Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
This press notice appeared in the "Public Ser- the Airland battle. But if you put all the ar-
vice Review" in 1888: ticles over the last century into a sack, shake
it up, and spill it out, the mass that emerges
"A trumpet blast, sounding a rallying is how to move, shoot, and communicate.
note, comes to the ears of American It is impossible to measure the impact the
cavalrymen with the initial number of "The combined wisdom from all those authors, first
Journal of The U.S. Cavalry Association." printed during the Indian Wars, has had on
For the first time in the history of our our warfighting success over the last ten
professional literature we have here a peri- decades, but we can measure the sur-
odical devoted to the improvement of the vivability of a publication thzt has continued
Mounted Service and the prospect seems in an enduring form for 100 years. That itself
good for the preservation in an enduring is an impressive milestone. That it continues
form, convenient for reference, of the to do what it set out to do a century ago is a
results of matured experience in the field, more remarkable one.
as well as a record of interesting modern For this success, plaudits must go not only
experiment, for the future guidance of the to the relatively few who have staffed the pub-
cavalry world. " lication and the association that gave it birth,
The fellow who wrote this, despite his in- but to the many more, past, present, and fu-
credible perception, long ago slid into ture, who have taken the time to put their
obscurity: but the product of which he wrote thoughts into words for the rest of us to
still provides "the results of matured ex- share and study.
perience in the field, as well as a record of in- Underscoringthis sentiment is the simple
teresting modern experiment, for the future fact that the magazine has endured and suc-
guidance of the cavalry world," a century after ceeded to its lofty reputation largely due to
that first issue emerged from that steam press the strength it derives from association mem-
in Leavenworth, Kansas. bership. This, like its contents, is not likely to
We produce the magazine much differently change. Any officer who has reached the Ad-
now, with the latest technological smoke and vanced Course, or an NCO who has reached
mirrors, but it is spell-binding to consider how ANCOC, therefore, has a professional and
much the guts of the publication remains the moral obligation to subscribe. It is that simple.
same. Yeah, instead of the care and feeding of
horses, we talk about maintenance; and in- ARMOR now moves into its second century
stead of the use of saber or pistol, we write of service to the force. To borrow a phrase...
about combined arms and synchronization in And so it goes. - PJC
Official:
FEATURES
Editor-in-Chief
MAJOR PATRICK J. COONEY 8 The Roots of ARMOR
by Jim Schreier
Managing Editor
JON T. CLEMENS 10 Ten Commandments for the Small Unit Tactician
by Major Roger Cirilio
Commandant
MG THOMAS H. TAlT 14 Providing Soldiers the Decisive Edge
by Captain Curtis L McCoy
and Sergeant First Ciass(P) Michael R. Womer, Sr.
ARMOR (ISSN 0004-2420) is published
bimonthly by the US. Army Armor Center, 4401
Vine Grove b a d , Fort Knox, KY 40121. 17 Templating the NTC OPFOR
Disclaimer: The information contained in by Major David Ozolek and Captain Michael D. Pierson
ARMOR represents the professional opinions of
the authors and does not necessarily reflect the
official Army or TRADOC position, nor does it 23 Desert Maintenancefor XOs and BMOs
change or supersede any information by Captain Kevin P. O'Dwyer
presented in other official Army publications.
Official distribution is limited to one copy for
each heavy brigade headquarters, armored 26 The Battle of Perryville: Initiatives Lost and Won
cavalry regiment headquarters, armor battalion by Robert E. Rogge
headquarters, armored cavalry squadron head-
quarters, reconnaissance squadron head-
quarters, armored cavalry troop, armor com- 30 The Dynamo Connection
pany, and motorized brigade headquarters of by Colonel John W. Mountcastle
the United States Army. In addition, Army
libraries, Army and DOD schools, HQ DA and
MACOM staff agencies with responsibility for ar- 38 Directed Energy Weapons:
mored, direct fire, ground combat systems, or- Training Today for Tomorrow's Battlefield
ganizatlons, and the training of personnel for by Richard B. Armstrong
such organizations may request two copies by
sending a military letter to the edltor-inchief.
Authorized Content: ARMOR will print only DEPARTMENTS
those materials for which the U.S. Army Armor
Center has proponency. That proponency in-
cludes: all armored, direct-fire ground combat 2 Letters 42 ProfessionalThoughts
systems that do not serve primarily as infantry 4 Armor Conference Schedule 49 Recognition Quiz Answers
carriers; all weapons used exclusively in these
systems or by CMF 19-series enlisted soldiers:
6 Commander's Hatch 50 The Bustle Rack
any miscellaneous items of equipment which 7 Driver's Seat 52 Books
armor and armored cavalry organizations use 41 Recognition Quiz 53 Field Manual Reading List
exclusively; training for all SC 12A, 126, and
12C officers and for all CMF-1Qseries enlisted
soldiers; and information concerning the train-
ing, logistics, history, and leadership of armor
and armored cavalry units at the brigadelregi-
ment level and below, to include Threat units at
those levels.
Material may be reprinted, provided credit is
given to ARMOR and to the author, except
where copyright is indicated.
1 4 ARMOR - March-April1988 I
Cavalry and Armor
at 100 Years
This year our Association’s professional journal, ARMOR, celebrates 100
years of service to Cavalry, Armor, and the profession of arms. That’s a pretty
imposing performance, considering that nothing much lasts 100 years anymore!
So what should we say to and about ourselves looking back, and what targets
should we put up for the future?
In retrospect, The Cavalry Journal, ARMOR, and our Association have been
on hand for all the nation’s wars since the late Indian wars of the 19th Century.
About those wars, and the intervening periods of non-warlike activity, we have
provided the medium for professional commentary, debate, and communication
about the tactics, techniques, and operational art of our profession and our
branch. Reading the bibliography of published articles, the list of their authors
reads like a “Who’s Who” of Cavalry and Armor. The great names of our branch
have, almost without exception, been contributors; it has been their interest, con-
cern, and willingness to contribute to the debate, to share their experience and
knowledge with others, that have enabled our journal and our branch to survive,
grow, and be the strength we are today.
Going forward, these pressures will continue, likely even increase. So, suc-
ceeding generations of Armor leaders must sustain the determination and
vigilance - the steadfast resolve that these important features of our branch
and its professional viability will survive, flourish, and continue to grow. So here
we are a hundred years down the road, surrounded by naysayers on all sides.
Some despair at that; on the contrary, being surrounded simplffies a lot of
things - it obviates the need for a big debate about which direction the attack
should take. So let’s just take the initiative and press on. You see - it’s our
move!
DONN A. STARRY
General, U.S. Army (Ret.)
President, U.S. Armor Association
-
ARMOR - March-April 1988 5
MG Thomas H. Tait
Commanding General
Cavalry- Readdressed U S . Army Armor Center
100thAnniversary
As is painfully obvious to all fight- guard mission for the squadron, However, there is a good chance
ing soldiers, the division cavalry then the squadron should have that we'll have a standardized HHC
squadron organization is not Panks, and 1 believe this will be for mechanized infantry and tank
capable of providing the division reflected in our doctrine. battalions. This will certainly be a
commander the reconnaissance he step in the right direction.
so desperately needs to win the The next question will be: "From
AirLand Battle. We are all aware where will the spaces come?" I There has also been discussion
that a combination of factors don't have the answer for that. about the feasibility of having a
created this situation: only two There are folks in TRADOC who fixed brigade organization similar to
ground troops, a six-vehicle vs a tcn- will find the spaces if they receive the 1?4th Armorcd Brigade or the
vehicle scout platoon, no tanks, and the mission to do it. 197th Infantry Brigade. This has
scout helicopters that annot per- definite appeal for all regimental
form at night or during periods of Another capability that should end cavalrymen who are used to fixed or-
limited visibility. The logical ques- up in the cavalry squadron, which ganizations. However, since we
tion to ask the proponent for caval- rightfully belongs in the brigade want to examine change, why not
ry is, "What are you doing about it?" scout platoon, is an RPV-M. This get really radical? Let's organize
would be a simple RPV, with posi- some true cavalry divisions with
The answer is, not as much as you tive navigation, that would enable three regiments of cavalry organized
in the field or we at Fort Knox the brigade commander to see over as they are today with the following
would like to do. However, there the hill. It would be under his con- additions:
are some initiatives underway. First, trol and would be totally responsive
we are dusting off and updating our to his needs. If the brigade scout 0 A mechanized infantry bat-
analysis that indicates we need the platoon cannot be reinstated, then talion to each regiment.
third ground troop and tanks in the this reconnaissance means should
cavalry squadron. We can prove this be in the cavalry squadron and at- 0 An E-Force engineer battalion
analytically, as it has been done tached out to the brigade com- to each regiment. This will provide
before and will be done again. The manders at their call. This the capability to breach obstacles in
one thing that we cannot model is capability is overdue and is needed stride.
the cohesiveness, trust and under- now. We can garner spaces, in my
standing that comes when the caval- opinion, that would allow us to field 0 Create an artillery battalion in
ry troops have their own tanks and the RPV-M in a relatively short each regiment to command and con-
not ones borrowed from another period of time. This assumes, of trol the artillery batteries in each
battalion. As I stated in previous ar- course, that we can overcome any squadron.
ticles, we learned this lesson the number ol'bureaucratic hurdles.
hard way in World War 11. It is al- This would be an organization that
ways a wonder why succeeding The 1st Cavalry Division has been would be difficult to defeat. It
generations cannot learn from the examining the feasibility of convert- would have the panache, vigor, and
past. Maybe we're running so fast ing all maneuver battalions to a ferocity neccssary to win the
that we haven't the timc to study the k e d or combined arms battalion. maneuver portion of the AirLand
past, which may be a fatal mistake. I This is attractive becdUSe it allows Battle.
will not address hcre the question those who will fight togethcr to live
of whcthcr tanks are nceded at all. and train together. The jury is still Treat 'Em Rough
However, if doctrine dictates a out on the overall concept.
~ ____________
Every small unit leader has his own set of rules pertaining to training for
ground combat. Some are culled from manuals, others were drilled into
the subconscious by instructors or evaluators during training tests. might be made if only a few longer-
Seniors with combat experience always have their pet theories, some- ranged missiles are available, so as
times learned at great cost. The old standby "noise and light discipline," not to uncover the unit's positions
stands beckoning for anyone lacking interest or expertise in the arts of until the bulk of weapons can fire.
ground fighting and needing a quick fault to find. Its electronic brothers, Judgement, not only regarding rela-
proper radio-telephone procedure and lengthy transmissions, likewise, tive numbers, but probable success
are good standbys. Probably the only unifying theme in the search for to be achieved by longest-ranged
rules is each man's perception of how to win or at least survive on the bat- fire, (consider visibility, intervening
tlefield. terrain, and target windows defined
by target exposure time), will be
My rules, too, are perceptions. They are drawn from interviews with com- critical to judging exact engagement
bat veterans of different wars and different armies, from analysis of techniques. The company or troop
numerous small unit actions in past wars, and from a careful study of cur- commander decides on massed fire
rent doctrinal literature. There are only ten for simplicity's sake. Good tac- versus piecemeal fire but, in either
ticians will identify more. But good trainers will tell you that you need to case, engagement should be at the
start with basics. These ten are basic to winning and surviving on the ar- farthest possible range.
mored battlefield.
Knowing when to fight for intel- reality of war. ...'I larger tactical picture can reduce
ligence is a judgement determined confusion. The simple act of telling
by the unit's mission. Part of any soldiers where they are located
combat unit's repertoire must be to combat atmosphere that pervades often proves critical. Soldiers who
know when and how to do it. peacetime training. follow or ride, without access to
maps or being told where they are
The tactician must be prepared to going or have been, may have
Third Commandment finish his fight by mobilizing soldiers trouble assuming leadcrship posi-
Maintain 360-Degree still combat effective and by tem- tions during a crisis or even being
Orientation porarily ignoring those who don't able to clearly report their own
I I respond to orders or the discipline situation to other friendly elements.
of crew drill. Especially important is Unit leaders must put immediate
The armored battlefield is non- the survival of a chain of command. subordinates at every level into the
linear, despite what graphics might Units decapitated by early loss of picture to the fullest extent.
portray. During movement to con- their leaders while retaining the
tact, units are susceptihle to bulk of thcir fighting power is a Prebattle training is the best under-
surprise llanking fire, not only from sadly common story in war. pinning for reducing confusion.
enemy positions, but from enemy at- Every soldier must have a concep-
tack helicopters. Enemy special for- Leader losses must be replaced in- tual undcrstanding of how his unit
ces or infiltrating units will attempt stantly by named replacements fights. He must understand how
to draw friendly forces rearward designated prior to battle and flanking elements may "disappear"
from a forward-looking orientation, known to all. Competence and ex- due to intervening terrain. The
or to cut off or cripple combat ser- perience must sometimes overrule noise and mind-dulling concussion
vice support units. To expect seniority in designating such of combat must be expected. The
trouble from any quarter and to leaders. Units must train their desig- realities of nonlinear battle, once un-
have an aggressive attitude toward nated leaders to assume their derstood, will go far to reduce some
dealing with it wherever en- responsibilities by naming "assis- of the air of confusion.
countered is a necessity for the tants" to understudy every green tab
small unit tactician. leader in a unit, as a minimum. The individual fighter must expect
confusion in combat as a normal
LCombat usually produces "emer- state of affairs. Thus, anticipating
I Fourth Commandment:
Expect Casualties I gent leaders." In warhe,. can-
manders must identify and nurture
these. Losses of mcn and leaders
confusion, soldiers and leaders will
be better able to dispel it.
12 ARMOR - March-April1988
"...Good gunnery is a
pre-baffle concern. Train-
ing realistically is a 'you
I 1 bet your life ' concern....I'
Ninth Commandment:
Be Prepared to Fight ..And Then There's LUCK ...
Under NBC Conditions
Ground is not always of the user's I I
choice. When it is his choice, no ex-
Chemical operations are a key cuse exists for picking unfavorable Luck is not a doctrinal term. But it
part of both friendly and enemy ground. When forced to go onto the exists. Units are sometimes set up
doctrine. The use of protective enemy's chosen ground, how it's for instant success or failure by the
equipment and an in-depth under- done, and the specifics of fire and factors of METT-T. Sitting on a
standing of the limitations placed maneuver, are the tactician's choice. good piece of ground and fighting
upon troops by NBC employment is Making the best of what's available, an incompctent opponent helps.
basic survival knowledge for all sol- to include the art of going where it's Sometimes, the tradition of being a
diers. Rigorous pre-battle training impossible or unlikely to go, are key hard luck or "snake bit" outfit hap-
and continuous vigilance in combat skills in the master tactician's reper- pens for the opposite reasons. Poor
are the only guarantees of being toire. There is no simple school solu- leadership, inadequate training, or I
able to operate in an NBC enviror- tion telling you to maneuver left or substandard equipment are the nor-
ment. Of' all the small unit rules, right, or how to task organize for mal contributors to the beginning o l
this requires the least elaboration: the whole war. But, the ground a tradition of failure. All can be
be prepared, or die. provides a large part to the key of cured, and - in most cases -
any tactical solution. prevented.
~
Tenth Commandment: Terrain grants advantages if used The now-abandoned cliches about
Understand the Three Gs well. To understand how the terrain "First Battles" and the "Come-As-
of Ground Combat. affects encmy movement, particular- You-Are-War" originated in bad ex-
ly unit deployment, is key for the periences, mostly by outfits with bad
small unit tactician. Terrain es- luck. Tacticians make their own
A commander during the 1973 timates by map inspection must be luck by determined, well thought
Arah-Israeli War described ground done with enemy techniques and out, pre-battle training, and aggres-
combat as being a function of "good capabilities in mind, as well as the sive, reasoned action on the bat-
ground, good gunnery, and good capabilities and characteristics of tlefield.
luck." These Three Gs" form the friendly units.
foundation for armored warfare,
both in pre-battle training and in Good gunnery is a pre-battle con-
combat. cern. Training rcalistically is a "you Major Roger Clrillo was
bet your life" concern. Crew commissioned in the
The "good ground" segment recog- proficiency makes possible all the ROTC in 1971 and has
nizes that terrain gives structure to tactical advantages granted by know- served in divisional and
the battlefield. Having learned how ing how to use ground. Amateurs regimental armored caval-
to see it, the tactician must learn lose face-to-face gun fights. Ar- ry assignments in
how to use the ground. Killing mored crews must understand that CONUS, Korea, and
zones, mobility corridors, avcnues fact, whether their main system is a USAREUR. A CGSC
of approach, hindering ground, traf- tank gun, chain gun, or missile. graduate, he has served
ficability and intervisibility profiles With a high degree of gunnery on the faculties of the
form the basis for the tactics or any proficicncy, a unit's combat worth Armor School, Air
fight. multiplies, as does the survival rate Defense School, and the
of its crews. C&GSC. Currently, he is a
The schematics depicting fire and The continuing inahility of many war plans officer at
maneuver as drills or positions to oc- units to stabilize and develop crews Central Army Group head-
cupy or assault, are given reality by for the long term will cause unneces- quarters in Heidelberg.
the tactician's use of ground. sary losses in battle.
ARMOR - March-April1988 l3 I
New SHAFTS sys-
ProvidingSoldiers tem control levers,
at left, allow manual
The Decisive Edge override of an Ml's
protective systems
in combat.
by Captain Curtis L McCoy
and SFC(P) Michael I?. Womer, Sr.
Yoti piill tip arid start to engage the Yoii tell tire platoon sepcant that the Two electronic systems that con-
em?rriy witli yotir riiairi grin. Siidderi- tank is irt sonic kind of protective trol throttle response and transmis-
lv, voti hear a loiid bang. Yoti think mode, biit the e~tgi~ie is still ninrting, sion drive range selection govern
yoti are hit, brit yoti arc obviotisIv Tile net? titirig yoti know, yoti are the mobility of the current M1 tank.
alive. 77ie TC is screariiirtg: "Back preparing rite tank for destnictiorr to The first major factor is the throttle
tip, back iipl" prevent its iise by the eneiitv. response. An electronic control unit
(ECU) that mcdilies the fuuel flow
You placc the trartsritissiort selector In this situation, the survivability to the turbine+ regulates throttle
irt n?venearid give the tank fir11 throt- of a tank crew might well dcpcnd rcsponse, depending on the driver's
tle, But riotliirtg Itappem. Yoii look on the ability of the system to extri- demands and the state of the en-
up. It seerits like eveiy iridicator light cate itself from a hostile environ- gine. The unit has inherent algo-
iri the driver's coritparlriierit is lit. mcnt, particularly aftcr taking a hit. rithms callccl "protective modues"
Yair Itit the reset btittori, brit still riatii- In such circumstances, mobility, to (PMs), which protect the engine -
irig happens. Yoti can Itear the e~tgi~ic include placing the transmission in and these take precedence over
nirirtirig, but it wort 't irtcrcase iiorse- gear, becomes paramount, even at driver commands. This prevents
power according to the tlirottle the expense of increased probability necdless damage to a malfunction-
respouse. Yoti look to the frott arid of long-term damage to the engine ing engine in peacetime exercises.
can see the enerity contirig yorir way. or transmission. One such protective mode is called
E M O R - March-April1988 75 I
Captain McCoy was
commissioned in Armor
at the USMA in 1978 and
completed the Armor Of-
gine consists of two hypnss hoses cal control on the transmission (Fig ficer Basic and Ad-
connected to a fuel-metering valve, 2) does not interfere with the electri- vanced Courses, the
which permits a flow rate from zero cal functioning of the valve body. A Motor Officer Main-
to approximately 238 pounds per disconnect device in the mechiinical tenance Course at Ft.
hour (PPH). A control arm with 90- arrangement separates the mechani- Knox, KY, and the Air-
degree rotation mounted in the cal control from the electronic sys- borne, Ranger, and In-
driver's compartment actuates the tem. The result was a tripping fantry Officer Advanced
valve. This allows fuel to bypass the mechanism with four positions: Courses at Ft. Benning,
engine's hydro-mechanical unit drive, reverse, neutral, and unlock. GA. He also completed
(HMU) during a PM-Ill. The The tripping mechanism raises the the German Airborne
bypass metering valve controls pres- check balls in each solenoid in the School, and the Com-
surized fuel provided by the HMU's required combinations. bined Arms and Ser-
high-pressure pump. The high pres- vices Staff School at Ft.
sure fuel is available at the "Pl" test The two-lever control box (Fig 3), Leavenworth. He has
port on the HMU. used in conjunction with a manual served as a tank platoon
flow and manual transmission leader, cavalry squadron
The manual fuel metering valve, shifter (Fig 2), permits control of and battalion motor of-
which is closed during normal both fuel flow and transmission shift- ficer, tank company XO,
operation of the vank's fuel supply ing without electrical power. The in- tank company com-
system, permits injection of a terlocking device prohibits increas- mander, and is currently
metered amount of fuel into the ing fuel flow above the 72-horse- an armor research and
"P3" test port on the HMU. This power limit undcr PM-111 condi- development coor-
fuel is directly injected into the gas tions unless the driver places the dinator at the Ballistic
turbine engine's combustion cham- transmission into a drive gear. Con- Research Laboratory,
ber. The restricting orifice controls versely, the transmission may not he APG, MD.
the maximum volume of the valve's taken out of a drive gear unless the
control arm. The driver remotely fltd llow rate is returned to the cor-
controls this arm through a flexible responding 72 hp. During combat Sergeant First Class
cable and control box. The valve's operations, the driver can ac- Womer enlisted in 1973
orifice was selected to permit a rnax- complish this. and is a graduate of the
imum fuel flow of approximately Armor NCO Basic and
335 PPH in PM-Ill, yielding an en- In December 1986, the SHAFTS Advanced Courses, the
gine output of approximately 400 tcchnical data package was M60A1/A3 Master Gun-
hp. The valve/orilice arrangemcnt delivered to MACOMs fcjr evalua- ner Course, the M2/3
permits engine output (and vehicle tion. The end result was a possible Commander's Main-
speed) to go from zero to the maxi- solution to the user's requirement tenance Course, Fun-
mum output permitted by the valve. request to increase the Ml's damentals of Counsel-
mobility survivability on the bat- ing course, and the In-
The manual transmission shifter tlefield under a PM-111 condition or structor Training
for regulating the electronic possible transmission failure. Course. Among other
solenoids within the transmission positions, he has served
valve body assembly consists of a as battalion master gun-
solcnoid-tripping mechanism (Fig Thanks to the soldier and the ner, 2d Bn, 64th Armor;
4), connected to a cable from the chain of command, the Army and brigade master gun-
driver's station. The tripping device Materiel Command's Ficld Assis- ner, 1st Bde 3d ID. He is
operates the electrical solenoids tance in Science and Technology currently assigned as
within the automatic transmission, (FAST) program and the US. the master gun-
thereby permitting mechanical trans- Army Tank Automotive Command ner/NCOlC of the U.S.
mission operation without the need TACOM addressed this potentially Army Ballistic Research
for clectrical power. The mechani- hazardous operating condition.. Labor-atory, APG, MD.
~~
16 ARMOR - March-April1988
Templating the NTC OPFOR
By Major David J. Ozolek and Captain Michael T. Pierson
Task force operations conducted to fit the battlefield realities, can be- massing of sufficient combat power
against the National Training come a deadly lrap; the commander for the attack. It also offers
Center’s (NTC) Opposing Force fails to react to OPFOR actions be- flexibility, allowing the deliberate
(OPFOR) motorized rifle regiment cause they do not tit his predeter- commitment of combat power to
have shown that a template can be a mined concept. critical locations as the battlefield
useful aid in quickly dcterrnining a situation develops. But until suffi-
projected enemy course of action. One of the main duties of the S2 is cicnt combat power arrives, com-
When properly selected and ap- to select from the many possibilities mitted elements are subject to
plied, a template can assist the com- the correct template to use. This counterattack and piccemeal
mander in anticipating the task has proved to be particularly destruction by superior Blue For-
OPFOR’s actions before they occur, difficult for many junior intelligence ces.
thus increasing his available reac- officers. Selection and application
tion time. of a template require the S2 to have Alternately, the OPFOR regiment
a general knowledge of the condi- may begin its attack with the rcgi-
Although OPFOR formations, tions under which the OPFOR com- ment’s reinforced motorized rifle
frontages, and timing are relatively mander develops a concept of battalions already arrayed in attack .
predictable and easily templated, operation. He must have the ability echelons at the line of dcparture.
the OPFOR commander has a to conduct an accurate METT-T Deployed formations move at rough-
reasonable degree of flexibility in fit- (Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, ly half the speed of the march
ting his concept to the actual condi- and Time available) analysis of the column, but offer instantaneously
tions of the battlefield. Too often, situation, and an operational sense available firepower in the direction
the task force’s ability to react to of OPFOR tactical doctrine. These of the formation’s orientation. They
the OPFORs mass and speed are enablc him to read thc battlelicld as are, however, relatively inflexible
seriously handicapped by an initial the situation develops and to adjust and, once committed, require a
misunderstanding of the OPFORs his interpretation of the OPFOR ef- major command and control elhrt
intent and an insistence on adhering fort as OPFOR actions occur. to reorient as changes in the percep-
to an improperly selected template tion of the Blue situation occur.
even when battlefield realities indi- The OPFOR regiment may begin
cate that the OPFOR is not follow- its attack from a rapid march-to- Generally, the OPFOR regiment
ing the predicted course of action. contact column, deploying for a will attcmpt to gain speed by
hasty attack or mecting engagement remaining in column as long as pos-
A mis-selected template, coupled upon contact with the Blue Force. sible. When the regiment clearly
with insistence on making bat- The march column offers rapid identifies the Blue forward trace
tlefield realities fit the template, movement and security, but re- from reconnaissance efforts prior to
rather than adjusting the ternplate quires considerable time for the the attack, it will deliberately build
Fig. 1
RESERVES 8 Fig. 2
and the requirement to seize a line
of deployment for the follow-on
regiment. By passing the second
MotorizedRMe Regiment Motorized RMe Regiment
echelon MRB around or through
Attack in One Echelon Attack In Two Echelons
Flg. 5
3d MRB
Conducting Exploltation
‘8
exploitation in march column deep Reacting to a fluid
into the Blue rear. situation this deep
in the defensive sec-
In the next example (Fig. 6), a first tor, and with the 3dMRB
echelon regiment has the mission to bulk of its forces Fig. 6
exploit a gap in forward defenses still in contact in Envelopment
created by a fire strike. To gain as the lonvdrd defen- from the March Column
ARMOR - March-April1988 21
sive positions, the defenders have ment of its left flank by the 2d
neithcr the assets nor the time to tie MRB. The regimental reserve, con-
together a well-establishcd, con- sisting of one tank platoon, one in- Major David J. Ozolek
centrated defense. The flanks of fantry platoon, and one antitank served at the NTC as the
task forces occupying such hasty platoon, will bypass the second S3 of the OPFOR
defensive positions will be wide MRB and establish a blocking posi- motorized rifle regiment, a
open, and the OPFOR will be quick tion behind the Blue Force to mechanized infantry bat-
to exploit such an opportunity. The prevent its withdrawal and to isolate talion S3,and as an S3 ob-
regimental commander in this situa- it from any reinforcements. The 3d server-controller. Other as-
tion would order his advanced MRB will bypass and continue the signments include mech-
guard battalion to fm the defender exploitation in march column. anized infantry platoon
with its forward security company leader and company com-
and conduct a flank attack on the Upon completion of this battle, mander, advisor in RVN,
defender’s right flank, occupying the regiment will reorganize and assistant professor of
and attriting him until the regimen- continue to exploit. These OPFOR English at USMA, and
tal main body can deploy. His con- tactical principles show that there is analyst at the SHAPE,
cept is to complete the destruction considerable flexibility and com- Europe. He is a graduate
of the task force with an envelop- plexity in OPFOR doctrine when of John Carroll University,
outnumbered and out- the Infantry Officer’s Ad-
gunned. Our own tactical vanced Course, and the
doctrine, however, offers Armed Forces Staff Col-
battleficld advantagcs lege. He is presently as-
that can result in victory, signed to 7 ATC, Germany.
hut only if we dominate
the battle by anticipating
the enemy’s actions, seiz- Captain Michael T. Pier-
ing the initiative, and son served at the NTC as
forcing him to react to the commander of the
our pressures, rather OPFOR EW/REC detach-
than vice versa. ment, S2 of the OPFOR
motorized rifle regiment,
The template is a valu- and as a scout platoon
able tool that can assist leader. He graduated from
in exploiting an encmy Carson-Newman College,
weakness, but it is only East Tennessee Univer-
as effective as the insight sity, Military Intelligence
of its user. Thorough Advanced Course, and
knowledge of the enemy the Combined Arms and
and his combat Services Staff School. He
philosophy can give us has been S2, 1st Bat-
the edge, thc rapidity of talion, 35th Armor, and is
action, necessary to win. currently S2, 2d Brigade,
1st Armored Division, Ger-
many.
________~
ARMOR - March-April1988 I
Desert Maintenance
For XOs and BMOs
by Captain Kevin P. O'Dwyer
Because many future battlefields grit. Each extreme makes desert to vehicle batteries may be crew
may lie in deserts, our armored for- maintenance different from maintenance. Batteries filled with
ces must be ready to sustain the European ?'tanker country" main- otherwise drinkable water can lose
fight in a desert environment. The tenance. The hints I'll give are power. Local water often contains a
purpose of this article is to provide gleaned from 20 months as a cavalry zoo of dissolved minerals. The
the maintenance leader, at battalion troop executive officer at Fort Bliss. process of filling, evaporation, and
level and below, with comments on The desert there closely resembles refilling of batteries can weaken the
what FM 90-3,"Desert Operations," the Sinai and Ethiopia in climate, acid solution. The specific gravity
says or doesn't say ahout main- land lorms, and soil composition. will rcad true, hut batteries will not
tenance in the desert. FM YO-3 says Let's examine each extreme and hold a charge. Push distilled water
some things that 1 feel are not em- how we can counteract it in main- down to crew level, and liberally
phasized enough or that are untrue. tenance operations. stock it at the support platoon.
Some quirks of maintenance in the
desert are omitted. Low Humidity Heat Extremes
Four environmental extremes Fh4 90-3 contains good advice on The temperature in the Ft. Bliss
make the desert different: low water use in the desert. It is correct desert normally swings 40- to SO
humidity, extreme temperatures, in stating that batteries are strained degrees Fahrenheit each day. The
lots of grit, and winds to stir up the in the desert. But the biggest threat problems in maintenance come with
24 ARMOR - March-April1988
undue lateral stresses, cause hubs to
bend out of true, and dust to enter
seals. Try to fix mobility problems
in place, even if it violates doctrinal
evacuation and repair times. HETT
recovery is possible only on paved
or scraped roads.
I ARMOR - March-April1988 25
The Battle of Perryville, Kentucky:
Initiatives Lost and Won
by Robert E. Rogge
ARMOR - March-April1988 I
"...Union cavalry did little better during the battle,
again due to lack of reliable intelligence and, in
some cases, bull-headed orders that forbade them
taking action when the taking was good...."
(in view of the inaccurate intelligence he had received) that he was facing
a much larger Union force than was actually on the field ....I1
tlefield under the guidance of their sisted by flank movements from that he was facing a much larger
instructors. Each instructor carried neighboringregiments. Union force than was actually on
detailed terrain maps with several the field. His withdrawal gave the
acetate overlays marked to show the In one such movement, a Con- Union a strategic victory and kcpt
positions of various units at progres- federate attack was cutting Union Kentucky in the Union. Conversely,
sive stages of the battle. By actually regiments apart, one by one, as it Buell did not win the battle by physi-
walking the battleground, the advanced inexorably toward the cally defeating the Confederates on
lieutenants and captains saw for Union left flank. One Union com- the field. He won by default. It was
themselves what the maps repre- mander saved the day. COL John a battle fought at the expense of
sented. They saw the hills and the C. Starkweather, brigade com- many lives that could have been
valleys, the water course (hauntingly mander on the left-most flank of the saved had the commanders known
named Bull Run), and, in the dis- Union line, had his brigade posi- what was going on, had they paid at-
tance, Perryville. The tours are tioned in a swale, concealed from tention to what little intelligence
good hands-on training, better than Confedcrate sight. He watched the their scouts brought to them - and
sand tables, for they present the Union regiments being cut to pieces had they received reliable informa-
scene as it actually is, and the of- to his front and made ready to tion in the first place.
ficers saw for themselves how vision receive the enemy.
was restrictcd in one direction, The AOAC staff rides to Pcr-
open in another; how the folds of As the remnants of the Union for- ryville illustrate the vital importance
ground hampered or helped troop ces fled through his line, of accurate and timely intelligence,
movements; and many other tactical Starkweather moved his men to the the commander’s use of such infor-
tidbits that would prove useful when top of the swale and opened volley mation, the necessity to keep totally
they returned to their units. tire on the Confederates. Un- informed about flank actions, the
prepared for such a surprise, the importance o f subordinate com-
According to CPT Bill Callaghan, Rebels wavered, then came on manders’ knowledge of their com-
one of the instructors, it is the again. Starkweather skillfully mander’s intent, and the importance
desire of every battlefield com- maneuvered his brigade in a series of mission-type orders that allow
mander to put “the masses of his for- of controlled retrograde movements subordinates to fight the battle as
ces against the pieces of the enemy.” from terrain feature to terrain fea- they see it from their frontline view.
This is simple arithmetic: The more ture until he was established in a
firepower you can concentrate position that he could hold. His The Perryville staff rides will con-
against individual enemy units, the daring and skillful use of his men tinue to be a ma.jor part of each
more likely you are to win. protected the Union lcft flank, Armor Officers Advanced Course
destroyed the attacker’s initiative, at Fort b o x . The lessons learned
None of the commanders at Per- cost him severe casualties, and held by the young officers on that 125-
ryville seemed to know or or use the flank. The instructors em- year-old battle site are as applicable
this very basic principle of fighting. phasized how Slarkweather’s quick to today’s AirLand Battle concepts
The regimental and brigade com- grasp of the initiative prevented as they were in the days of muzzle-
manders seemed only interested in what could have been a Union rout. loaders and horse cavalry.
fighting their own fight without
paying attention to what was going Neither side won a clear-cut vic- I 1
on around them. As a result, many tory at Perryville. The Confederate Robert E. Rogge is the
regiments suffered heavy casualties forces withdrew because B r a g mis- Assistant Editor at ARMOR.
in charges against superior forces, takenly believed (in view of the inac-
charges that could have been as- curate intelligence he had received) I
ARMOR - March-April1988 29
The Dynamo Connection:
Major General Ernest N. Harmon
and the American Armored Division
During World War II
The profane and hot-tempered filed his time during the interwar Africa and again in northwe2
Ernest N. Harmon brought to years. The same aggressiveness that Europe. His demonstrated talent
corps the rare combination of was Harmon's combat hallmark in for aggressive battlefield leadership
sound tactical judgement and two world wars led him to compete dictated his selection as a replace-
boldness that together make a in the 1924 Olympic Military Pen- ment for the battle-weary com-
great commander. More than any tathlon, to serve with great success mander of the 1st Armored Division
other division commander in in the acrimonious aftermath of
North Africa, he was constantly the Kasserine Pass debacle.
and brilliantly aggressive; in
Europe he was to become our Harmon led the still-shaken 1st
most outstanding tank com- Armored through the successful
mander....I destruction of the Afrika Korps
- GEN Omar N. Bradley that followed Kasserine and took
his adopted division to the deadly,
A West Point graduate, class of dreary slugfest that was Italy. The
1917, 'Ernie'' Harmon was just last year of the war in Europe
one of many solid young men who would see him leading his tankers,
sailed for Europe in early 1918. armored infantry, and self-
Assigned to the U.S. Second propelled artillery on the drive for
Cavalry, Harmon was determined the Roer River basin and through
to do more than his share in the the crucial actions that blunted
struggle popularly known as the the spearhead of Hiller's last
War to End All Wars. great offensive in the Ardcnnes.
A corps commander by war's end,
Like so many of his classmates, Harmon participated in the final
the young officer (a captain by destruction oT the Third Reich.
war's end) spent a great deal of
his youthful enthusiasm and some MG Ernest N. Harmon in postwar aSSig* Despite his battlefield successes,
of his blood in the muddy merit BS commander Of U.s Constabulary, Ernest N. Harmon would retire in
trenches and shell-churned fields the OccuPYing force in Germany after the 1948, still wearing the two stars of
of France. His combat experien- WLlr was won. a major general. There was, it
ces in the St. Mihiel and Argonne seems, no call for his talents in
offensives led to an enduring as a leader of the Civilian Conserva- the upper echelons of the
hatred of the tactical siluation that tion Corps, and caused his eventual peacetime Army. He was a fighter,
was epitomized by trench warfare. decision to leave the cavalry for the first and last. The general, called
A revulsion at the great losses suf- bastard child of the U.S. Army - "Old Gravel Voice' or simply, 'The
fered by infantry formations and a the undermanned, partially Bull," by his troops, the armored
suspicion that the day of the horse equipped Armored Force. His per- division commander who perhaps
cavalry was done on the modern bat- sonal commitment to the new armor best understood the concepts of
tlefield were among the mementos branch proved to be, in his case, a mechanized combat, the tough
that he brought home from Europe. marriage born of conviction, nur- fighter who rode into battle in the
These impressions led him to fre- tured by devotion, and fulfilled $I turret of a Sherman tank in order to
quently question those solons of the combat. It was a union of dynamos.- "feel" the battle, had always been
sfafiis quo he encountered in the Ernest Harmon would command ready to speak his mind, to let the
troop assignments and schools that the 2d Armored Division in North chips fall where they may. He ruf-
r
3 0-- ARMOR March-April1988 I
"...Patton was to comment favorably on Harmon's personal bravery and drive
in several of his diary entries ....I'
fled some high-ranking feathers quainted with the development of personal bravery and drive in
along the way and it all came home the neophyte U.S. Armored Force. several of his diary entries. One il-
to roost once the lighting was done. He served in the First Mechanized luminating passage in the published
In this respect, Harmon resembled Cavalry Regiment and in Brigadier Pattori Papers indicates just how im-
another American tanker of WWII, General Adna R. Chaffee's Ar- portant to Ernest Harmon the first
George S. P a t t ~ n . ~ mored Force Headquarters from few months of active operations
1939 until 1941. After a short stint would be. From Patton:
For a student of maneuver warfare in the Army's War Plans Division,
in the age of mechanization, Ernie he was again able to rejoin troops, Shortly before we le$' the U.S. last
Harmon's story provides a classic ex- this time as a newly-promoted October, General Marshall sent for
ample of a field commander who at- brigadier general assigned to the iiie arid said that lie had a ltiiiich
tended the birth of the American 9th Armored Division, then just Haniion was no good arid sziggesred
Armored Force and then matured forming at Fort Riley, Kansas. that I leave hint. I said that if lie or-
along with the men of "Old Iron- dered rite to leave Haniton, I would,
sides" and "Hcll on Wheels" as they Transfers were a way of life in the but not otherwise. He said, '011 your
honed their skills in the lightning rapidly expanding U.S. Army of head be it! Tonight Ire said 'Patton, I
war - Blitzkrieg. 1942 and, after less than a year at was wmitg about Haniiott arid yoii
Riley, Harmon found himself flying were riglit. will he make a corps cont-
First Steps east to assume command of the 2d niartder?' I said yes.5
Armored Division. Joining the unit
on maneuvers in North Carolina, he In the U.S. Army, like most
Ernest Harmon watched the soon put his personal stamp on the others, an officer's chance for great-
growth of Hiller's power from a division that he would lead in com- ness may well depend on the impres-
desk as he wrestled with small bat on two continents. Within a sions drawn by a few key superiors.
peacetime appropriations, while month of taking command, (a With the situation secure in Moroc-
trying to modernize various period of frenetic activity), Harmon co, Ernie Harmon got his chance to
branches of the Army and the Army was tasked to select three invasion make a greater contribution to the
Air Corps. During the period 1935- teams from within the divkion. Allied effort in North Africa within
1939, Harmon reached a decision Each team was a combined arms a few months, this time in Tunisia,
that would ultimately affect his fu- force capable of independent action in the aftermath of an American set-
ture and that of thousands of sol- and was supportcd by its own "slice" back.
diers who served with him during of the division's support units. On 8
WWII: Nov 1942, these forces were Harmon and "Old Ironsides"
engaged in Operation TORCH as
I liked Iiorses, I liked being in tlie they landed at three locations in Ernest Harmon's introduction to
saddle, arid I liked polo. Biit ...I had North Africa. While the troops of the 1st Armored Division, in
become coitviiiced that, in ritodent the "Hell on Wheels" division faced February 1943, came about through
war, horse cavalry was as obsolescent only desultory resistance from the unusual circumstances. Responding
as the arrow artd the spear... I had French forces occupying Morocco, to British complaints about inept
been following Gentian, Frertcli, and they nevertheless demonstrated a leadership at the U.S. I1 Corps
British niilitan' reports on tlie high degree of commitment and en- Headquarters and to disparaging
dervlopnicnt of tlie tank....nieclt- thusiasm that fit pcrfectly into Har- remarks about the battleworthiness
anized irriits coiild artd slioiild take mon's set of guidelines for armored of the 1st Armored Division,
over the traditional battle jiiitctions operations. General Eisenhower sent Harmon
of cavalry....4 to investigate and report to him his
Harmon's commander during findings in the I1 Corps area of
Harmon's decision to leave the TORCH, Major General George S. operations. In essence, Harmon
cavalry made no friends for him Patton, was quite pleased with Har- went from his quiet sector in Moroc-
within the office of the Chief of mon's performance after such a co to the battlefront in Tunisia as a
Cavalry, hut afforded him the oppor- short time in command. Patton was "headhunter." After spending time
tunity to become intimately ac- to comment favorably on Harmon's with both MG Fredendall (I1
r
~~
ARMOR - March-April
- 7
writers hesitate to address DEWs in its impact will fade quickly unless myths surrounding DEWs, the fol-
their manuals. It's a "Catch-22". reinforced by doctrine that reaches lowing unclassified handout comple-
the field. ments the Armor School's
Near-Term Solutions videotape. Although brief on techni-
Currently, the only Armorflnfantry cal data, it provides a general over-
Due to several parallel initiatives, doctrinal manuals that address view on DEWs, their effects, and
the situation has improved over the DEWs are FM 7-20, 77ze Infarrtg' limitations.
last two years. In February 1986, the Batfalion (IftJanoy, Airbonze, and
Combined Arms Training Activity Air Assaulf) (Dec 84); FM 17-95, What is a Directed Energy
(CATA), mandated that all service Cavalqp Operatioris (Feb 86); and Weapon (DEW)?
schools integrate some form of FC 17-15, 77ie Division 86 Tank
DEW awareness training into their PIatoorz (Oct 86). These manuals A DEW is a "soft kill" weapon sys-
institutional courses by February contain appcndixes that provide tem that concentrates relatively
1987. To meet CATA's require- general overviews on current and fu- small quantities of energy on critical
ment, the Armor School produced a ture directed energy hazards. areas of targets, causing them to
seven-minute unclassified videotape Another manual, which has the jam, malfunction, or burn out. They
called "Directed Energy Awareness potential to have a greater impact, are called "soft kill" because they
Training," which has been incor- is the Comhincd Arms Center's destroy or damage the electrical sys-
porated into existing blocks of in- forthcoming TRADOC Pam 525-57, tems necessary to operate a vehicle,
struction. On the other hand, the Directed Eiiergl Operational Con- instead of blowing it up with conven-
Logistics Center developcd a cept This classified manual could tional explosives.
separate 60-minute lesson plan on provide a sound base for future
DEWs. doctrine/training development. There are three types of DEWs:
lasers, radio frequency, and particle
The purpose of both presentations Armed with current doctrine and beam. Lasers exist now on the
was to raise the level of awareness with guidance on classification is- modern battlefield in the form of
by defining what DEWs are, describ- sues, training developers can begin laser rangefinders or designators.
ing how they affect soldiers and to revise task analyses to reflect the Radio frequency weapons emit
equipment, and providing simple presence of DEWs on the bat- radio waves and high-powered
countermeasures against them. Cur- tleficld. The amount of revision may microwaves, which can jam com-
rently, CATA is seeking to integrate be slight, perhaps involving only a munications and upset or burn out
instruction on DEWs into the com- minor change in a task standard. electrical systems. The technology
mon core for ofticer basic and ad- But the importance of including to field radio frequency weapons is
vanced courses. An exportable train- DEWs in task analyses cannot be here totlay; they may become a
ing package is also in development. overemphasizcd. major conccrn on the battlcfield.
The CATA initiatives are a step in The last type of DEW is the particle
the right direction, but they are only Once incorporated into analysis beam transmitter, which - when
thc first step. data, information on DEWs can developed - will melt or fracture
start to impact systematically on the vehicles and equipment. Engineer-
It is imperative to address DEWs design/development of Soldier ing problems have hampered the
in doctrine lor until DEWs are Training Publications, ARTEP Mis- development of the particle beam
elevated to a doctrinal level, they sion Training Plans, programs of in- transmitter. It is not here now, but
will never be taken seriously. A struction, and training devices. In could change our concepts of tacti-
videotape can raise awareness, but an effort to dispel some of the cal warfare in the future.
Can Lasers Vaporize1' ficult to determine the difference be- makes target acquisition for tht
People or Equipment? tween a laser attack and normal sys- enemy dificult and it may also dif
tem degradation. Therefore, it is im- fuse the power of the laser beam
Contrary to what most science fic- perative to report all system errors lessening its eflectiveness. Still, tht
tion movies would have us believe, promptIy. most effective countermeasurt
lasers can't zap people into ashes. against any weapon is to destroy it.
Nevertheless, they are a serious per- How Can I Protect Myself
sonnel hazard. If directed toward a From Lasers? For additional information 01
person's eyes, lasers can cause tem- Directed Energy Weapons, consul
porary or permanent blindness. Whenever possible, use electro-op the Following references:
They can damage electro-optics, tics as your primary means of tacti-
too. A laser of the appropriate cal observation. The reason is Training Intplicatiorts of Directel
wavelength can burn out an electro- simple: If "lased" by the enemy, the Eitcrgy Weapons for tlte U.S. 111,
optic's detectors. A high-powered electro-optic may burn out first, janln,: A Preliininaq, Repon' Oct 85
laser can also burn skin and cloth- keeping the laser light from reach- Unclassified, ARI Field Unit, U.S
ing at distances of several ing your eyes. When electro-optics Army Infantry School.
kilometers. are not available, wear laser protec-
tive goggles. Although current gog- Laser Swvivabilify Manual, Pbl. I
How Will I Know When gles will not protect you against all Soldier's Guide, Sep 85, Unclas
I'm Under a Laser Attack? wavelengths, they decrease the risk sificd, Army Materiel System:
of laser injury. Analysis Activity.
Since most lasers are not visible to
the human eye, it's sometimes dif- You should avoid using magnifying Directed Eiterg\p Awareness Train
ficult to recognize a "laser attack." optics, such as binoculars, in an irtg (Videotape AOS25-87-0006), Oc
The most obvious indicator of an area where a laser is operating. A 86, Unclassified (Distribution Cod{
enemy laser is the sighting of a laser that is harmless at one B), U.S. Army Armor School.
bright flash or light. This flash may kilometer becomes a sight haiard
be so intcnse that if you look at it when binoculars magnify its intcn-
without protective lenses, you may sity. And, finally, be cautious of
suffer immediate blindness, a reflective surfaces, which can unin- Richard B. Armstrong Is an
gradual loss of vision, or a tem- tentionally aim a friendly laser in education specialist at the
porary "whiting out" of your field of the wrong direction. U.S. Army Armor School, Ft.
view. Knox, KY. He holds a
What Tactical Countermeasures master's degree in Instruc-
This latter effect is called Can I Take tional Systems Technology
flashblindness. Although your vision Against a Laser Attack? from Indiana University. He
returns to normal after a few wrote and produced the
minutes, flashblindness can be Treat a lascr like any other dircct- videotape, "Directed Energy
psychologically frightening and fire weapon: use cover and conccal- Awareness," and is currently
dangerous, especially if you're ment, employ smoke, and sup- developing an automated col-
operating a vehicle or weapon sfs- presddestroy the laser source. Since lective task analysis
tem. Another indicator of a laser at- laser beams can travel only in a database to aid training
tack is when the screen of an straight line, use terrain I O obstruct evaluators in the production
electro-optic device "washes out" their path. Smoke is an effective of timely training literature.
suddenly. However, it is often dif- countermeasure for two reasons. It
40 ARMOR - March-April1988
A Minor Reorganization
Of TheTankCompany
To Increase Its Effectiveness
In The AirLand Battle
by General Bruce C. Clarke, Ret. not organize a football team for a
defensive or offensive opcration in
When I retired in 1%2, I had com- German corps defending the line of that way.
manded two combat commands of the Moselle and Nancy. It took the
armored divisions in offensive and German headquarters. The tierman In time of peace, our tank platoon
defensive fighting in France, Hob units disintegrated. leaders are officers who are
land, Belgium, and Germany. I was graduates of the Basic Course at
asked to write an article on division The German General Manteuffel, Fort Knox. After a few days of bat-
organization for an Army magazine. employing his 5th Panzer Army tle, former NCOs will lead many of
Among other things, I reconi- similarly on 26-18 December, 1044, the tank platoons.
mended that the modern tank in the Ardennes, caused 8,500 men
platoon be changed to one of three of the 106th Infantry Division to sur- I propose a simple change in the
tanks. render. tactical organization of the present
tank company into four platoons of
In WWII we had a five-tank The tank has three mitjor three tanks each. 1 referred this
platoon, each tank with a five-man weapons: its tracks, its machine proposal to two experienced tank
crew. It was employed in two sec- guns, and its main gun. company commanders who had
tions - a section of three tanks, in- fought in my combat command in
cluding the platoon leader, and a They are often important in that WWII. Both said they could easily
section of two tanks including the order, especially in an AirLand bat- handle a tank company of four
platoon sergeant. tle. The tracks accomplished the cir- platoons of three tanks each. Both
cling of Nancy and the breaking of said that it would increase the com-
The cost of the WWIl platoon was the Moselle defensive line. The 5th pany's flexibility and effectiveness.
about $200,000. The cost of the Panzer Army in the Ardennes was Both agreed that it would facilitate
present four-lank platoon is about able to create a "Bulge" through the the tacticid logistics problems at the
$10 million. A comparison between use of its tracks. company level. Both said it would
the M4 tanks of WWII and the crcete a personnel problem of an
present Abrams tanks would be Modern land hattlcs are hecoming extra platoon leader in time of
equally striking in battle. more and more dispersed and are peace. I do not think that is insur-
fought in smaller packets. The bat- mountable. In my experience, a com-
The present AirLand concept of tles are more fluid. This will be a p pany is never 100 percent of its
employing armor was tried in only a parent as we employ the AirLand TOSrE. Soon after the battle starts,
few battles of WWII. Today, it is Battle concept. there will be bigger personnel
adopted policy. problems than that.
A platoon column of tanks
The tank is a psychological progressing by secondary roads or A Bit of History
weapon. Its position with reference cross-country in central Europe will
to enemy force affects thc attitudes find that there are very few areas One evening during the Battle of
and the psychology of enemy where it can quickly deploy on a the Bulge, one of my tank batt aI'ions
troops. This is especially true when 100-to 150-yard front because of the received 175 replacements. When
our tank forces are on the flanks or terrain, woods, and streams, and asked where they had trained to be
to the rear of the enemy. man-made ditches and structures. tankers, they said that they had
never seen a tank; they were In-
A four-tank platoon is also divided fantry. The battalion used them to
The crossing of the Moselle and into two sections, with the platoon fill out the tank crews.
the circling of Nancy in September leader having two of his tanks con-
1944 placed CC "A" of the 4th Ar- trolled by his platoon sergeant. It is The next morning, the tank bat-
mored Dibision in the rear of the a clumsy arrangement. We would talion did well in the attack.
Battle Leadership:
Are WeThere?
A three-week tour at the National the desert. 1 saw some interesting, happen without their erstwhile su-
Training Center (NTC) as an en- alarming, and gratifying things. pervisors riding herd on them. I
listed observer from the U.S. rccalled a statement by the late
Army's Sergeants Major School at I noticed that the platoon was GEN Patton that the leader must
Fort Bliss, Texas, taught me some seriously involved with getting its "decide what has to be done, issue
lessons in leadership. equipment ready for the mission. the appropriate orders, and then
The next thing 1 noticed, and this stand back and be amazed at the in-
The purpose of my trip was to ob- really hit me, was the total lack of itiative and intelligence of the
serve the interaction or platoon ser- leadership. The platoon leader was people who work for you."
geants and platoon lieutenants leading the team's quartering party
under simulated combat conditions. to its initial battle position, and the Far too often our leaders forget
1 was tasked to observe a tank platoon sergeant was oft' coordinat- Patton's philosophy, but I want to
platoon that had been task-or- ing with the infantry first sergeant testify to the fact that those young
ganized with an infantry company to for his tank platoon's logistic re- armor crewmen were living proof of
form a combat team. It was a highly quirements during the exercise. his words. They were getting done
interesting time, and I'd like to pass And the tank commanders, well-- all those things that had to be done
on some of the things I saw. you've licard the story, "While the without their leaders to lead, or pos-
cat's away..." sibly, hinder them.
I joined the tank platoon in the in- When the tank platoon moved out,
famous "dust howl" where it was The most gratifying thing ahout the lieutcnant was still away with
going through the trauma of draw- this whole episode was thc way the [lie quartering party, so the platoon
ing, servicing, and preparing four gunners, drivcrs, and loaders got sergeant had to reccive and issue
M6UA3s for combat operations in with the problem and made things the operations order, conduct pre-
I
44 ARMOR - March-April 1988 I
I
combat inspections, upload ammo, leader if he had any pre-plotted They did all this with the loss of
and prepare his platoon for move- fires laid on. He said he was await- only one tank. That loss camc about
ment. ing the fire support plan from the because the TC, for some unknown
FIST. Whcn I asked him whcn he rcason, dccided to fight outside of
These were no small tasks by any expected to get it, he said, "In the his prepared position. Two T-72s
means, but the sergeant rose to the morning." The OPFOR was got him. The post-battle inspection
occasion, and his platoon made it to scheduled to attack at dawn! The was amazing. We found that the
the start point in good time. platoon then spent the night on thcr- M60A3s had dcstroyed almost all of
mal watch, the tanks still outside the tanks and the APCs of the
The team's mission was to defend their fighting positions. OPFOR, according to the MILES
a strong point in the center of the kill codes.
task force's battle position. Some of The OPFOR attacked at dawn
the things that I saw were not only with a massive artillery barrage. I tried to draw some conclusions
interesting, but cause for some Only two tanks, the platoon ser- from this exercise, and the most evi-
rethinking where leadership is con- geant's and the platoon leader's dent one l came up with was the
cerned. wingman, moved into their fighting fact that our soldiers, and especially
positions. Not only that, but it took our tankers, are some of the finest
The team had engineer support to them about 15 minutes to find their young mcn around. They are smart,
dig its tank fighting positions, and I positions because they were but- dcdicated, and more than willing to
saw a big no-no happen at this toned up and it was still dark. rise to any challenge thrown their
point. The platoon sergeant was Nohody had had the foresight to way. In this particular instance, they
charged with the responsibility of mark the fighting positions when took on an operation that by any
digging-in and emplocing all the they had been dug. normal standards should have failed
titnks. Why each TC didn't do this, I at the worst, and at the least should
never found out. But since the On came the OPFOR, and both have been a substantial defeat, and
platoon sergeant had to do it, the the observer-controller and myself they turned it around into a smash-
time taken to dig, site, and emplace figured that they would punch ing victory.
each of the four tanks turned out to through the platoon like a hot knife
be a long, drawn-out process, and through butter. The OPFOR My post-trip evaluations included
the tanks wound up with only one punched through the infantry on the one great admonition: We need to
fighting position instead of having a left flank, and the T-72s and the teach leadership in our courses.
main lighting posilion and one or BMPs rolled over the ground troops Yes, leadership! 1 mean battle
two alternates, as laid down in the with little loss. I estimated that the leadership, wherein the leader, be
nianuals. There just wasn't time to attacking force was a reinforced he officer or NCO, takes his stand
dig alternate positions. motorized rifle company. as the leader of his men and gives
them inteiligent directions so that
Whcn all the tanks were in place, After breaking through the in- they can win the fight.
the NTC observer-controller and I fantry, the OPFOR tried to exploit
rode through the platoon's position the gap, and the four tanks that had When a young man enlists in the
and checked each tank's position, been engaging the OPFOR with in- Army, he has cerlain preconcieved
the range cards, sleep plans for the termittent fires began to shoot in notions about the Army. He expects
crews, and sundry other things. We earnest. Those four tanks, hull- the Army to he hard and tough and
found that the tanks, instead of down in their only fighting posi- demanding, all without compromise.
making up their range cards from tions, proceedcd to wipe out the He also expects these same qualities
their primary fighting positions, OPFOR. It was sort of amazing. from his leaders, the ones who will
were sitting to the right or left of After they had almost hashed coni- teach him the art of mounted war-
those positions, some even in front plctely their pre-combat prepara- fare. In less time than it takes to
of their holes. They were sitting tions, dug only one fighting position tell, the recruit realkes that he is in
anywhere but in their positions. for each tank, and without air or ar- the killing business because that's
tillery support, these four an- what the combat arms are all about.
There were no aiming stakes in niliiliatcd a reinforced motorized He definitely did not enlist for a 9-
place, no overlapping lines o f fire, rifle company. And when the to-5 job
and no attempt had been made to OPFOR commander called in two
coordinate with the flanking in- HIND hclicopters for support, the I believe that one of the reasons
fantry units. I asked the platoon tanks blew them awav. too. the tank platoon that 1 observed
- March-April 1988
I ARMOR 45
made some rather basic errors can he advances in his chosen field when they like that job, when they
he laid to our personnel system. regardless of what his contem- know it. and when they really enjoy
This system makes fundamental er- poraries are doing in their ficlds. doing it? Why don't we lake one
rors in assigning our NCOs to cer- step to the rear and give this a
tain johs during their careers. I'm It has been my limited experience good, hard look? Far be it from me
probably wading into real deep that people tend to work better, per- to say what needs to he done to cor-
water, hut 1 think this is worth some form better, and are happier when rect the problem. I'll leave that to
discussion--and some positive action. they are working in johs they know the people who en.joy dabbling in
and like. I can think of any number personnel and academic problems.
The platoon sergeant involved had of cases where NCOs are "putting in
not been on a tank in nearly four their time" in some offshoot career It is going to take a concerted ef-
years. He had been in the recruiting field until they can get back to their fort on everybody's part. Just like
service where he had done a very preferred duty, whether it be armor, the black Ixret and the Expert
creditable job. But he wasn't on or signals, or squad Icader. The bot- Armor Crewman Badge, we'll
tanks, and when he came back to tom line is that we owe our crew- achieve results only with combined
his tanks, he had to re-learn almost men the best leadership that time, efforts. I'll quote a famous leader
his whole profession from scratch. money, and experience can give when it comes to how we should
them. In their eyes, Sergeant Rock opcrate: "Lhudace, I'audace,
The Marine Corps has a good sys- and John Wayne are still alive and tojours I.aud;ice!"
tem, I think. When a Marine NCO well, and we, as TCs, platoon ser-
reaches the grade of E7, he makes a geants, or platoon leaders, are ex- Audacity, audacity, always auda-
decision that will affect his future pected to lill those roles. We, as cious!
career. He decides t o go troops or leaders, need to take a hard look at
staff. If he elects to stay with the this and we need to review the Let's roll 'em and "Treat 'Em
troops, he spends the remainder of NCO progression program and pcr- Rough!"
his career in troop-oriented assign- haps bring it into line with the
ments. I f he goes the staff route, he Marine Corps system.
stays there. Neithcr area affccts his Isn't it a fact of life that people SFC Stephen D. Kcnncdy
chances for promotion to E8 or E9; r i d it much easicr to do a job well Fort Bliss, Texas..
DivisionCavalry in Transition
by Lieutenant Colonel Emett R. White
Author's Note: Since the decision was made in 1980, the heavy For the force to behold. a cure did unfold
division cavalry squadron has been transitioning to the J-Series TOE. But Sparked by a production delay.
a slowed Bradley production rate has forced the creation of an interim With no Ihdleys to spare
TOE that retained the M6OA3 tanks. As a result, I think the Army has inad- The squadron was bare
vertently created a tankmelicopter team with combined capabilities far And tanks for a while must stay.
...
greater than its parts Our challenge Is to exploit the concept.
Thus an air-ground team of high esteem
In days of old when cavaltymen rode To complete the charade. simply add a A cavalry of fierce repute
On steeds of Iron Thunder. brigade With speed and decision
There was no doubt To overwatch this force. For the heavy division
No thought about Do away with the Blues. Had emerged from the protracted dispute.
The threatening force-mod blunder. Drigade scouts. too,
Then add a LRRSD. but of course. The studies weavedone of the new
Who would have believed. squadron
Who could have conceived Thus a bargain was made and the cavalry Would convince most all of you
Of a cavalry without tanks? paid That three troops outranks
But the logic was sound, To assure a procurement decision. Replacing Bradleyswith tanks.
I t needn't hold ground, The price was quite high. But I assure you the opposite is true
And tanks are not needed on flanks. A 6.000-tank buy
For the eyes of the heavy division. For i f we place, in the enemyk face.
Put Cohras with Bradleys, a few scout i f A cavalry with no KE.
you please Hut as is the case You'll get a report.
To build a force of stealth. With a plan made in haste But it'll he short.
Twould be able to see That bureaucrats have to complete. And the division will no longer see.
And report enemy. l i m e marches on,
But fighting would ruin its health. The decider is gone, So exploit what's evolved. be ye resolved
And unforseen forces compete. To retain the tank/Cobra team.
Make technology p d d e .
I I
I
I
Lieutenant Colonel Emett R. White commands
the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry in the FRG. I
I
Keep the concept alive,
Tis the future of Cavalry we've seen.
1. T-62 MBT (USSR). Crew, 4; combat weight, 40,000 4. T-72 MBT (USSR). Crew, 3; combat weight 41,000
kg; maximum road speed, 50 km/hr: maximum road range kg; maximum road speed, 60 km/hr; maximum road range
w/o additional tanks, 450 km; engine, V-55 V-12 580-hp w/o additional tanks, 480 km: armament, 1 x 125mm main
diesel; armament, 1 x 115-mm main gun, 1 x 7.62-mm gun, 1 x 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun, 1 x 12.7-mm AA
coaxial machine gun, 1 x 12.7-mm AA machine gun; maxi- machine gun; armor, glacis plate, 200 mm inclined to give
mum armor, 102 mm at 60"slope, front hull. 500-600 mm protection.
2. AT-4 (ATGM (USSR). crew, 2; operation, wire- 5. VAB APC (Fr.). Crew, 2 +
IO infantry; combat
guided, optically-sighted; range, 2,000-2,500 meters; flight weight, 13,000 kg; maximum road speed, 92 km/hr; maxi-
time (max), 11 secs; penetration, 500-600 mm armor at 90"; mum water speed 7 km/hr; maximum road range, 1,OOO
warhead diameter, 120 mm. NATO name, SPIGOT. km; engine, MAN D 2356HM72 &cylinder 235-hp diesel; ar-
mament, 1 x 7.62-mm machine gun.
3. Spahpanzer LUCHS ARV (FRG). crew, 4; com-
bat weight, 19,500 kg; maximum road speed, 90 km/hr;
maximum road range, 800 km: amphibious (2 propellors); 6. Type 88 (ROK). Crew, 4; combat weight, 51 tons;
turning radius (8 wheels) 5.75 meters, (front wheels only) 9.7 maximum road speed, 65 km/hr; maximum cruising range,
meters; engine, Daimler-Benz OM403A 10-cylinder multi-fuel, 500 km; engine, MTU MB871 &cylinder multi-fuel diesel; ar-
390 hp, turbocharged; armament, 1 x 20-mm main gun, 1 x mament, 1 x 105-mm main gun, 2 x 7.62-mm coaxial
7.62-mm machine gun; armor, front hull and turret 20-mm machine gun, 1 x .50cal machine gun.1
proof.
The Texas A&M University Press Combat arms officers may delay If an officer needs to be curtailed
has initiated a new military series their affiliation until attendance at in a foreign service tour, the action
that will allow for a wide range of the Officer Advanced Course, and requires general officer approval at
military subjects, with preference first-term combat arms enlisted sol- USATAPA.
given to the modern era. diers may delay their affiliation until
Manuscripts of topical interest, reenlistment. The CONUS tour length is 48
along with those that interrelate months. As an approved exception
with other disciplines, are especially to policy, officers will be scheduled
invited. Reunions to attend OAC after completing a
full 36 months time on station.
Inquiries should be addressed to The 11th Armored Division As-
the director or editor of the Texas sociation plans lo meet August 10- The Armor Officer Advanced
ASrM University Press, Drawer C, 13 at Phoenix, Arizona. Arrange- Courses scheduled for FY 88 and
College Station, TX, 77843-4354, or ments can be made through Alfred 8Y, and the dates of attendance, are:
phone ( W )845-1436. Pfeiffer, 2328 Admiral St., Aliquip-
pa, PA 15001.
88-3 - 17 Apr-7 Sep
Loader’s Seat Pin The 11th Armored Cavalry Regi- 88-4 - 10 Jut-2 D ~ c
On M1 Is Redesigned ment’s Veterans of Vietnam and 89-1 - 2 Oct - 10 Mar
Cambodia plan a reunion in Louis- 89-2 - 23 Jan - 13 Jun
The loader’s seat pin on the MI ville, KY July 29-31. The reunion 89-3 - 16 Apr - 7 Scp
has been redesigned and may be in- chairman is Terry Slivers, 350)) 89-4 - 9 Jul - 1Dec
COLT'S P %TE ST
FIKE A R W S
XFG.
co. c.3
RARTFURO,
C O N N , U. S A.
Catalogue, Samples and Directions for Ordering by Mail Sent on Request.
F o r e w o r d by M a j o r G e n . Leonard IVood.
Spanish-French-Italian-German
CORTIN4 ACADEMY OF LANGUAGES
Suite 16. I2 East 46th St. New Y o r k
.-___
T H E VICTOR T A L K I N G MACHINE
AND E D I S O N PHONOGRAPH : : :
ARE E N T E R T A I N M E N T ALWAYS
I ... Advertisements from some 1900-1920 issues of
XANSA.S CITY. M f l .
The Cavalry Journal
I
I fi HOME GUARD ARMY
BASGAINS
Regulations Boots Ceggins
zn.ooo Rides
1
200 hlachine Guns
5.lIl10 Reralvers I O U E / L Ficid Csnnor
5.000.000 Cartridser ,SO 6;L Nary Caunon,
753 Black Calf Boots .................. 4 12.0
755 ~a~ caw B o o t s .. 12.0
751 All Enamel L e a t h e r Boots ...... 12.0
857 T a n Pipskin Puttee ................. 7.0
m . u n~ Equiprnmrs' I I Rcrolr.np Cannons 819 T a n Cowhide P u t t e e .............. 5.0
4U.000 Knapsacks /5O.UWl E\plosivc Shcllr
2.5110 Tents 125.000Un:forms (Blue) SERVICE SHOES
W
'c have supplicd from our largest in thaP 3 12 Tan Cnlf. S i n ~ l eSole. B l u c h e r
cut ................................... e.0
o v e r n m e n t and many z t a t e s and c i t i e s wit I 3 1 4 Heavy Tan Calf. Laced or Btu-
I c h e r . Double Sole ............... E.0
3 1 I T a n Calf.BIut;herCut.Pioln T o e 6.0
wcre sold IO us just prior IO;^ U. S Dcclararion o i War 331 T a n Calf. B l u t c h e r C u t ........... 5.0
Hiph Army Oficcrs say: Bannerman's stock is II 337 Tan Calf. BlutCher C u t ............ 5
Godsend to us." W h e n ordering Boom. Uindly g i v e sli
of B o o t or s h o e now betng worn. also ca
e a ~ u r eo v e r rlding breeches.
r
I Z O Y ~LYIC
~ ~ t y l e .313 payca.
U. S . CAVALRY ASSOCIATIOX.
-rim SALE
Price. ~ 3 . 0 0 .po*lp*Id.
nl-- .
ft. Learcnworlh. Kan.
Hlexatada
S i x t h Avenue and N i n e t e e n t h Street. NEW YOR
4638 Co+fajeGroveAve.
CHICAGO
PIN: 063513-000