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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMAPPENDIX VIIICOMMANDER'S APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES OF WAR1. General heavy on the north axis, 1 tank-heavyThe commander, in analyzing courses of ac-on the south axis, with remainder oftion during his estimate of the situation,the task force following and supportshouldevaluate the relative merits of each selectedcourse of action in light of the principlesing on south axis. The scout platoonscreens the northern flank of theof war. Violation of principles should be avoid-south axis from Hill B initially (fig.ed if possible. If a principle is violated, the 64).commander must be aware of the implications (2) Course of action 2. Attack in column,and be willing to accept the resultant risks. To seize Hill C; on order, seize Hill D.illustrate application and use of the principlesLeading task force tank-heavy atofwar, the following situation and courses oftacks down Federal Road 7, seizesaction are discussed. No attempt has beenHill C. After Hill C has been secured,made to discuss the enemy capabilities as theycontinue attack on order on two axesaffect each course of action.to seize Hill D. Scout platoon initiallya. Situation. screens the south flank of Hill C from(1) Task Force 1 (1st Tank Battalion), Hill B (fig. 65).11th Armor, has been temporarily (3) Course of action 3. Task force athaltedin the vicinity of Hill A priortacks, to seize Hill D, on south axisto continuing the offensive. At 162000with two tank-heavy teams abreast.Jun-the battalion task force com-Remaining teams follow and support.mander received the following mes-Scout platoon screens northern flanksage, "Attack 171400 to seize Hill D: initially from Hill B (fig. 66).be prepared to continue the attack onorder."(4) Other courses of action, There areother feasible courses of action in this(2) The enemy has been conducting aseries of delaying actions. The enemysituation. However, for explanationpurposes only, the three courses of acsituationas to troop disposition andtion selected above will be analyzedlocation is indicated on sketch map atand discussed.figures 64, 65, and 66.c. Principles of the Objective. The accom-(3) Battalion Task Force 1st Tk Bn, 11th plishment of the mission is paramount; allArmor, has 3 tank companies and 1 other considerations must contribute to thismechanized infantry company.end. The objective assigned to the commander(4) Light data: in this situation facilitates the accomplishmentBMNT EENT of the brigade and division mission. The task16 Jun .-......._____ 0440 2045 force commander must in turn consider mis-17 Jun _____-___________ 0430 2048 sions and means that he will allocate to his18 Jun _____-___________ 0425 2051 subordinates to accomplish his mission.b. Courses of Action (CA). (1) In CA 1 the commander plans to seize(1) Course of action 1. Attack to seize the objective assigned to him, therebyHill D with 2 teams abreast, 1 tank-accomplishing his mission and con-300