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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM298METT and their effect on the actionwill place me on the objective in theto determine the probable outcome ofshortest time.the course of action under considera- d. Comparison of Own Courses of Actiontion. This analysis serves to refine the (step 4). In paragraph 4 of the commander'swhere and how and to identify some estimate, the commander compares courses ofof the advantages and disadvantages action developed in paragraph 3 and reaches aof each course of action. The enemy's conclusion as to the best course of action.ability to oppose the course of action (1) In making the comparison, the comandthe effectiveness of this opposi-mander first analyzes each course oftion are determined from this mentalaction in light of such major considwargaming.erations as terrain, enemy and friend-(2) This process is repeated for each of ly dispositions, enemy capabilities,the other courses of action.time, or other factors as a result of(3) During the analysis, the estimator this analysis, certain advantages andmay make major changes in coursesdisadvantages will emerge.of action; eliminate one or more from (2) The commander then lists the advanfurtherconsideration; or form a new tages and disadvantages of eachone. course of action of the subpara-(4) No attempt should be made to com- graphs.pare own courses of action during (3) The commander then determines thethis war gaming. It is neither possiblesignificance of each advantage andnor practicable to reach a conclusiondisadvantage in the light of the acatthis point since only one basis ofcomplishment of the mission. Thecomparison, the enemy, has been mental weighing of these advantagesused. and disadvantages demands soundprofessional judgment, military expe-The enemy can defend in placerience, and an analytical mind. No aronHill A with long range antitank bitrary formula or rule of elementfires. The defense can be overcomecan substitute for these qualities.with my superior with my firepower superiorandAnalyzing the three courses of acmobility.The enemy can withdraw totion, the following advantages andthe north, which will affect my chosendisadvantages emerged:courses of action equally, so I will not (a) Course of action 1.consider this capability any further.Advanta esIf the enemy attacks, a new situationAdvantagesis presented which requires a new es-1. Provides a covered approach to thetimate, so I will not consider this ca-objective.pability any further. Course of action2. I can hit the enemy on his weakest1 versus enemy capability to defend flank.avoids his best defenses (to his front)It isDisadvantagesthe longest route to the objective.and requires him to move his antitank (b Course of action 2.gun and other fires to his left flank.AdvantagesCourse of action 2 versus enemy capa-1. Wooded area will afford some conbilityto defend moves in an approachcealment.concealed from his observation, but2. Hits the enemy from his flank.the woods will slow down my move-Disadvantagesment, and his antitank gun is on this1. Wooded areas will hinder moveflank.Course of action 3 versus en-ment.emy capability to defend puts my pla-2. I will have to engage enemy flanktoon in the open directly in front ofwith the strongest antitank detheenemy's best defenses; however, itfense.