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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMother security forces may be em- 203. Conduct of Delaying Actionployed forwardforward eployedofofthetheIDPIDPwhenwhen thead ha. The enemy is taken under fire as soon ascsituation permits. The dighelayhe is within effective range of available weapquartersconducting the delaying ac- ons. As he nears the position, fires are intionprescribes the force to execute creased to inflict casualties, cause him to dethesecurity mission.ploy early, and require him to take time-con-(2) Delaying forces. The bulk of the unit's suming maneuvers to close with the position.combat power is normally in the de- b. Each position is defended until the enemylaying force.actions threaten decisive engagement. Com-(a) Maximum firepower is forward manders are alert to detect significant eventswith the bulk of the forces concen- that may require modification of the basictrated on likely avenues of ap- plan. Rigid adherence to plans conceived beforeproach.the enemy situation develops may prevent the(b) The delaying force is deployed in accomplishment of the mission, The originalwidth with little depth.concept of time-phasing may be adjusted to the(3) Reserves. The brigade is normally the situation as it develops. This allows delayinglowest level that designates a re- units to seize opportunities to gain greater deserve.However, frontages, terrain, or lay than anticipated or to preserve the delayweathermay allow the retention of a ing force against an attack in overwhelmingsmall reserve by task forces or teams. strength.In the delay on alternate positions, c. When the maximum possible delay haselements not in contact can perform been achieved and it becomes apparent thatthe functions of a reserve.further occupation of the position will result ine. Organization for Combat. Forces are or- the units becoming decisively engaged, withganizedganizedforforcombatcombatbasedbasedononanananalysisanalysisofof drawal is begun. Withdrawals may be initiatedin accordance with prearranged plans or on(1) Security forces are organized for order of the higher commander. Withdrawingcombat as discussed in chapter 5. forces must coordinate their action with adja-(2) Delaying forces are organized to capi- cent units.talize on the long range fires and mobilityof thoank units. Combat support d. When a unit withdraws to the next delayand combat service support elements position, elements of the unit maintain contactare often attached to better accom- with the enemy. These elements provide securiplishtheir mission in support of com- ty for the withdrawing units and continue tobat troops.provide maximum delay between delaying posi-(3) The reserves are small tank-heavy tions. They utilize maneuver, available terrain,forces and nuclear weapons.long range fires, air cavalry, tactical air, minesf. Routes of Withdrawal. Routes of with- and demolitions.drawal are selected to provide good trafficabil- e. The opportunity to inflict heavy casualtiesity and cover or concealment. Although with- on the enemy by offensive action should be exdrawalduring the delaying action is normally ploited. Limited objective counterattacks anddecentralized, specific routes, together with tank sweeps should be employed to gain addipriorities,may be assigned.tional time or to extricate units which have beg.Logistical Plans. See chapter 10. come decisively engaged.Section IV.WITHDRAWAL204. General gages from the enemy. It may be executed dura.A withdrawal is a retrograde operation in ing daylight or under cover of darkness andwhich all or part of a deployed force disen- may be involuntary or voluntary. Preferably a116