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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMAPPENDIX XXTACTICAL EMPLOYMENT AND COMMAND CONTROLOF ATOMIC DEMOLITION MUNITIONSSection I. TACTICAL CHARACTERISTICSOF ATOMIC DEMOLITION MUNITIONS1. General (c) Obstruct a withdrawing enemyThe atomic demolition munition (ADM) pro-force.vides armor with an explosive capability con- (2) Defense and delay.tained in a relatively small package, but the (a) Block constricted avenues of apequalof many tons of conventional explosives.proach.This capability may be used to demolish natu-(b) Sever lateral routes of communicaralor manmade features or create obstacles.tion in front of friendly positionsPositioning of ADM's other than on the sur-by clandestine emplacement.face may make use of existing structures orrequire preparation of platforms or excava-(c) Canalize the enemy.tions.(d) Inhibit enemy movement.2. Employment(e) Demolish key tactical targets.a. General. Instructions governing the em- 3. Tactical Characteristicsployment of atomic demolition munitions will a. No Delivery Error. The ADM, with itsbe published separately by the theater com- extreme accuracy (that is, zero CEP), can bemander in accordance with national policies emplaced exactly where desired. This accuracyand instructions from higher headquarters. allows use of minimum yields to accomplish theADM's may be employed to create barriers in mission.certain situations and are particularly usefulin denying the enemy large strategic installab.Simplified Target Acquisition. Target ac-quisition for the ADM presents no problemtionssuch as a communications center. The Targets, such as prominent terrain features oratomic demolition plan may appear as an ap- manmade installations, are determined easilypendix to the barrier plan, denial plan, or as a and do not move. The emplacement site may bepart of the fire plan appendix to the fire sup- selected as part of the plan of maneuver.port annex to the operations plan.c. Flexibility of Delivery. The method ofb. Uses. Atomic demolition munitions have ADM delivery is flexible. Depending on theapplication to most armor operations as a nu- type ADM used and location of the target,clear weapon or as a demolition charge. transport can be accomplished in any of sever-(1) Offense. al ways-armored personnel carrier, helicopter(a) Protect a flank (create a landslide, (either internally or externally), truck, orcrater, or an obstacle in the form of man. Helicopter external carry is authorizedtree blowdown or rubble that would only in war time.preclude enemy penetrations).d. Massive Destruction. The ADM can do(b) Demolition in a heavily fortified jobs not practicable with conventional exploarea.sives. Less time and logistical effort are re-386