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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMnating points, and the general tracesive action, he employs the techofthe FEBA are designated accord- niques outlined in chapters 8 and 6ing to the definitions and purposesrespectively. Combinations of theseoutlined in appendix VII. Based on anactions may be used. Such combinaanalysisof key terrain, certain bri-tions add to the complexity of thegade blocking positions may be desig-plan and must be expressed clearlynated for occupation by task forces.to subordinates.If an analysis of the situation indi- (3) Company. Company team comcates,a small, tank-heavy reservemanders assign positions and sectorsmay be held at brigade level. Normal-of fire to platoons based on the taskly, elements of the fixing forces areforce order, forces available, and eninitiallydeployed in their blocking po-emy avenues of approach into thesitions. However, the brigade com-company team sector. The companymander may determine that his forcesteam normally does not hold a reshouldbe initially disposed in assem-serve.bly areas. He designates the appropriblyareas. He designates the appropri- (a) Blocking positions are organized asate assembly areas and issues the or- outlined in FM 17-15 and FMders for the occupation of the defendedlocalities (FM 17-30).(b) A delaying action is planned in ac-(2) Battalion. Battalion task force commandersnormally assign sectors to l in ined FM 17-15, and FM 17t36.company teams based on the brigadeorder, the forces available, and the (c) Offensive action is planned in acenemyavenues of approach into thecordance with the techniques outbattaliontask force sector. Bounda- lined in FM 17-15, and FM 17-36.ries, coordinating points, and further c. Counterattack Planning.refinements of the trace of the FEBA (1) Counterattack plans are prepared, asare designated. See appendix X for aa minimum, to attack an assumed madiscussionof appropriate control jor penetration on each principal enmeasures.Frontages occupied by bat-emy avenue of approach into the ditaliontask forces rarely permit hold- vision area. First priority ining a reserve. counterattack planning is for as-(a) Based on an analysis of terrain, thesumed penetrations. Planning prioribattaliontask force commander ties may shift as intelligence of themay designate a specific terrainenemy develops.feature as a blocking position. He (a) Counterattack plans permit, to themust specify when or under whatextent possible, the reduction of thecircumstances the position(s) is totime required to commit the reservebe occupied and the priority.if the penetration develops as en-(b) If the battalion task force com-visioned. These plans also assignmander determines that his forcespriorities for reconnaissance, enshouldbe disposed initially in as-gineer efforts, and coordination. Ifsembly areas, rather than in de- the enemy penetration does notfended localities, he designates theconform to the assumed penetraappropriateassembly areas. Ordersfor the occupation of the defendedtions, modification can be madewithout excessive loss of time.localities are issued by the taskforce commander.(b) Assumed penetrations will normal-ly conform only generally to actual(c) When the battalion task force cornmanderdetermines that he willenemy actions. Although useful forplanning, assumed penetrations areconduct a delaying action or often-not to be construed as preselected97