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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMtions or the flank of an attacking being fueled the commanders can complete aforce (fig. 73).reconnaissance of the route into the area and(9) Until the entire defensive position is the actual location for the vehicles. Vehiclecommitted to action, the minimum locations may be adjusted by the commandernumber of lights necessary to ac- during this reconnaissance. This period allowscomplish the defense mission will be vehicle crews time to gain or regain nightused to prevent disclosure of the size vision. Normal night security will be postedof the defensive force.at all times.(10) Flexibility in the defense is assistedby placing tank-mounted searchlights 19- Guide Signalsin position to support friendly coun- For signals used by guides at night, see FMterattacking forces (fig. 74). 21-60.18. Night Techniques 20. VisibleNormal daylight occupation techniques are The most effective countermeasure againstfollowed at night supplemented by additional visible illumination, other than destruction, iscontrol techniques. At night or during periods counterillumination. This nullifies the effectiveoflimited visibility, the guide for subordinate ness of the initial illumination. Other measuresunits should be equipped with markers so that are the use of smoke to diffuse the light, directhe can physically mark the location for each or indirect fires placed on the light source, andvehicle on the ground. Ideally, these markers assault of the light source position by infiltrashouldbe luminous. The route to each vehicle tion.location may be marked with white tape orother light reflective material. If tactical con- 21. Nonvisiblesiderations permit, a unit may coil in the open Nonvisible illumination of the battlefieldbefore entering the area. While vehicles are must be detected before effective countermeas-Figure 74. Tank searchlights supporting friendly forces in the counterattack.AGO 9139A 313