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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMnating outside the area of operatidn. This prac-will usually require a force largetice makes accurate timing of the attackenough to encircle and destroy the indifficultand places responsibility on the unitsurgent tactical force. The initial encommanderfor an accurate estimate of the circlement will have to be largetime required for the approach march. Maxi-enough- to insure that the entire inmumprior reconnaissance and ample time al-surgent force is contained within thelowances for unforeseeable delays are neces-boundaries. This usually requires asary in planning. Where limited reconnaissancehigh proportion of infantry in the arorterrain difficulties make an accurate timemored unit. The limited road netsquestionable, it may be necessary to base theusually found in an insurgency envimaneuverof other elements, such as airmobileronment normally preclude parallelforces, on the actual arrival time of the armormovement on roads of mounted units.unit. The mobility, speed, and communicationsThis requires elements to follow oneof armor units assist materially in attaining the another and thereby seriouslynecessary punctuality, but the commander musthampers effort at surprise. However,provide the leadership, foresigth, and planningwith detailed planning and reconnaisrequired.sance, multiple columns can be usedf. Encirclement. The encirclement is the in cross-country movements.best method of fixing insurgent forces in posi- (3) Since air cavalry and airmobiletion. It must be accomplished with great speed,troops are capable of fast movement,with sufficient forces to close the area com-can suddenly appear and interdict anpletely, and-especially when small forces arearea with accurate automatic weapbeingused-with utmost secrecy. Surprise isons fire, and can land riflemen toessential; the least warning is enough to scat-flush insurgents out into killing zones,ter the insurgent forces. Normally only when athey are particularly suited for enmajorsupply base is threatened will insur-circlement operations. If the foliage isgents defend an area. Even then, if it becomesnot too dense, air cavalry can observe,apparent they are outnumbered, they will at-pursue, and kill fleeing individuals.tempt to infiltrate or attack to break out andThe noise of approaching helicoptersescape. Since nearly all insurgent groups areis an unavoidable complication andbased in nearly inaccessible areas, most en-partially detracts from the advantagecirclements are accomplished by infantry thatof speed and surprise.can march into the area or be airlifted. Even (4) Encircling movements are executedairlifted troops may not prove too successfulrapidly. Defensive positions are occusincethe noise of the helicopters serves topied simultaneously in order to blockwarn the enemy. Therefore, the following per-escape and prevent evasion. If simultainsto operations conducted in open areas ortaneous occupation of these positionsareas where some roads or trails permit vehicu-is not possible, escape routes mostlar movement.likely to be used are covered first. Ini-(1) Tank units reinforced with infantry tial occupation is the most critical peandarmored cavalry units possess theriod of the operation. If large insurmobilityand speed to accomplish angent formations realize, during thisencirclement. Vehicular noise may period, that they are being encircled,preclude surprise. This may necessi-they can be expected to react immetatedismounting part of the troopsdiately to probe for gaps or attacksome distance away, moving the vehi-weak points to force a gap.cles into predesignated positions on (a) Units occupying the positions alongorder after the dismounted troops are the encirclement provide strongin position.combat patrols well to their front(2) The majority of operations of this so early warning of attemptednature, conducted by armored units,breakouts may be received and es-230