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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMsary to assign combat elements to protect the will soon pass beyond supporting distance oftrains.the combat trains if the trains are kept stationary.The continuous movement of the com-269. Characteristics of Trains Areas bat trains to keep up with the combat elementsThe desirable characteristics of an assembly limits the performance of combat service supareadiscussed in appendix XXIV are applica- port, particularly in maintenance, because ofble to trains area. Additionally, the trains area the lack of time and optimum operational conshouldbe convenient to suitable routes to the ditions.combat units, subordinate headquarters trains, b. In a slow-moving tactical situation, theand the trains of the higher echelon.combat trains can remain stationary for longer270. The Supply Routeperiods, moving by bounds when the distancebetween combat elements and the trains bea.The supply route is a specified direction comes too great for timely support.or route in relation to an axis of advance, zone c. The combat trains are under the directof operations, or area of operations to be estab- control of the battalion S4 for operations,lished for the supply, evacuation, and transpor- movement, and security. The combat trainstation of personnel and materiel.provide their own local security. Normally,b. The supply route extends from a logical overall security is provided by locating thejuncture with the main supply route (MSR) of combat trains near the combat elements; howthenext higher headquarters to a location convenientto subordinate elements. In offensiveever, in a fast-moving situation, it may oftenbe necessary for combat elements to provideoperations, the supply route may be projectedforward as far as practical (fig. 13). The supprotectionfor the combat trains or make thetrains part of the combat formation.ply route may be announced in the operationorder or other appropriate means and will be 272. Employment of Battalion (Task Force)changed by fragmentary order as necessary.Field Trainsc. The headquarters designating the supplyThe field trains normally operate in thec. The headquarters designating the supply trains of the next higher echelon. This assistsin providing adequate combat service supportd. In defensive and retrograde operations, to the combat elements and provides controlthe supply route should be parallel to the ex- and coordinated movement of and protection topected or planned movement of subordinate the field trains. It further disperses and echecombatelements.Ions combat service support elements. The field271. Employment of Battalion (Task Force)trains are under the control of the battalionsupport platoon leader. In some situations,Combat Trainstime and space may require that the fielda. In fast-moving tactical situations, contin- trains be located between the combat trainsuous movement of the combat trains is requiredfor responsive combat service support.and the trains area of the higher echelon. Inthis case, the parent unit has full responsibilityIn this type operation, the combat elements for security and movement of the field trains.Section VII. BATTALION COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT OPERATIONS273. Combat Service Support During complished during scheduled halts byMarchesfueling from bulk fuel tankers. Onea. Position of Battalion Trains on the or more fuel and lubricant vehiclesMarch. On the march, the trains normallyfrom the support platoon may bemarch as a unit near the rear of the formation.placed in support of each company.At halts, trucks move down the colb.Supply III on or the Class March.umn, dropping off the required lubri-(1) On the march, fueling is normally ac- cants at each vehicle and bulk tank146