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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM(2) Raids will usually be conducted by mored attack. On the other hand, there aresmall, mobile elements. Targets will many permanent structures in towns and citseldomrequire a major force. Time ies, such as factories, major stores, wareavailablefor a raid will usually pre- houses, temples, schools, and government facilcludethe organization of a large force ities. During the last phase of an insurrection,due to the fleeting type targets pre- the insurgents must attempt to overthrow andsented by the insurgent forces.seize governmental control, and this necessi-(3) Armored cavalry platoons and air tates attacks on the towns. Conversely, the incavalryelements are especially suita- surgents may hold a town and governmentble for raid type operations. The com- forces must attack it. Combat against insurbinationof sudden, simultaneous at- gents in such built-up areas will be conducted intack by ground armored troops and the same manner as against any hostile troops.helicopter-borne riflemen landed This type of fighting is most easily accomunderaerial suppressive fires will be plished by using a combined armor-infantrysuccessfulover most insurgent forces air team.encountered and seriously disrupt in- o. Security Force in Cities and Villages, Onesurgent operations.of the first steps in internal defense operations(4) Major mounted raids may be conduct- is to convince and show the people that the esedagainst known or suspected centers tablished government will and can protectof insurgent activity or supply bases them. The best persuasion is useless if the inwhenthese bases are located in surgents can enter populated areas at will, asaccessibleareas. Since relatively sassinate officials, terrorize the people, and aplargeforces are used in major raids propriate whatever supplies they need. It isand must usually move over extended necessary, therefore, to outpost villages withdistances, complete surprise can seldombe achieved. Some surprise maysmall powerful elements which can be prompt-ly reinforced by highly mobile armor or airmobegained by rapidity of movement. bile reaction forces from the larger cities. If aConsequently, raiding forces of this village is known to be sympathetic to the insurnaturerequire speed, heavy fire- gents or perhaps wavering, a fairly strongpower, armor protection, and air sup- force is required. The defense of a village isport. While large insurgent organiza- organized in a perimeter or strongpoint typetions can seldom be trapped or defense. The piecemealing of units in this roleannihilated by a raiding force, large must be carefully considered. Once a villageamounts of critical supplies and has organized a self-defense unit and has parequipmentmay be captured. An effec- ticipated in actions against the insurgents, thetive force for a major raid is the ar- village can be outposted by an indigenous inmoredcavalry squadron and, when fantry element or left with only its own selfnecessary,reinforced with infantry defense forces which permit better utilizationand artillery. The air cavalry troop of the regular forces. A defensive techniqueprovides security along the route and for a village security force under attack is toparticipates in the attack on the ob- organize a mobile striking force which breaksjective.out of the built-up area under covering fire. Then. Offense in Cities and Built-up Areas, mobile reaction (reserve) force moves rapidlyThere are two general types of built-up areas- into the concealment of the countryside, flanksvillages and towns or cities. Villages usually the insurgent position, and counterattacks.consist of poorly fabricated huts clustered in a This technique is accomplished primarily bydisorderly arrangement convenient to the local dismounted troops and must be practiced untilindustry. The houses provide no cover to weap- it is automatic.ons crews but are often used as insurgent sup- p. Security of Routes of Communications.ply caches especially for food and ammunition. This mission involves keeping the roads, pass-This type area offers little resistance to an ar- able trails, and waterways open for traffic and239