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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMg. Mass. The application of mass at the de- ing of economy of force. This means that a bacisivetime and place can achieve a superiority tallion is not employed to attack an enemyof combat power that will insure success. Even platoon. Only the combat power necessary isunder conditions of a disparity of opposing employed to do the job. The application of thisforces, a local superiority of combat power can principle in this situation is not readily apparbeattained against a numerically superior enemyby the proper and decisive application ofent since the commander in all courses of ac-tion applies all of his combat power in themass against detected enemy weaknesses. The furtherance of the mission. A marginal apcommanderachieves mass by avoiding the dis- plication of this principle, however, is in thesipation of his combat power through piece- use of the scout platoon in its security role.meal commitment, by maneuvering his forces The commander has not allocated additionalsimultaneously from more than one direction, combat power for security, and accepts the seandby maintaining depth to the formation to curity, and any resultant risks that accrue,influence the action.that can be provided by the scout platoon. This(1) CA 1 may achieve mass through the is especially noticeable in CA 1 where securityapplication of simultaneous combat of the southern flank of the northern axis ofpower from multiple directions. How- advance is marginal.ever, the force attacking on the north- i. Maneuver. Maneuver means the movementern axis of advance could become engagedby enemy elements on Hill C.to place combat power of troops (units) at amore advantageous position with regard to the(2) In CA 2, mass cannot be applied ini- enemy. It means that all military resourcestiallyby attacking in column. Depth combat power, combat support, and combatis achieved initially and there is service support-be positioned and maneuveramaximumprovision for contingent ble to accomplish the mission. It requires relaaction,particularly to the flanks. tively rapid movement and also, that the com-However, the formation provides only mander remain alert to anticipate probablefor the piecemeal commitment of future actions and plan for contingencies.forces forward against Hill C, thusforfeiting the application of mass. In(1) CA 1 envisages the maneuver of 2teams of the task force to apply comthecontinuation of the attack frombat power at the proper time andHill C, mass is achieved through ap-place from more than one direction.plication of all combat power fromThe open avenues of approach affordmultiple directions.rapid movement.(3) CA 3 meets all of the criteria for (2) In CA 2, the commander does not takemass except for the application ofadvantage of the terrain or his comcombatpower from multiple direcbatpower to achieve maneuver. Thetions initially. Even this criteria canbe met partly by changing the direc-vementof the task force intion of attack of one team just beforecolumn toward Hill C does not consti-the assault.tute maneuver. If the commanderwould plan to assault Hill C from(4) CA 3 is favored based on this principie.ple. CA.CA1isis astrongstrongsecondsecondchoice.choice.more than one direction or from therear or flank, rather than the columnh. Economy of Force. The application of formation, he would succeed in mamassmay necessitate the economy of combatneuvering his combat power. The conpowerin other areas to gain superior combattinuation of the attack from Hill C onpower at the critical time and place. Nevertheless,the economy of force unit must beconverging axes applies the principlesufficiently strong to accomplish its mission.Skillful and prudent use of combat power toaccomplish the mission with the minimum ex-(3) The rapidity of movement afforded bythe covered avenue of approach to thependiture of resources is also within the mean-south of Hill B and the attack of Hill306