1966 US Army Vietnam War ARMOR ... - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMminimum forces can, whenever possi-pied while others, in depth, may beble-reconnoitered and prepared as time(a) Stop or repel the attack of enemy permits (fig. 11).security forces so as to force the c. Organization of Ground.enemy main body to deploy, developthe situation, and attack.(1) In planning for a delaying action,definite zones of responsibility are as-(b) Cause the enemy main body tosigned to each committed unit downmass and thus present a profitablethrough company level (platoon levelnuclear target.in armored cavalry operations). The(2) Terrain offering advantages to the de- limits of each zone are delineated bylaying force incorporates the follow-boundaries. These boundaries may exingcharacteristics:tend through the depth of the zone(a) A series of parallel ridges perpen-and, as a minimum, must extenddicular to the lines of hostile ad-through the next rearward delay lineVance. as described in appendix X.(b) Obstacles to the front and flanks.(2) In assigning sectors to subordinate(c) High ground with good observationunits, each likely enemy avenue of ap-(c)and long range fields of fire.rvanproach is assigned, in its entirety, toone unit. Boundaries are assigned so(d) Concealed routes of displacement.that terrain features which control(e) An area road net providing goodfire and observation into a zone aretrafficability.assigned to the unit having responsi-(3) Phase lines, checkpoints, and contact bility for the sector. Coordinatingpoints may be used to coordinate ac-points are designated for coordinationtions in the delay. Commanders mayand to insure continuity of the delay.use phase lines and a stated time to (3) Natural obstacles are improved andexpress their concept of the timeartificial obstacles are built within thephasing of the delaying action. These limitations of available materials,phase lines may later be designated astime, and manpower. Obstacles alonedelaying positions.must not be relied upon to halt the(4) Delaying positions are determined in enemy's progress.the following sequence:(4) Blocking positions are organized in(a) Based on the division order (fig. 8),the delay similarly to those used inthe brigade commander may selectdefense. However, more emphasis isadditional delay positions as part ofplaced on reconnaissance and prepathebrigade scheme of maneuverration of routes of withdrawal. Each(fig. 9).mechanized infantry squad and each(b) The battalion task force com- tank crew should be familiar with themander, in developing his schemeroutes of withdrawal from their priofmaneuver, also may select addi-mary and alternate positions as welltional delay positions (fig. 10). as their supplementary positions.(c) The company team commander, Less emphasis is placed on the instalguidedby the delay positions di-lation of tactical and protective wire,rected in the battalion task forcefinal protective fires, and stockpilingorder, selects terrain to be used inof ammunition. The position is orgathedelaying action. These terrainnized in width with little depth.features will be organized as block- d. Disposition of Forces, Delaying Action.ing positions on and between delay Forces in the delaying action are disposed inpositions to control avenues of en- three echelons. These echelons are the securityemy approach. Blocking positions forces, delaying forces, and reserves.in the vicinity of the IDP are occu- (1) Security forces. A covering force or111