decision.ance of order. A plan for issuance ofAt this point in troop leading procedure, thethe order must be made. Armor leadtentativeplan serves as a basis for the follow-ers normally issue orders to subordiing:nates at a terrain vantage point. If(1) Coordination. Coordination is made subordinates cannot be assembled atwith all units or agencies that mighta single place to receive the order, thebe affected by the impending action,plan to issue the order may be a com-The leaders of some of these unitsbination of the following techniques:may have been present when the order (a) Radio. Leader to subordinates.from higher headquarters was re-(b) Personal contact. Leader to indiceived.If so, coordination should bevidual subordinate or designatedaccomplished at that time with com-staff officers.bat support representatives, that is,artillery, mortars, and engineers. The (c) Messenger or other means of concoordinationis an exchange of infor-mvnication.mation on plans of operations to in- e. Reconnaissance. On his ground reconnaissurethat there is no conflict between sance, the leader continues the estimate procunits.ess, adjusting his courses of action accordingly,(2) Movement of the unit. Arrangements and selects the best course of action. He thenfor movement of the unit are made, selects or confirms, as appropriate, such itemsif required. The tentative plan will as objectives, phase line, line of departure, decontainat least initial plans for a task fense areas, routes, weapons position areas,organization to implement the organi- sectors of fire, and targets. He notes the effectszation for combat decided upon. The of the terrain on his tentative plan, and he removementand "marrying up" of the jects, alters, or adopts appropriate parts ofunits affected by the planned cross- this plan accordingly. During his reconnaisattachmentshould be planned at this sance, he coordinates with adjacent and suptime.Movement plans are as detailed porting unit leaders as planned.as necessary to accomplish the pur- f. Decision and Completion of Plan. Thepose, and normally include who is to completed plan is a result of refinements mademove, where they are to go, and when to the tentative plan. Recommendations fromthe move is to be made.combat support unit representatives, that is,(3) Planning the reconnaissance. The re- artillery, engineers, or air force, and the reconnaissancemust be planned to make suits of the reconnaissance serve to give the26 AGO 9139A