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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMguard), unless otherwise specified. c. Flank Guard Planning and ConductThe route of advance generally paral- (1) The commander plans a flank guardlels the axis of the protected forcemission in the following sequenceand provides rapid access to pre- (fig. 4):planned blocking positions on key ter- (a) Initially he makes a map reconnaisraindominating likely avenues of en-sance of the area of operations andemy approach into the flank of theselects the most likely avenues ofprotected force.enemy approach from the flank. Heb. Flank Guard Methods of Movement. selects a series of blocking positionsThere are three basic methods of movementon the flank that generally parallelthat are employed by the mobile flank guard-the axis of advance of the force bealternatebounds, successive bounds, and con-ing protected. These blocking positinuousmarching. The method selected de-tions should be located on defensipendsupon the rate of advance of the protect-ble terrain that dominate likelyed force and the enemy situation.avenues of enemy approach. The(1) Alternate bounds. This method mayblockingblockingpositionspositions shouldshould bebefarfarbe used when the protected force isenough from the flank of the forceadvancing slowly and strong enemybeing protected to give it timelyaction is anticipated against the flankwarning of enemy approach andguard. In this .s method of movement,provide it with sufficient time anddesignated elements of the flank maneuver space to react to an enguardoccupy blocking positions whileemy threat. The blocking positionsother elements leapfrog forward toshould be located in such a manneroccupy new blocking positions as re-as to deny the enemy ground obserquiredby the movement of the pro-vation and direct fire on the protectedThis method force.of move-tected be within force. the These supporting positions range should oftected force.ment is the most secure but is thebe within the supporting range ofslowment is the most secure but s thethe artillery of the protected force.If the flank guard force encounters(2) Successive bounds. This method is a superior enemy force, the posiusedwhen the movement of the pro-tions should be far enough to protectedforce is characterized by fre-vide sufficient terrain for the conquentshort halts, and enemy actionduct of a delaying action towardagainst the flank guard is light. Eachthe force being protected. However,subordinate unit occupies designatedthe distance between the axis of adblockingpositions. When forward vance or flank of the force beingmovement resumes, subordinate unitsprotected and the line of blockingmove simultaneously, retaining theirpositions should not be so greatrelative position in the flank guardthat one armored cavalry troop orformation as they move forward tocompany team cannot secure thisoccupy new blocking positions.frontage.(3) Continuous marching. This method is (b) The flank guard commander selectsused when the protected force is ad-the route of advance unless it hasvancing rapidly at a constant ratebeen prescribed by higher headandthere is no enemy action on thequarters. The route of advanceflank. The flank guard uses a columnshould be far enough from the axisformation and moves without halting,of advance of the force being proadjustingits rate of advance to thetected to prevent the flank guardmovement of the protected force. Airfrom interfering with the maneuandground elements reconnoiter tover of the protected force. Thethe flank as the remainder of the unitroute should permit rapid access tomoves along the route of advance.the line of blocking positions.53