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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM5. Execution of Obstacles tion guard commander to blow thea. The commander responsible for ordering bridge after a specific unit has clearedthe bridge and its commander hasthe execution of an obstacle that is important totethe tactical plan such as blowing a tank crater, stated words to the effect all clear,key bridge, or a dam, will-(2) At a definite time and date. When the(1) Establish a clearcut command channeltactical tacticalsituationsituationisissuchsuchthatthatunforeseenevents are not probable, the ap-unforetionis transmitted from himself to thepropriate commander may specify acommander of the demolition firingtime for execution of the obstace.party.This method is seldom used except(2) Insure that this channel is known and when the obstacle plan is such that aunderstood by all concerned.part of it can be accomplished by a(3) Insure that a positive, secure means time table.for transmitting the order to fire isestablished.(3) On receipt of a preassigned code word.On receipt and authentication of a(4) Determine the requirements and allotresponsibility for a demolition guard.preassigned code word the commanderof the demolition firing party wouldb. Obstacles of which the tactical commander execute the obstacle.controls the time of execution, are called re- (4) As soon as prepared. In a pressingserved demolitions. Orders to the commandersituation the commander may directof the demolition firing party of these reserved the obstacle be executed as soon as itdemolitions are written whenever time and con-can be prepared.ditions permit, using DA Form 2050-R. Thetactical commander will complete parts I, II,(5) To prevent capture. For example, acommander may plan to use a specificand III of this form before it is issued to theroute or bridge in the near future andcommander of the demolition firing party, who yet there is a possibility it may fallwill retain the form until the demolition is fired. into enemy hands. Orders to thec. A demolition order should specify whether demolition guard would be to destroy,the demolition guard commander (or if there isonly to prevent capture by the enemy.no demolition guard, the commander of theThis method is used frequently in condemolitionfiring party) is authorized to fire thenection with one of the other methodsdemolition, if the enemy is in the act of captur- ((1)-(4) above).ing it. The consequence of premature or ill- d. The tactical commander responsible foradvised execution could be disastrous to the the execution of obstacles should designate aoperation; a tactical commander must choose staff officer or a subordinate commander who iscarefully the technique of command control for familiar with the tactical situation to be at theexecution of a reserved demolition. The follow- obstacle site and control the activities of theing techniques may be used:demolition crew. The execution must not be at(1) Direct order of a specific commander. the discretion of the demolition party. ObstacleA direct order from a commander who planning and construction requires much effort,has, or has been delegated, the au- time, logistical support, and strict coordinationthority to execute a reserve demolition is necessary for both construction and execuisthe most frequent control used. Forexample, during a delaying action, thistion. The results will only be as effective as theplanning and execution controls of the comcommanderwill instruct the demoli- mander and his staff.334 AGO s9ssA