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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMi. Time. Time available for planning, prepa- (1) The mission and the area of operationration, and occupation of defensive positions ispermit the defense to be organizedof major importance and will often determineand fought in sufficient depth.the defensive posture of a unit.(2) Terrain permits relatively free movement154. Basic Forms of Defense by the defending force.(3) The mobility of the defending forcesThere are two basic forms of defense, thecompares favorably with that of themobile defense and the area defense.enemy.a. The mobile defense employs a combina- (4) The enemy has the capability of emtionof offensive, defensive, and delaying ac-ploying nuclear weapons and the detionswith the ultimate success of the defensefender must employ maximum disperdependingupon offensive action. The primary sion and mobility to decreaseobjective of the mobile defense is the destruc-vulnerability to nuclear attack.tion of the attacking enemy force. In the mobile (5) The air situation permits relativelydefense, minimum forces are deployed as fixingfree movement of the defending forces.forces in the forward defensive area to detect, (6) Minimum time is available for deploydisorganize,delay, and destroy the attackingment of forces and organization ofenemy and to provide time and space for actionby the reserve. The bulk of the combat powerthe ground and defensive positions.of the command is deployed as a counterattack c. Area defense is less desirable for armorforce which employs the principles of offensivecombat to destroy the enemy at the most faunitesnot make maximum use ofthe mobility of the tank. Its adoption is favorabletime and place.vored whenb.In the area defense, emphasis is placed on (1) There is a lack of depth in the defenretentionof specific terrain. Offensive and de-sive area.fensive actions are directed at stopping the en- (2) There is a requirement to retainemy forward of the forward defensive area orspecific terrain.ejecting him if he penetrates this area. The (3) Terrain restricts maneuver by the debulkof the combat power of the command isfending force.committed to defense of the forward defensive (4) The attacker possesses a mobilityarea. Reserves are employed to add depth todifferential over the defender.the defense, to block or destroy enemy penetra- (5) The attacker possesses air superioritions,to counterattack and restore the defen- ty.sive position, or to reinforce threatened forces. (6) Time is available for the construction155. Selection of the Type Defense of defensive positions to include thea. Selection of the type defense to be used preparation of barriers.depends on the mission, terrain, mobility, nu- 156. Factors Affecting Employmentclear weapons, air situation, time, and enemy The commander must employ armor in acapabilities. See FM 61-100 for detailed dis- manner calculated to make maximum use of itscussion.favorable characteristics. Regardless of theb. Mobile defense is the preferred type of type defense that may be employed, this calcudefensefor armor. Its adoption is favored lation is based on a reasoned analysis of thewhen- factors of METT (para 30-34).Section II.ORGANIZATION OF THE DEFENSE157. General overall plan of defense of the higher com-In either the mobile or the area defense, ar- mander. In mobile defense, a small armor unitmor units may be required to organize the de- may be required to organize a sector of the forfenseof specific terrain in accordance with the ward edge of the battle area (FEBA) or one or90