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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMWhen the linkup is accomplished, the units priority for supply by air is given to the unitscontinue on their assigned missions.assaulting the objective area. Supplies for the342. Logistical Support in Linkup Operationslinkup forces normally move by land transportation.However, when the objective area is toa. Logistical support reinforcements may be be defended jointly by the linkup and airbornegreater in linkup operations than those for or airmobile force, supplies for the linkupother offensive actions. Additional considera- force may be flown into the objective area andtions for planning logistical support in linkup stockpiled.operations include the distance to the objective d. Evacuation of equipment and patientsarea, time the objective area is to be held, may create major problems for the linkupplanned operations or movement out of the ob- force. If supply routes are open, the normaljective area, and the movement of the land evacuation procedures apply. When groundtails of units participating in the airborne or routes are insecure, helicopters may be usedairmobile assault. for evacuation of patients while damagedb. The supply requirements for a linkup equipment may be carried forward with theoperation may exceed the transportation capa- linkup forces until a suitable opportunity forbility of the battalion support platoon. The bat- evacuation is available.talion may have to request additional vehicles e. The land tails of airborne or airmobile asorsupply by air. If additional vehicles are not sault units will normally move with the linkupavailable, kitchen trucks and company supply forces. These elements move with the trains oftrucks may have to be used to transport am- the headquarters of the linkup force. Whenmunition and fuels.moving with a battalion, these elements marchc. In airborne and airmobile operations, with the field trains.Section IV.RAIDS343. General like other attacks, but surprise and speed ofA raid is an attack to accomplish a specific execution are of greater importance (ch 6).purpose in enemy territory with no intention Raids may be conducted dismounted, motorofgaining or holding terrain. Raids are made ized, mechanized, or by air or waterbornenormally to capture prisoners; to capture or means. The tank sweep is suited ideally fordestroy specific enemy materiel; to obtain in- raids (para 346-349). See FM 57-35 for raidsformation of enemy units, locations, disposi- conducted by airmobile units and FM 17-36tions, strength, intentions, or methods of for tactics and techniques that may be used inoperation; or to disrupt his plans. Usually, conducting raids by air cavalry units.raids are designed for tactical deception,inflicting loss or damage to specific enemy ma- 344. Conduct of Raidsteriel, securing information, or supporting or a. Selection of Raid Objectives. The raid obcoordinatingwith unconventional forces. Raids jective may be prescribed by the higher commaybe conducted within or beyond supporting mander, or it may be left to the discretion ofdistance of the parent unit in either daylight the commander of the raiding force. Whereor darkness. When the area to be raided is possible, the area selected for the raid is lightlybeyond supporting distance, the raiding party defended. The raid objective accomplishes theoperates as a separate force. The raiding force mission of the raiding force.always withdraws after it accomplishes itsmission. Unless planned and conducted careful- b. Time of Raid. Before a raid, time shouldly, the withdrawal is the most difficult part of be allowed for reconnaissance, planning, registheoperation. Security is vital because normal- tration of supporting fires, and rehearsals.ly the raiding force penetrates the enemy posi- Preferably, raids are carried out so that thetion and is vulnerable to attack from all direc- raiding force will arrive at the objective areations. Raids are planned and executed much at dawn or twilight, or other conditions of low175