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If you have ever held up a late summer Threat training aids just yet. Remain alert dandelion and blown the tiny, white petals and stay current on the standard, garden- into the wind, you know what has hap- variety tanks and tank killers we’ve come to pened to the Warsaw Pact weapons arse- know so well; and don’t be surprised to see nal. With the restructuring of our old neme- some of the old species flourishing among sis-turned-world-ally, there has been and new high-tech hybrids in the hot-spots of will continue to be a diaspora sending War- the world. saw Pact technology drifting around the Here in our own backyard, we will be busy world in search of a place to take root. in the hothouse - thinking, planning, Once rooted, it is also likely to be culti- designing and growing our own crop of vated, pruned and im- weapon systems. At the proved by local garden- 4-6 May Armor Confer- ers, eventually resulting ence we will plant the in a deadlier variety of seeds that will eventually weapon system. And as grow into a premier Armor the New World Order Force. In this issue of our blooms amid inevitable professional journal, you global upheaval, the will find several interest- United States Army will ing and intellectually stim- be expected to work the ulating discussions of the fields. Even in barren Somalia, American nature of tanks and mobile armored warfare soldiers are harvesting a bumper crop of in the years to come. Colonel Hobbs (Ret.) small arms and light antitank weapons. talks of future tanks and robotics, Major They may not be sophisticated or flashy, Warford looks ahead at the Premium Tank but as one Somali thug told a U.S. journal- Five, and Major Crawford offers us a British ist recently, “an old bullet will kill you just as perspective. These views and others like dead as a new one.” And over in the next them will be the focus of our Armor Confer- ripening field, Bosnia-Herzegovina, they are ence as we plan the dominant role of Armor playing with even bigger toys. So I wouldn’t on the battlefields of 2000+ A.D. throw away those old vehicle ID cards and - J.D. Brewer

By Order of the Secretary of the Army: Official: -4- GORDON R. SULLIVAN MILTON H. HAMILTON General, United States Army Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Staff Secretary of the Army 03194 ARMOR The Professional Development Bulletin of the Armor Branch PB- 17-93-1

Editor-in-Chief MAJ J.D. BREWER Feature 6 Tank Gun Accuracy Managing Editor by Major Bruce J. Held and Master Sergeant Edward S. Sunoski JON T. CLEMENS 12 A Black Beret’s Vietnam Odyssey Commandant by Kenneth P. Lord MG PAUL E. FUNK 16 Operation Rinso by Armor Staff ARMOR (ISSN 0004-2420) is published 17 Jousting with Their Main Guns: bimonthly by the U.S. Army Armor Center, 4401 A Bizarre Tank Battle of the Korean War Vine Grove Road, Fort box. KY 40121. by Major Arthur W. Connor, Jr. Disclaimer: The information contained in 18 The Main Battle Tank: Future Developments - ARMOR represents he professional opinions of A British Perspective the authors and does not necessarily reflect the Major S.W. Crawford, RTR official Army or TRADOC position, nor does it by change or supersede any information presented 26 Planning for a Future Tank Must Consider in other official Army publications. Technology Leaps, Robotic ‘Crews’ Official distribution is limited to one copy for by H.H. Dobbs each armored brigade headquarters, armored 30 The Premium Tank-5: The Armor Threat of the 1990s cavalry regiment headquarters, armor battalion by Major James M. Warford headquarters, armored cavalry squadron head- quarters, reconnaissance squadron head- 34 A Visit to the Soviet Airborne Training Center at Ryazan quarters, armored cavalry troop. armor company, 35 Bring Back the Blues and motorized brigade headquarters of the by Captain Brace E. Barber United States Army. In addition, Army libraries, Army and DOD schools, HQ DA and MACOM 37 “The Range From Hell” staff agencies with responsibility for armored, by Major James D. Brewer direct fire, ground combat systems, 39 The Emperor’s New Clothes organizations, and the training of personnel for by Major John F. Anta1 and Lieutenant Colonel Lee R. Barnes Jr. such organizations may request two copies by sending a military letter to the editor-in-chief. 44 Army Plans New Smoke Vehicle Authorized Content: ARMOR will print only 45 Small Unit Terrain Board Exercises those materials for which the U.S. Army Armor by Sergeant First Class John M. Duezabou Center has proponency. That proponency includes: all annored. direct-fire ground combat Departments systems that do not serve priman’ly as infantry carriers: all weapons used exclusively in these 2 Letters systems or by CMF 19-series enlisted soldiers; 2 Contacts any miscellaneous items of equipment which 5 Commander’s Hatch armor and armored cavalry organizations use 50 Bustle Rack exclusively: training for all SC 12A, 128, and 12C officers and for all CMF-19-series enlisted 52 Books soldiers; and information concerning the training, of logistics, history, and leadership armor and ATENTION FREE DISTRIBUTION APO ADDRESSEES: Please send your armored cavalry units at the brigadelregiment new address and unit number to ARMOR, AlTN: ATZK-PTD (Ms. Hager), Ft. level and below, to indude Threat units at those Knox, KY 40121-5210. Be sure to include your current mailing label. levels.

Material may be reprinted, provided credit is s.cOnd-~buonicbi null posIags pid d Fort Knox, KV. nd dwdnulling OMS~Posmwwc given to ARMOR and to the author, except send sddreSS changes IOEdh. ARMOR. ATTN: ARK-PlD, Fort Kno~,KY u)121-5210. where copyright is indicated. Distribution RestricUon: Approved for public dbtributionis unlimiW USPS 467-970 January-February 1993, Vol. CII No. 1 WIesel-Mounted Scouts Pedtaps the Army should consider further ewr. replacing the M-998 HMMWV with downsizing from the HMMWV to the the HMMWV Heavy Variant (HHV) would Wiesel, a small, three-ton, fully-tracked ve- gain mor protection, but lose airmobility Dear Sir: hicle fielded with German airborne forces. by Blackhawk. Wiesel has been field-tested as a poten- In 1990, the U.S. Army decided to Compared to the M-998 HMMWV, Wiesel tial carrier for a TOW missile launcher, au- downsize the mobility of scout platoons in is: * tomatic cannon, 60-mm mortar, and cal.50 tank and mechanized infantry battalions *Armor-protected against 7.62-mm am- machine gun. An MK 19-3 40-mm grenade from the heavier, higher-profile M3A2 Cav- munition, grenade, and mortar fragments, machine gun could also be mounted. alry Fighting Vehicle (CFV)to the lighter, *Less detectable (smaller frontal pre- Wiesel-mounted scouts would have an ef- lower-profile M-998 High Mobility Multipur- sented area), fective self-defense capability, if ambushed. pose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). *More deployable by strategic airlift (six Disengagement would be facilitated, as Proponents argued that the HMMWV Wiesels for file HMMWV) or sealift (nine both covering and maneuvering vehides would enhance scout stealth, an important Wiesels for four HMMWVs). would be mor-protected. factor in successful ground reconnais- Both Wiesel and the HMMWV are airmo- In an emergency, Wiesel-mounted scout SanCB. bile by UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. How- platoons could conduct armed reconnais-

(Note: Fort Knox Defense Switch Network (DSN) prefix is 464. Commercial prefix is Area Ccde 502- DIRECTORY - Points of Contact 624-m).

ARMOR Editorial Offices U.S. ARMY ARMOR SCHOOL Editor-in-C hief Commandant (A'IZK-CG) Major J. D. Brewer 2249 MG Paul E. Funk 2121 Managing Editor Assistant Commandant (ATSB-AC) Jon T. Clemens 2249 BG Larry R. Jordan 7555 Editorial Assistant Vivian Thompson 2610 Chief of Staff, Armor School (ATSB-DAS) Production Assistant COL John B. Sylvester 1050 Mary mw 2610 Command Sergeant Major Contributing Artist CSM Richard L. Ross 4952 SPC Jody Harmon 2610 Armor School Sergeant Major SGM Douglas K. MemU 5405 MAILING ADDRESS: ARMOR ATTN: ATZK-PTD. Fort KIIOX, KY 40121-5210. Maintenance Department (ATSB-MA) COL Gary M. Tobin 8346 ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: To improve speed and accu- Command and Staff Department (ATSB-CS). racy in editing, manuscripts should be originals or clear copies, either COL Pat O'Neal 5855 typed or printed out double-spaced in near-letterquality printer mode. We also accept stories on 5-114" floppy disks in MultiMate. Weapons Department (ATSB-WP) Wordstar. Microsoft WORD, WdPerfect. XyWrite. Xerox Writer, COL E. G. Fish I1 1055 and ASCII @lease include a double-spaced printout). Please tape cap- Directorate of Combat Developments (ATZK-CD) tions to any illustrations submitted. COL Edward A. Bryla 5050 PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS/ST. GEORGE-ST. JOAN NCO Academy (ATZK-NC) AWARDS: Report delivery problems or changes of address to CSM Johnny D. Duncan 5 150 Ms. Connie Bright, Secretary-Treasurer, P.O. Box 607. Ft Knox, Reserve Component Spt Div (A'IZK-PTE) Ky. 40121 or call (502)942-8624, FAX (502) 942-6219. LTC Billy W. Thomas 5953 UNIT DISTRIBUTION: Report delivery problems or Ofice of the Chief of Armor (ATZK-AR) changes of address to Ms. Mary Hager, DSN 464-2619 commercial: COL Don Elder 7809 (502)624-2610. Requests to be added to the free distribution list FAX - 7585 should be in the form of a letter to the Editor-in-Chief. TRADOC System Manager ARMOR HOTLINE - DSN 464-TANK for Armored Gun System (ATZK-TS) (The Armor Hotline is a 24-hour service to provide assistance with COL Charles E Moler 7955 questions concerning doctrine, training, organizations, and equipnent Mounted Warfighting Battlespace Lab (A'IZK-MW) of the Armor Force.) COL David L. Porter 2139

2 ARMOR - January-February 1993 sance and economy of force security oper- handle a round after a misfire, but why test would provide the necessary capability. ations. him on ttigger sequence? In how many The M1 chassis' mechanical and electrical Wiesel is an off-the-shelf. non-develop- units is it mission essential for him to put subsystems were not designed to accom- mental item (NDI) system, which means the gunner's station into operation? Finally, modate ad hoc kits which would give it the faster fielding and minimum expenditure of in how many units is it mission essential for capabilities of a Swiss Army knife. Placing research and development (R8D) funds. a loader to perform the gunner's station a robust blade with automatic depth con- The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command part of boresighting? He might be on the trol, and a power driven arm for digging, is currently evaluating Wiesel in both muzzle boresight device, but not in the hot lifting, and grappling would require massive manned and robotic roles. seat, at least not on any tank that I com- redesign of the M1 chassis and its subsys- As a resource-constrained, force-integra- mand. tems. Ton strategy, Wesel could be procured in The situation for the driver is worse. The Third, fielding of the CMV has been de- limited quantities to dual-equip selected only TCGST task that might be essential to ferred until the next decade. However, the scout platoons in CONUS-based contin- a driver's duty position is identification of Breacher is scheduled for fielding starting gency forces. friendly and threat armored vehicles, and in late FY98. The streamlined acquisition Negotiating a long-term lease agreement that is shaky. If an enemy tank is close strategy approved at the Milestone I Deci- with the manufacturer, with an indemnity enough for a driver to ID it by nomencla- sion Meeting in May 92. was a direct re- clause for possible combat damage, could ture through his vision blocks, the turret sponse to the urgent need for this capabil- be more affordable than pursuing classical crew isn't doing its job. Yes, drivers do as- ity. life-cycle ownership. sist the turret crew with maintaining ma- In summary, dual-equipping scout pla- chine guns and sometimes run the MBD on Fourth, engineers ak integral members toons with Wiesels would enhance their a boresight. They also sometimes man the of the maneuver task force. Though the ground reconnaissance capability in either TC's station to pull night security, but that's Breacher will not be organic to the battal- heavy 01 light forces. Commanders would not their duty position. ion-size armor unit, it will be in the task have an additional option in contingency I'm not saying that it isn't good for all force which indudes the armor unit. Just operations where significant threat and ter- tankers to know the present TCGST. I just because something is not organic to a unit, rain uncertainties exist. can't justify us saying that it's mission es- it is a non sequitur to assume the equip- sential by duty position for every unit and ment will not be available. RICHARD K. FICKETT tank crew in the Army. As train-up training Hemdon. Va. or cross training, it's great. Is it always, or Finally, I concur with the recommendation even usually, mission essential? I doubt it. that we need to provide better breaching TCGST Needs Revision How about it. Weapons Department? You capability. Major Bennett's solutions have guys have been at this game longer than I merit which should be explored through the Dear Sir: have. Does the TCGST need a rewrite? Mounted Battlespace Laboratory.

Should we change-the Tank Crew Gun- SFC JOHN M. DUEZABOU MAJ JAMES E. KOCH nery Skills Test (TCGST) in light of FM 25- Montana Army National Guard TRADOC Project Officer. 101, Battle Focused Training? According to Dillon. Mont. Combat Mobility Systems FM 17-12-1 with Change 3, we use the Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. TCGST to 'ensure that all personnel have a standard level of individual skills.' But is it Solving the Minefield Problem Glider Concept Won't Fly the correct standard? FM 25-101 came out two months after Dear Sir: Dear Sir: Change 3. Recognizing that we don't have time or resources to teach every task to Major Bennett's article, "Minefield Breach- As an Armor officer working on a masters every soldier, it tells us to "refine the list of ing: Doing the Job Righ5' which appeared degree in Aeronautical Engineering, I must mission related tasks' for training and test- in the July-August 1992 issue, provides a reply to Major E.C. Panish's article, 'It's ing to those "that are essential to the compelling overview of the need to develop Time to Consider Glider Delivery of the M1 soldier's duty position." The goal is to train better obstacle breaching systems. How- Abrams.' which appeared in the Septem- only those tasks needed for the unit to per- ever, the condusions and recommenda- ber-October 1992 issue. Although Major form its combat mission. Does the TCGST tions derived from the overview are laden Parrish's arguments are intriguing and the do that? with inaccuracies. historical references to gliderborne assaults The TCGST does measure a tank First, the Combat Mobility Vehicle (CMV) were quite infoamative. I do not think the commander's abilities, both in training gun- operational requirement documents are use of gliders to deliver Abrams tanks is at nery and in combat The TC must either based on the need to field a system that all feasible. perform or supervise every task on which will provide maneuver forces an in-stride A glider large enough to carry two M1 he is tested. It's also a pretty good test for breach capability for complex obstacles, tanks would be huge. An assumed gross the gunner. Gunners (at least on leaders' The interim vehicle, known as the weight of 150 tons (300,000 pounds) is tanks) must do just about everything on Breacher. is also justified, based on the nearly the empty weight of a C5-B which they're tested except issue fire ram- same capability issue. If the need was to (374,000 pounds) and is twice the weight mands and lay the gun from the TC's posi- only dear minefields. the materiel solution of a space shuttle orbiter (151,205 tion. could be different. pounds). Although a glider would not re- The system starts to break down with the Second. the operational requirementi will quire engines or fuel, the estimated weight loader. In how many units is it mission es- dictate the system design. An examination of 10 tons for the airframe, wing, flight con- sential for a loader to fire the main gun, of the requirements and a cursory cost trols, and the necessary floor reinforcement and so need to know misfire procedures? I analysis dispel the notion that a kit at- to carry the vehides is a conservative esti- grant that he must know when and how to tached to a battle-configured M1 tank mate at best. One must remember that in

~ ARMOR - January-February 1993 3 eider to generate enough ri to cany the Corps, could also be stocked with equip- To decrease takeoff distance, don't limit two tanks, this glider would require a very ment removed from deactivated units and yourself to the tug's engines alone. We large wing, probably one larger than a C- deactivated European stocks, and could be need tank-caving takeoff capability at only 5s. Obviously, this gigantic aircraft could embarked on slower, militaryowned cargo a few airfields - Pope Air Force Base, be built, but could it fly? vessels. One or more of these ships could Fort Hood, and NTC come to mind. So In order to fly anywhere, the glider and its operate between friendly ports and sea how about building a steam-powered cata- tug must first get airborne. An aircraft's re- lanes near any trouble spot, and CONUS- pult alongside the most-used runway at quired takeoff distance is a function of its based units earmarked for this mission each? Don't wow about takeoff runs else- weight, aerodynamic drag, rolling resis- could fly to link up with the ships, analo- where. If you've built a glider to transport tance (from the wheels), and its required gous to the European REFORGER pro- tanks, empty it'll leap from the runway. liftoff veloaty. Assuming that the glider cess. I believe a system such as this would Why not put that 'very large wing' to use. would be designed to have a stall speed be cheaper and more practical than the Fill it with jet fuel. Tow with a boom rather approximately equal to its tug's (again re- use of gliders to carry tanks. than a cable, and run a fuel line through it quiring the huge wing), the liftoff velocity to the tug. That.makes it possible for the can be assumed to remain constant. By MONROE B. HARDEN JR. . glider to become the tanks' fuel point after adding a net weight of 300,000 pounds to CPT, Armor arrival. the 580,OOO-pound gross weight of a C-17 Monterey, Calif. So strain the national air-tanker fleet. aircraft, and assuming the glider and C-17 Global, tank-canying glider deployment will have identical rolling and aerodynamic be a one-time-per-conflictshow. drag, the glider and tug would need ap- The Author Replies Don't mistake Bradley Fighting Vehides proximately triple the takeoff distance of a or Armored Gun Systems for tanks. The fully-loaded C-17 without the glider, since Dear Sir: main battle tank offers mobility, firepower, the tug provides all the thrust for both air- and protection; nothing but a tank can do craft. Do we have that kind of runway any- An excellent letter! a tank's job. where near our military installations? These are precisely the same obstades And by the way, since the purpose is to Assuming our C-17 and glider could get World War II engineers overcame as they insert tanks as part of 811 airborne opera- airborne, the combination's speed and flight made tank-canying gliders fly. Captain tion, which of course could include special endurance would be drastically reduced. Harden's arguments are eerie echoes of operations, we do indeed want to 'show up Any intercontinental flight would require the ancient caution: "We can't do it, so with our tanks, drop the glider ramps, and several midair refuels, possibly straining don't try.' charge into the fray without a massive sup- our national air tanker fleet In any crisis If we already had tank-carrying gliders, port structure." requiring rapid deployment of tanks, there we wouldn't have to invent them. Perhaps That's what Airborne's all about. will undoubtedly be many other aircraft de- as part of his course work at the Naval ploying to the region, such as troop carri- Postgraduate School. Captain Harden 'Hove. J.E. and W.C. Riley (eds.). Modm Ce- can m'cs, John Wiley B Sons, Inc., New Ywk. 1965. ers, supply carriers, fighters, etc., all of explore the concept on behalf of his pp. 21 0-21 1. which would require the use of aerial tank- branch. He might do what engineers do ers. How much would the deployment of best - make the impossible possible. Or if E.C. PARRISH 111 tank gliders delay the deployment of these there buly is no way to make tank-caving MAJ, Armor other aircraft? gliders work, he can isolate a solution to Ft. Knox, Ky. Unrelated to the engineering issues dis- the probem, which is: Parachute-assault cussed above. how would we support commanders need main-battle tanks. and these tanks once they arrived in theater? we can't deliver them. 12th AD History: A Clarification Even one single tank in a theater requires Acknowledging the problem, our only fuel, a maintenadsupport base, and a wrong course of action is to do nothing to BG Elmer F. Bright, USA, Ret., writes to mobile command and control infrastructure solve it. clarify and correct the unit history of the in order to be effective for more than just a Thankfully, World War II engineers dealt 12th Armored Division that appeared in the few hours. I do not know how the 82d Air- with a huge handicap Captain Harden September-October 1992 issue of ARMOR. borne supports its tanks in the early won't face - comparatively abysmal, pis- BG Bright, who was the battalion S2 of the phases of a deployment, or how long into ton-engine power. 56th Armored Infantry Battalion. one of the the assault they normally arrive. but based I offer Captain Harden the following division's units, said that his unit, not the upon my knowledge and experience with ideas: 17th AIB, was the first Third Army subunit heavy armored and cavalry forces, we can- To increase lift, why not combine wing to reach the Rhine River. "Although the not just show up with our tanks, drop the and IifD'ng-bodytechnology? 17th AIB was a damned good outfit, they glider ramps and charge into the fray with- To decrease weight, don't use steel. Be were not the first unit of the Third Army to out a massive support structure already in truly innovative. Assemble small, pre- reach the Rhine River... The first unit to do place to sustain that force. stressed-ceramic components, pethaps so was the 2d squad, 2d platoon, B Com- I agree with Major Panish and Mr. Adam casts of boron nitride, a material at least as pany, under the command of 2LT Charles in that we do need to impmve our strategic hard as diamonds. Like the 'working hull' of Peischl... My halftrack was about 50 meters armored reach, but I don't think gliderborne ancient Viking ships, ceramic assemblies behind LT Peischl when we reached the tanks are a practical solution. A C5-B can form incredibly light, strong structures; and river..: cany a payload of 261,000 pounds (130 it's high time we incorporated them in the BG Bright quotes from the first history of tons) - several lighter vehicles, such as aerospace industry.' Who knows, in the the 12th AD as noting the 56th AIB the AGS or even Bradleys could be flown process you might identify the material of reached the Rhine an hour and a half be- in conventionally from prepositioned sites, which we'll cast light, near-invulnerable fore the 17th AIB. such as Diego Garcia A Voating POM- tanks ten years from now. It could change CUS,' similar to those used by the Marine the way we build everything dn earth. - Armor Staff 4 ARMOR - January-February 1993 MG Paul E. Funk Commanding General U.S. Amy Armor Center

Looking Ahead To This Year’s Armor Conference

We who are in the fighting business “... we confront an American situa- security...” The kind of men he was ’ seem to face some sort of watershed tion which is different from the prob- refemng to are soldiers like you: pla- each year, and 1993 will surely prove lems of European countries and which toon sergeants, gunners, mechanics, to be a pivotal year. We must focus looks forward in case of hostilities to platoon leaders and company com- our attention on those matters of the war of movement: that in any such manders. It is from you that the best armor force we can control: leader- war the principal element is the In- ideas emerge - ideas that will define ship, training and anticipating the fantry-Field Artillery-Cavalry ground the force in the 2000’s. In this issue dominant role of Armor on the battle- combat team; that such a force is the of ARMOR, and at our May confer- field of the future. It is this latter bone and sinew of any real fighting ence, you will see and hear about the theme that will resound at our Armor Army or mies: that at least a reson- technology that will make armor the Conference at Fort Knox 4-6 May able nucleus should be highly trained dominant force on future battlefields. 1993. and ready to fight at once: and that all While technology is both exciting and At the conference, we intend to pres- our thoughts and preparations, includ- important, it is you, the Armor soldier ent a compelling argument for Armor ing our industrial preparation, should of the future, who will be decisive. in the future. We will be forward- be geared toward a war of movement MG Harbord had it right back in looking in our assessment of warfare rather than one of static defense by 1937 when he said, and innovative in developing the tac- means chiefly of materiel.” “...wars are still won - finally - tics and capabilities to ensure victory. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Herr and by soldiers with their feet on the Through a series of intellectually chal- others after him were good stewards ground, who take and hold territory. lenging presentations and discussions, of the role of Armor/Cavalry, and by No military invention, however inge- the 1993 Armor Conference will set defining its mission in futuristic nious, can ever take the place of sol- an agenda for our future as a com- terms, guaranteed that we would have diers. When the line does not hold or bined arms, warfghting branch. the chance to ride and shoot and de- when an expected advance does not fend this country with the fmpower materialize, the failure can be traced This business of defining and rede- of Armor. But we, today, must be no to human beings. Modem equipment fming the role of Armor is not new. less stewards of Armor: and by force is necessary to win a moderate en- The key to our success, both on the of our intellect and virtue of our re- gagement, but there must be men of field of battle and in the number- cent desert experience, we must artic- stamina there who know how to use it crunch of peacetime, has been our ulate the role of Armor at every op- to fullest advantage.” ability to recognize the changing na- portunity. It is this careful blend of mission, ture of combat and evolve with that At another watershed point in our personnel and technology that we will change. In the 1939 issue of the Cav- past - the critical transition from be brainstorming in May. Whether alry Journal (predecessor to ARMOR), horse cavalry to mechanization - MG you participate in the Armor Confer- then Chief of Cavalry MG John K. J.G. Harbord said in the 1937 issue of ence personally, or are represented by Herr was facing one of those water- the Cavalry Journal, “Paths ahead others, it is your force we will be shed periods. Europe was thundering will be opened by men unwilling to shaping, and you will have to live amid the gathering clouds of World barter the possibilities of days to with the consequences. Get involved War Il when he wrote: come for the false promise of present and stay involved.

ARMOR - January-February 7993 5 Tank Gun Accuracy by Major Bruce J. Held and Master Sergeant Edward S. Sunoskl

The Accuracy Problem ur against defhde targets, accuracy ing the reticle on the target. An inte- must exceed even this. gral part of the fm control system in Operation DESERT STORM show- any tank is the gunner. Even with a cased the technological capabilities of Accuracy Error Sources perfect system and perfect conditions, the M1-series 'hk. Its combination of accuracy can still be poor if the gun- unmatched mobility, lethality, and Perhaps the easiest way to describe ner uses his system ineffectively. Fac- survivability proved unstoppable. Ad- sources of accuracy error is to pro- tors that affect gunner performance in- ditionally, the accuracy of the MlAl ceed chronologically through the en- clude: fatigue, fear, inexperience, and 120-mm main gun exceeded all ex- gagement process and identify the po- excitement. Fortunately, the effects of pectations. First round hits at two to tential problems. Once a target is these problems can be reduced three thousand meters were common. identified, this process proceeds from through good training and pctice. However, the Army cannot afford to finding an aimpoint on the target to While it may seem boring at times, be satisfied with the MlAl's current the projectile hitting or missing the repetition is what makes correct ac- level of accuracy. The M1-series itself target. Potential accuracy errors occur tion automatic for the tank crew. is an example of what superior tech- during this entire process. Some of Crew drills and the COFT are the skill nology means on the battlefield. We these can be minimized by the tank's builders that best integrate the men can expect the next generation of crew, and this article will point out and machine so that they operate as a tanks, to include those belonging to crew actions that will help minimize single, efficient system, even under potential adversaries, to be more accu- accuracy problems. Finally, this arti- harsh training or combat environ- rate than even the M1 series. This ar- cle only de& with a stationary firing ments. ticle will discuss some of the pmb- tank versus a stationary target. The One basic assumption that we make lems that scientists, engineers, and accuracy equation gets much more in aiming any direct fire weapon is tankers must overcome in order to complicated when the fuing tank, tar- that the light path to the target is achieve the accuracy needs of the fu- get, or both are maneuvering. straight. Unfortunately, this is not al- ture. ways true. Just above ground level, The average NATO tank target is Laying the Reticle on the Target heat is exchanged between air and approximately 2.3 meters by 3.4 me- Once a target is identified, the next soil. The result of this is that the air ters. At 3,000 meters, this equates to step in the engagement process is lay- tempenture at the surface of the an angular measure of only 0.4 mils ground is not constant. As light passes from the target's center of mass to its through air of varying temperature, its upper or lower edge. Therefore, with path bends. This means that the line an aimpoint in the middle of this stan- of sight between a tank and its target dard target, the tank's total system ac- is not always a straight line. This phe- curacy must be less than half a mil in nomenon is known as optical path order to hit consistently at 3,000 me- bending, and when it happens, the ters. cannon cannot be effectively laid on To emphasize how small half a mil its target since the line of sight to the is, picture the second hand of a watch. target is no longer a straight path Second= 1 Mil equals (see The angle it sweeps in five one thou- 30 Mils 1/64UUth of Figure 2). Optical path bending is at sandths of a second is about a half of a 360-degre its worst after the ground has been circle a mil (see Figure 1). At longer ranges Figure 1. heated up and the air is still and cool, 6 ARMOR - January-February 1993 Optical Path Bending The gunner aims along the apparent line b the target. However, since the actual light path is bent, the line of fire misses the actual target. ACTUAL TARGET

:.>;::.,...... u....:.: ‘-:.::::..: :: ...... &._...... !I: ...... I :::: ...... TRUE LIGHT PATH, BENT *i.tjrn#?g@y ------:* r..n,..+..--..L...m .. d APPARENT LINE TO TARGET GHOST TARGET Flgure 2. such as in the desert at night. The gunner can reduce. The key, of wind and rain or from firing can same kind of atmospheric conditions course, is practice. During any slow change the shape of the gun in just also cause heat shimmer, which also time, such as in the motor pool or seconds. Muzzle reference systems has a detrimental effect on accuracy. waiting to enter a range, the gunner (MRS) and thermal shrouds are de- Under extreme conditions, the error can find ‘targets’ and practice estimat- signed to minimize the calibration er- can be greater than a mil.’ Typically, ing their centers of mass. Use of the rors between the muzzle axis and the though, this error is less than a tenth reticle lines as a guide will also help. sighting system between boresighting of a mil, so even at long range, it is After some practice, gunners should occasions. Unfortunately, MRSs are not a big problem under normal con- have little difficulty quickly and pre- themselves subject to some error and ditions. cisely estimating the target’s center of may not always perfectly realign the Even when conditions are right for mass. system? They also depend on being optical path bending, its effects CM correctly boresighted themselves and still be minimized. When the tactical Laying the Gun on being used often enough between situation permits, positioning of the boresighting events. Finally, while firing tank so that the line of sight to Once the aiming circle has been thermal shrouds help a great deal, potential targets is well above ground placed on target, a whole series of they cannot perfectly manage thermal level will reduce the problem. Gener- complex events occur that result in bending of the gun tube! ally,’ it does not take much. Keeping pointing the cannon dong a trajectory Tests conducted at Ft. Knox and Ab- the line of sight as little as three or that intersects the target. The fmt po- erdeen Proving Ground have shown four meters above the ground for most tential error source at this point is one that the boresight devices used by the of its path will Virtually eliminate any that probably occurred long before a Army are quite accmte. This means problems !?om optical path bending. target was ever seen - boresighting. that the tank crew is the key to reduc- In addition to the optical path bend- Boresighting procedures are estab- ing boresight emr. By following the ing problem, there is an error associ- lished in order to align the sighting boresighting procedures precisely and ated with finding the aimpoint on the system with the cannon’s muzzle axis. by carefully maintaining and caring target. Generally, tankers are trained Error is introduced in these proce- for the boresight device, a tank’s crew to use the center of presented target dures if the boresight is inherently in- can assure itself that it will have an mass as the aimpoint. The problem is accmte, if it is out of calibration, or accmte boresight. By conducting a that estimating the center of mass is if the procedures for using the device boresighting exercise whenever possi- not a precise process. To demonstrate are not correctly followed? For these ble and performing frequent MRS up this to yourself, stand a few meters reasons, boresighting does not always dates between boresighting events, the from a blank piece of butcher paper. perfectly align the cannon and sight- crew will help ensure that the mu- Have someone mark what you think is ing system. Additionally, for various zle/sight alignment error is small. the center of mass on the paper. maintenance. environmental, and On older tanks, the cannon and the While you can get reasonably close, it equipment reasons, it is often difficult sights used to aim the cannon were is difficult to be exact. The same is to maintain the calibration between hard-mounted together. Supereleva- true for reid targets. Without some de- the cannon and fire control system tion was applied through the use of tined aimpoint on the target, there will once it is established with boresight- stadia lines and ballistic ms, while be some small error associated with ing procedures. For example, tempera- other ballistic corrections were ap- estimating the center of target mass. ture changes across the cannon from plied with the application of ‘Ken- Fortunately, this is an error that the environmental factors such as sun, tucky Windage.’ On modem tanks,

~~~~ ARMOR - January-February 1993 7 except in degraded mode, the fire con- various motors, hydraulic pumps, and tion could correct the problem. In trol computer uses the factors that other mechanisms that control the mo- fact, computer correction factors do went into ‘Kentucky Windage,’ along tion of the gun. Since no electronic or correct some of the gun dynamics er- with a precise measurement of range, mechanical system is perfect, im- rors. Unfortunately, a cannon’s dy- and knowledge about the ammunition plementation errors between the cal- namics are a little different on each being fired and calculates the direc- culated fire control solution and what shot,6 and there are significant differ- tion to point the cannon. To do this, is possible in the machinery occur in ences in the gun dynamics between the fire control computer depends on this process. Complete PMCS by the tanks? This means that the change in various data inputs (cant, propellant tank crew, to include special gunnery muzzle pointing angle at the time of temperature, ammunition type, etc.). It checks, will ensure that .implementa- shot exit from the cannon cannot al- applies these inputs to mathematical tion emrs are minimized. If the sys- ways be accurately predicted and ac- algorithms and calculates the pro- tem is well maintained and problems counted for. While the muzzle point- jectile’s ballistic path. Errors occur in are quickly and effectively corrected, ing error that this lack of predictabil- this calculation for two reasons. First, the fire control system errors should ity creates is relatively small, the the mathematical algorithms only ap- be very small. cannon’s dynamic response to the shot proximate models of reality. The ap- process also ties in with some other proximations are very good, but they The Shot Process -In Bore phenomenon, such as an accuracy de- are not perfect. Some of the factors pendence on ammunition temperature that affect the ballistic path are im- The firing of modem tank ammuni- and the projectile aerodynamics. Be- perfectly understood, or there may not tion is an exceptionally violent pro- cause of this, controlling the cannon be a satisfactory way to measure cess. Once .the cannon, target, and dynamics is significant to improving them. This means that some factors sighting system are ballistically the tank‘s accuracy. that influence the ballistic path may aligned, the gunner starts what is es- The tank crew’s ability to influence not be included in the mathematical sentially a controlled explosion. In the the gun tube dynamics depends, once algorithms, or are not modeled com- space of less than five meters and in again, on good PMCS. By ensuring pletely. Second, the math algorithms less than a hundredth of a second, the that the cannon and recoil system are depend on the various inputs men- projectile accelerates to a velocity of constantly inspected for problems, and tioned above. If the measurement of 1,600 meters per second: roughly that identified problems are corrected, these variables is incorrect, or if they Mach 5 (over 3,500 mph). The pres- the tank crew will be doing its part to- are incorrectly entered into the com- sure needed to push the projectile to ward ensuring that the gun dynamics puter, error is introduced into the fire these velocities in such a short time remain as constant as possible for control solution. span approaches 100,OOO pounds per every shot. The tank crew can ensure that the square inch for some ammunition As the round travels down the length fm control computer operates most types. Precise control of this process of the cannon, it not only gets pushed effectively by carefully following is necessary if accuracy is to be main- from behind by the burning propel- published procedures. Like all other tained. Understandably, perfect con- lant, it also gets pushed sideways, up computers, the fire control computer trol is very difficult to achieve in this and down. This occurs for several m- goes by the maxim of ‘garbage in, violent environment. sons. It was already noted that the garbage out.’ Data that is manually Cannon systems are not completely cannon is vibrating before the round entered into the computer, such as rigid. Unleashing the energy that pro- exits. Imagine quickly shaking a tube barometric pressure, should be as cur- pels the projectile can also cause the up and down while a tennis ball rolls rent as possible. Tankers should de- cannon to rotate about its trunnion, re- from one end to the other. The same mand such data on a routine basis and coil along its longitudinal axis, shake thing happens to the projectile as it units need to have SOPS in effect that in its recoil mechanism, and bend and moves down the cannon. update this information as often as vibrate in all directions. This all starts Additionally, no tube is perfectly possible. Additionally, good preven- to happen before the round exits the made. Small bumps and bends are in- tive maintenance checks and services muzzle, so that by the time it does, troduced in the manufacturing process (PMCS) will ensure that sensors on the muzzle is not pointed in the same that the projectile must ride over as it the tank, such as the crosswind sen- direction as when the trigger was travels down the cannon. sor, are in good operating condition pulled? Also, thermal bending of the gun and are not providing bogus input to The cannon’s dynamic action would tube occurs. This creates more curves the fire control computer. not hurt accuracy if all shots and all for the projectile to negotiate. Finally, Once a fm control solution has been tanks were the same. If that were the the gun tube is a long, heavy structure calculated, it must be applied-- to the case, a fire control computer correc- that is only supported at one end. This 8 ARMOR - January-February 1993 Figure 3.

Photographcaptures the moment when the sabot petals of an M865 training round break free from the penetrator.

Note the visible shock waves generated by the dis- carding sabot petals.

means that gravity causes it to droop exits the muzzle, the hot gases behind tics depend on its shape and its pitch- toward the muzzle? the projectile expand and accelerate ingyawing motion.I2 Pitching de- These two factors, the gun dynamics around the projectile. This means that scribes the up and down rotation of and the static tube shape (caused by the air flow over the projectile is the the projectile and yawing is the side manufacturing irregularities, thermal reverse of normal, free flight air flow. to side rotation (Figure 4). This mo- distortions, and gun tube droop), do In this flight configuration, the tion is imparted to the projectile dur- two things that affect accuracy. First, projectile's fins actually destabi- ing earlier phases of the shot process. they cause a projectile to follow a lizing. The muzzle blast can thus Since pitchindyawing motion varies crooked path down the gun. Second, cause deviations from a perfect launch from round to round, the aerodynamic they cause the projectile to vibrate in and magnify round-to-round varia- jump will also vary from round to bore. This is known as projectile bal- tions in the launch? round. loting. The crooked path the projectile Saboted ammunition has additional During its free flight phase, cross- follows in bore, and balloting, are im- accuracy problems. As the sabot pet- wind affects every projectile to some portant to xcuracy because they can als begin to fly free from the pene- degree. HEAT ammunition is much influence the direction of flight with trator (Figure 3, above), they can in- more susceptible to crosswind effects which the projectile leaves the muz- terfere with the penemtor both me- than saboted ammunition bemuse of zle. Also, they cause the projectile to chanically, by striking the rod," and its lower initial velocity, higher retar- flex and vibrate, which affects later aerodynamically, with the shock dation (loss of velocity with range), portions of the shot process. waves that they create." The mechan- and larger cross sectional area Cross-; ical and aerodynamic interactions be- winds can vary to a large degree in The Shot Process - tween the sabots and the projectile both magnitude and direction over the Transition to Free Flight vary with every shot. Therefore, accu- flight of the projectile, and thus can- racy is affected because the effect of not necessarily be compensated for1 by During the transition from in-bore sabot discard cannot be predicted pre- the measurements made at the tank'by travel to free flight, the projectile is cisely and accounted for. the crosswind sensor. This is particu- subject to several more processes larly true when the tank is dug into a which can affect accuracy. As the The Shot Process - Free Flight defensive position and the crosswind round exits the cannon, the projectile sensor is shielded from the wind. In and sabots undergo rapid decompres- Finally. once a projectile enters free general, the ability to estimate cross- sion from the in-bore flexure and flight, it is subject to aerodynamic winds diminishes with range, so compression. This can slightly change forces. These forces can alter the crosswind effects increase with range. the direction of flight and later affects projectile's line of flight even further At short range, crosswind errors for the sabot discard process and the from the one originally intended. This high-velocity ammunition can be neg- aerodynamic properties of the round. is known as aerodynamic jump. A ligible, but at long range, the effect Also, as the projectile's obturator seal projectile's aerodynamic chmcteris- can be significant. As mentioned ear-

~~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~ ARMOR - January-February 1993 9 STABILIZING PITCH AND YAW MOMENTS GENERATED BY THE PROJECTILE'S

DESTABILIZING PITCH AND YAW MOMENTS GENERATED BY THE PROJECTILE'S NOSE

VELOCllY/DIRECTION OF FLIGHT Figure 4. Aerodynamic Forces Acting on the Projectile. lier, good PMCS of the crosswind propellant burning. This causes the in- new technologies must continue in the Sensor ensures that the fire control bore time and muzzle velocity of the areas of fire control, cannon systems, computer has the most accurate infor- ammunition to vary. Damage to ob- and ammunition. The ideas and tech- mation possible, which helps reduce turators, sabots, and sealing rings can nologies that are developed need to be crosswinderror. cause problems in-bore and during the evaluated and, where appropriate, in- Amazingly, the earth's rotation can projectile's disengagement from the corporated in existing and future aIso have a noticeable effect on the tube. Damage to a projectile's tip and tanks. As mentioned at the beginning accuracy of tank ammunition. Imagine fms will affect its aerodynamic perfor- of this article, we have achieved an riding a merry-go-round and trying to mance. Any one of these various fac- amazing level of accuracy with the throw a ball at someone else sitting on tors will cause accuracy problems. M1-series tank. Crews feel confident the other side of the ride. The rotating Taking care to protect ammunition is about hitting targets at ranges in ex- paths on which you and your target also critical from a safety standpoint. cess of two or three kilometers. This are traveling make this a much more The key here is to inspect and correct. creates a danger that we may become difficult problem than it would seem If ammunition looks bad, it probably complacent. To win in the future, our at first. This effect, known as coriolis is, and should be carefully checked by tanks must continue to be able to fmd acceleration, is particularly noticeable a certified ammunition specialist. Not and hit targets before they find and hit at long range with slower projectiles, qualifying on Table VI11 because of us. From the lab to tank tables, con- such as HEAT, but even high-velocity improperly maintained or inspected stant attention and correction of accu- ammunition is affected at very long ammunition is a tank crew's night- racy problems is critical to future suc- range. While the mathematical solu- mare. The effect in combat could be cess. tion for this effect is easily calculated, worse. it depends on knowing the tank's lo- Notes cation and the absolute pointing direc- Concluding Remarks 'Tolfsted. D. and D. Snider. Refroction Up tion of the cannon. Since this informa- dute, paper pmented at the Tank Gun Accxl- racy Committee Meeting, Aberdeen Proving tion is not available to the fire control At the crew and unit level, the key Ground, Md.. 20 May 1986. computer of MlAls and Mls, there is to tank gun accuracy is constant train- 2Held. B.J. and D.W.Webb, A Cornprison of currently no compensation for the ro- ing and effective, continual PMCS of Muzzle Boresightr For Tank Cannon, BRL tation of the earth effect. both the engagement system on the Memorandum Report. BRL-MR-3977. U.S. Amy Ballistic Research Laboratory. Aberdeen. Finally, improper storage and ha- tank and the ammunition it will fue. Md, June 1992. dling of ammunition can cause dam- Dedication to and enforcement of 3Bundy. M., Thermal Dirtortion of fhc MlAl age that will seriously impair the ac- these two principles will reduce or Muzzle Reference System Collimator. BRL-lR- curacy during every phase of the shot eliminate the element of human error 3107. U.S. Amy Ballistic Research Laboratory. process. Damage to cases and im- in the accuracy equation. On the ma- Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., June 1990. 4Bundy, M.. Thermal Distortion Protection by proper storage can introduce moisture terial side of the accuracy equation, Caddate Metal ond Composite Thermal into the cartridge and cause uneven research and testing of new ideas and Shrouds for 120-mm Tank Cannon, BRL-TR- 10 ARMOR - January-February 1993 Major Bruce J. Held was commissioned in 1980. He holds a BS degree from the United States Military Acad- emy and earned an MS in aerospace engineering from Stanford University in 1989. His military education in- cludes MIOBC, the EW/ Crypt0 Course, AOAC, Air- borne, and CAS3. He is cur- rently assigned as the Armor Technology Manager at the Army Research Laboratory. Previous assignments in- clude S2 positions in the 4th Infantry Division, Ft. Carson, 2807. U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory. Aber- where he was also the scout deen WigGround. Md, platoon - leader of 6/32 June 1987. Armor. He was also the S4 'Gay, H.P. and A.S. Elder, and a troop commander with The Lderal Motion of a Tank Gun ami Its Effec? on 2/2 Armored Cavalry Regi- the Accuracy of Fire. BRL ment in Bamberg, Germany. Report No. 1070, U.S. Army Ballistic Research Labora- tory, Aberdeen Proving Ground. Md., March 1959. Master Sergeant Edward 6Held, BJ., Variability in S. Sunoski is currently as- Tank Gun Accuracy Dm to signed as the NCOIC of the Recoil Variation. BRLTR- Weapons Technology Direc- 3309. U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory. Aber- torate, Army Research Labo- deen WigGd. Md. ratory, Aberdeen Proving January 1991. Ground. Previously, he 'Bornstein. J., T. Erline. served as first sergeant of B.T. Haug. and D. Hopkins, Troop B, 5-12 Cavalry; "Investigations on the Dy- namics of Tank Guns," Elev- Troop A, 1-12 Cavalry; and enth In?erna?ioml Sympo- Company B, 1-77 Armor. sium on Ballistics, Brussels, Other assignments include Belgium, May 1989. master gunner, 3d Infantry 8Plostins. P.. I. cehins. and J. Bornstein. "The Effed Division; platoon sergeant, of Sabot Front Borerider Company B, 3-64 Armor; platoon sergeant, Company D, 3-63 Armor; platoon ser- geant, Company A, 2-34 Armor; and master gunner, 1-77 Armor. He is a 1978 graduate of Adams State 1977. College with a BA in joumal- "Hostins, P.. Launch Dynamia of APFSDS ism. He is a 1978 and 1981 Ammunition, Proceedings of the Eighth Intema- June 1978. pp.162-167. American Institute of graduate of the Master Gun- tional Symposium on Ballistics, American De- Aeronautics and Astronautics. 370 L'Enfant ner Course and is a gradu- feme Preparedness Association, Arlington, Va. Promenade S.W., Washington D.C. ate of Class 37, United October 1984. 12Murphy. C.. Free Fligh? Motion of Symmet- "Sdunidt, E.M. and D. Shear, "Aerodynamic ric Missiles, BRL-TR-1216, U.S. Army Ballis- States Army Sergeants Interference During Sabot Discard," Journal of tic Research Laboratory. Aberdeen Proving Major Academy. Spacecraft and RocRpts, Vol. 15, No. 3, May- Ground, Md.. July 1963. ARMOR - January-February 1993 11 A Black Beret’s Vietnam Odyssey by Kenneth P. Lord

My arrival in Vietnam was a study in surrealism. The air-conditioned Boeing 707 descended with its million candlepower lights through the pitch black night, while outside this thin- skinned silver bird, tracers, exploding artillery, and flares could be seen on the horizon. The immediate feeling of helpless- ness was increased by the night land- ing and the ensuing drive into Saigon along blackened streets with vaporous images of individuals seen through screened bus windows. Culture shock was immediate, nor was it was lessened by the first few days at Koepler Compound. This for- mer French hotel, which bespoke vol- umes about French culture, was the inprocessing point for all Military As- sistance Command (MACV) person- nel who were to become advisors to the various Republic of Vietnam mili- tary units, to include the para-military Regional (RF’) and Popular Force (PF) units. It was here that armor officers and noncommissioned officers found out if they would advise Vietnamese armor/cavalry units, or be assigned to straight leg infantry with the RF or PF advisory teams. Once all the brief formalities were over, another bus ride took us to the sor for an update on squadrodtroop visors detailed to the 6th Cavalry dur- airfield for embarkation aboard vari- opentions. Finally, a short helicopter ing 1967-1968 had no prior combat ous types of aircraft for movement to ride took him to wherever the troop experience. Some had been fortunate the field. was located. enough to attend the Ft. Bragg advi- In the case of Armor advisors to the It was at this point that the real sory training session called MATN 6th Cavalry, located at My Tho, south meaning of culture shock set in. The Sectorwnit Training, and then re- of Saigon, the flight was normally on debxkation from the helicopter at that ceived some mdimentary language a Caribou aircraft to Dong Tam, the troop location was, like passing training. Others were pulled directly combat and support base for the 9th through the looking glass, the en- from other U.S. units and arrived with (U.S.) Infantry Division and the Mo- trance into another world. little or no experience. bile Riverine Forces, followed by a It should be noted at this time that This lack of experience created im- short, hair-raising ride to the advisory advisors arrived at their posts with a mediate problems. As the stated mis- team headquarters, Team 75, where variety of training experiences. The sion was to provide advice to our some additional briefings would take time was the late 1960s. and the Vietnamese counterpart, I was cha- place. Then the new advisor met with buildup in Vietnam was still continu- grined to find that my counterpart the 6th Cavalry Squadron senior advi- ing. For the most part, the officer ad- needed little of what I could provide.

12 ARMOR - January-February 1993 My counterpart had been schooled at and three platoons per troop, a com- main north-south route from Saigon to various Vietnamese schools, to in- mand track, maintenance track, and a the Ca Mau Peninsula. clude the Vietnamese Cavalry, and I support section consisting of the road- Lunch depended on operational con- found it was I who was placed in the bound combat trains. siderations. If an operation was pend- position of leaming. The troop had SO caliber cupola- ing, there was an immediate rush after Another stated goal of the advisory mounted machine guns on each breakfast to the ban my (bread) shop. mission was to gain rapport with your M113, two .30 caliber side-mounted There, a loaf of hard crust French Vietnamese counterpart, as this was machine guns per M113, an 81-mm bread would be cut down the middle. essential for any type of successful mom, and occasionally a 57-mm re- Inside would be placed a mixture of bbadvisory”effort. coilless rifle. During the course of the roast pork, pepper sauce, and some Rapport implies friendship. Friend- year, some additions were scrounged, unidentified items. The bread would ship implies some shared goals, ambi- to include a 90-mm recoilless rifle, be wrapped in a sheet of newspaper. tions, interest, and commonality of some light antitank weapons (LAW), By placing this on the top of the language. The basic lack of experi- and a Rube Goldberg coffee grinder ANNRC-46 radio, the bread would ence on the part of the incoming advi- contraption that spewed 40-mm gre- be warm by lunch. sors, the complete lack of knowledge nades. The primary problem was to During one road march, the men of a difficult language, and the feeling find ammunition and repair parts to cooked prawns over the exhaust pte by the Vietnamese that the advisor non-MTOE equipment such as the of the M113, and served them was, in fact, a snoop for MACV, cre- items scrounged. wrapped in thin rice paper and dipped ated an environment of immediate in brown bean sauce. This put a new distrust which took many months to There was no mess section. Each spin on fast food. overcome. MI13 had an appointed cook. The re- While on combat operations, lunch For the most part, the advisors be- quirement for culinary ability was not would mean a complete cessation of came fire support coordinators and standard, therefore it fell to the new- movement while the “cooks” scurried MEDEVAC facilitators for their est, or most hapless, track member to to nearby homes to either scrounge, or Vietnamese counterparts. This, in it- do the cooking. in the case of known VC areas, liber- self, was Vital not only to build that Formal rations apparently were non- ate, food. Fires were immediately lit, ‘’rapport’’ necessary to function at all, existent. There were a few instances rice cooked, and the meal consumed. but vital to ensm battlefield surviv- where a freeze-dried type of rice was ability for both the advisors and the made available, but the Vietnamese Due to the climate of Vietnam, one Vietnamese. shunned this unless nothing else was spent six months soaking wet and hot Culture shock and acclimatization available. Meat was carried in the and the next six months hot and soak- were ongoing processes. No amount MI13 in the form of live chickens. ing wet. The first six months, assum- of training and no amount of briefings This created some problems in combat ing one arrived in June, was the mon- could compensate for that feeling of situations while grabbing for ammo soon season. This meant being rained absolute aloneness. boxes and for sleeping at night. But on four to five times a day. The sec- For individuals familiar with the the chicken was fresh, and in some in- ond part of the year was the dry sea- normal support umbilical cord mch- stances, befriended prior to the butch- son - one stayed just as moist from ing from the forwarddeployed ele- ering process. This occurred along the perspiration. ments to the COW, to include side of the road using whatever water Accommodations were always showers, porta-potties, ice, rations, source was available. Most commonly spartan. If one was small enough, the sundries, mini-exchanges, and the used were the cisterns of water lo- back seat of the advisor’s jeep could pack that follows the organized mili- cated at each Vietnamese house. Fresh be a passable residence. tary units into battle, the total lack of vegetables were obtained locally. Sleeping inside the MI13 was not this support hil became immediately Proper sanitation was nonexistent. advisable due to the presence of the obvious to the new advisor. menagerie - Vietnamese crew mem- The Republic of Vietnam (RVN) The meal itself was generally bers hung up in hammocks and the cavalry units were organized as mech- chopped, soy-stirred chicken bits, rice, ever present mosquitoes. Some sought anized infantry: however, this was soy and nouc mm sauce, fresh cu- relief in jungle hammocks slung be- where the similarity ended. Generally, cumbers, a vegetable stew and hot tween M113s or on the back deck of the MTOE reflected the absence of stew, and hot tea. This meal seldom the M113. Cots were available, as the infantry portion of the equation, Varied. were Vietnamese hammocks, albeit and the entire organization began to Breakfast was hot French coffee and too small to be comfortable. take on the appearance of reconnais- soup. Breakfast came from local soup During some evenings, Vietnamese sance cavalry. There were three ar- shops set up in the various villages residences were used, as were school mored personnel carriers per platoon along the side of Highway Four, the buildings, sheds, or warehouses - ARMOR - January-February 7993 13 This always reSulted in lery at Dong Tam, MEDEVAC birds, .the receipt of one large and helicopter gunships. This meant red pill. This pill always jumping from the top of the track to seemed to work. the inside to continuously change Maintenance was su- radio frequencies. Some of the prob- perb. If the Vietnamese lems were resolved by scrounging ad- cavalry trooper excelled ditional PRC-25 radios. at anything, it was main- Communications generally failed at tenance of his equip- the moment they were needed the ment, There was always most. The command track, upon wherever shelter could be found, it some cleaning going on, either of which the troop advisor was riding, was used. weapons, tracks, or individual equip- looked like a porcupine, with a mini- Acclimatization also required the d- ment. During Tet 1968, tracks evacu- mum of four to a maximum of eight visor to learn to live with no more ated for combat loss generally were antennae. During some close encoun- than three hours sleep. As most advi- returned to action within 24 hours or ters of the most intense kind, these an- sory teams only had two advisors, an less. There still may have been an tennae were some of the first casual- officer and an NCO, and both were RPG hole in the hull, but the internal ties. generally separated by either hundreds workings had been repaired, and the of feet or several kilometers at any hack was operational. Combat operations were frequent. one time, sleep at night became a lux- The problem with maintenance was Combat operational planning was not. ury. above organizational. It took almost a For the troop advisor, the most com- The 6th Cavalry also had, under op- year, but the concept of direct ex- mon Vietnamese warning order was, erational control of the troop advisors, change @X) was fmally put into “We go.“ This generally meant the a searchlight section from a field artil- place. This began to resolve a lot of advisor spent the next harrowing min- lery unit located at Can Tho. the problems, especially with machine utes racing down the highway, spread- The searchlight section provided two gun barrels. Prior to DX, the barrels ing out a map sheet and hying to xenon searchlights and were used at were removed, the guns made inoper- copy the graphic of an overlay re- night, using infrared observation of able, and not placed back into action ceived by the RVN troop commander possible VC/NVA movement to inter- until the barrel was reworked or deter- perhaps only minutes before. The next dict Highway Four. The searchlight mined to be completely unusable. portion of the operation was spent try- sections also were used on several oc- Wheel vehicle maintenance was not ing to raise the squadron senior advi- casions during rapid night movement as good, and was reflected in the poor sor for clarification of mission or try- to relieve elements in contact, leading appemnce of the rolling stock. It was ing to contact the unit to which the the troop with their white light capa- simply not a priority. troop was to work OPCON. bility. The light could also bounce off The most serious problem facing the clouds to illuminate areas under attack advisor was the operational radio. Troop advisors were never, at least and to identify pick up points for in- Generally, the troop advisor had the during 1967-1968, brought into the coming MEDEVAC birds. ANmC-46 while the NCO had the combat operational planning at the This required the troop advisor or PRC-25. For normal operations this squadron/troop level. There were two NCO to remain up to provide the in- was adequate. It became critical, espe- occasions where the 7th RVN Divi- terface with the searchlight section cially after Tet 1968, when multi-unit sion staff briefed all of the advisors and the Vietnamese. Additionally, the operations were initiated. The radios on a large operation; however, this poor security posture of the Vietnam- were not sufficient for all of the coor- was the exception, not the rule. ese generally caused angst among ad- dination necessary. Intelligence of enemy activities was visors. Sleep, when it did come, was During movement to contact, it was as poorly orchestrated. It was not until during the hottest part of the day necessary to communicate with not the spring of 1968, when the 7th RVN when all operations ceased for the tra- only your own NCO but with adjacent Division commander began using spe- ditional siesta. cav troops, the cav squadron, most cial funds and purchased intelligence, Mail depended upon passing U.S. probably the regiment to which you that combat operations actually began convoys both for delivery and pick were OFCON, the battalion advi- to bag large VCiNVA units. Prior to up. Laundry was the same. Sick call sor(s), and sometimes the divisional this, it would appear we would arrive meant attempting to explain one’s and province senior advisors, Air too late, or if‘we found the enemy, it symptoms to the Vietnamese medic. Force forward air controllers, the artil- was simply by accident.

14 ARMOR - January-February 1993 ~~ ~ However, once the enemy was found more times, and one searchlight mem- kind. Finally, by the work the advi- and the battle joined, the cavalry ber wounded. Casualties to the Viet- sors were doing, the Vietnamese cav- troopers fought with tenacity and namese troopers were not insignifi- alry did relinquish some of their own bravery. On several instances, frontal cant. During Tet, virtually two pla- medical supplies to assist, albeit assaults, both with regular RVN toons of 3/6 Troop were wiped out grudgingly. troops or RF units, were made on en- after being ambushed while attempt- The year came to an end in much trenched VC/NVA forces. Maximum ing to reach the bus station in down- the same way it began. A helicopter use was made of artillery, combat air town My Tho. Ambushes were fre- ride to My Tho: a turn-in of equip- support, and helicopter gunship sup- quent, and it was not unusual to lose ment; a mind boggling drive to Sai- port. During one particular engage- two to four troopers per ambush. gon in a jeep: and more equipment ment east of My Tho, in Go Cong turn-in, orders processing, and then Province, a battle initiated by an RF Life with the Vietnamese was al- waiting. This time the wait was in tin company resulted in the insertion of ways unusual. We couldn’t help but sheds at Ton Son Nhut. Even to the two battalions of 1lth RVN Regiment see that the people with whom we end, the VC/NVA made life misera- soldiers and the entire 6th Cavalry. were living needed the basics of med- ble. Rocket attacks occurred nightly This culminated in a cavalry charge ical help. We saw many children with between 2300 and 0300. One landed with the entire squadron on line, re- suppurating sores from working in the next to the officer’s club: however, sulting in a resounding lass for an en- constant watery environment of the there was virtually no break in the tire VCNAbattalion. rice paddies. One child was suffering routine. Everyone ducked, then or- It most probably also resulted in the from a raging fever. dered another round. ensuing attack on the 6th Cavalry Impromptu medical treatment was advisor’s residence in My Tho ap- provided by the troop advisors and in- A day or two later, I took another proximately a month later. This at- cluded treatment of the sores, hdag- bus ride to the plane. As I waited to tack, in apparent retribution for the ing cuts, and passing out soap. Treat- board, the passengers who had just ar- success of the cavalry over the previ- ment of the child with the fever re- rived began to deplane - wrinkled ous year, resulted in the deaths of the sulted in attempting to provide dosage khakis, wrinkled noses, and looks of squadron senior advisor and one non- instructions to the mother in Vietnam- bewilderment. To “old soldiers” like commissioned officer. But it did not ese. The child, by the way, did get myself, this was “new meaL” A few stop the continuing success of the 6th well. The joy on the face of the steps later, we were enclosed in an air Cavalry. mother was all the payment anyone conditioned cylinder and shortly The year 1967-1968 was a hard year could expect or want. whisked away. There was gladness to for advisors with the 6th Cav. During What was not acceptable was the have “made it” There was sadness that year, three advisors were killed, lack of concern of the Vietnamese that the job had not been done, and almost every advisor wounded one or h-ooper for the suffering of his own that the long awaited “rapport” had actually grown to friendship. A glance back through the plane’s window Counterparts Association showed ememld green below, tracked by long brown fingers brown water In 1989, spurred by similar associations, I decided to see if I could re-contact both of advisors and counterparts and form an association of armor and cavalry advisors and and the puffy white of clouds full of counterparts. For the past three years, this efforthas continued at various operational rain. A cheer went up from the pas- tempo. sengers, a collective sigh of relief. We There are currently 32 former advisors and counterparts who have been identified were on our way home. and who have shown an interest in an association. In the interim, a new association called Counterparts was formed. This association is made up of advisors and their By mid-1975. it was all over. Poli- counterparts from all organizations which were active in Vietnam. tics and failed policies had lost what Recently, with the interest expressed by the then commanding general of Fort blood, sweat, and tears had won. Knox. Major General Foley, in an association of armor/cavalry advisors and counter- Walking the long, hot streets of Fort parts, new efforts are underway to identify officers and noncommissioned officers Indiantown Gap, I searched for famil- who served in that capacity. It is anticipated, using Counterparts as the base organization, that a subgroup, iar faces among the uprooted Viet- made up of former black berets, both U.S. and Vietnamese, could be formed. namese refugees. None were found. One of the major goals is to document for history the role of the armorlcavalry During a passage of the waters off advisor in the Vietnam War. It is also to rekindle the camaraderie of a unique group Vietnam in 1982, while assigned to of individuals and to foster the spirit of armor and cavalry. the USS Midway (CV-41) as a Special Counterparts membership is available by writing to Counterparts, Post Office Box 40, Circleville. WV 26804. Additional information related to an armor/cav association Agent Afloat with the Naval In- should be directed to the author at 1504 Wheatstone Cove, Germantown. TN 38138. 15 vestigative Service, I experienced de$ vu. Thirty-two Vietnamese boat peu ple were picked up from a sinkin! scow. Vimally all of the refugee: were from Dinh Toung Province o OPERATION RINSO Ken Hoa Province. Some recalled m: counterpart. All were fleeing the re Some concepts transcend all barriers pressive Communist regime. of language and culture - like a mail-order offer of free matching rowels in tasteful contemporary colors... Kenneth P. Lord graduated from ROTC at Middle Tennes- Burt Boudinot, a now-retired lieu- do his clothes, and after each was see State University in 1966 tenant colonel, wore the black beret as empty, she would bring it to him. with a commission in Armor. an advisor assigned to MACV’s J-3 She held up the box, pointing to the He served with B Company, office in Saigon. Like any American back panel, which described the 6/32 Armor with 16th Armor fmt exposed to the Vietnamese cul- company’s free towel offer - send in Brigade until deployment to ture, he couldn’t get over how utterly six box tops and get a set of matching Vietnam in June 1967 as se- different Vietnam was. And the lack towels. “She want you to send for nior advisor with 2/6 Cavalry, of a common language didn’t make it this,” the supervisor said. 7th ARVN Division, My Tho, any easier. He agreed, and the next day, there Vietnam, until June 1968. He He remembers his billet in the Mas- were 36 box tops on his bed. then served as both a BCT sachusetts Hotel, just outside Tan-son- Boudinot took the boxtops, filled out company commander and nhut Air Base, which had been com- the,coupon, and sent it all off to the aide-de-camp to the CG, Ft. mandeered to house U.S. officers. A soap company, somewhat doubtful Gordon, Ga., until returning to Vietnamese chambermaid was as- that the free offer was even good in a RVN as commander, E Troop, signed to care for seved rooms on war zone. But about two months later, 11th Brigade and 11th Bri- each floor. there was a call from the mailroom, gade S4. After completing “I came back to the mom one day at and sure enough, there was a big box AOAC, he served at St. Law- noon, and there was mama-san work- from the States. It was from the soap rence University as an ROTC ing on the room. She was between 40 company. instructor. He branch trans- and 60 years old, but it was hard to Boudinot alerted the floor supervisor ferred to MP in 1972 and sub- tell. She started chattering and waving that the towels had arrived, and within sequently served as S1, 519th her arms, and I figured out she a few minutes, she was in the room MP Battalion and commander, wanted my dirty clothes. The sergeant with the maid - and all the other 293d MP Company. After res- at the front desk said to leave a cer- maids in the hotel. They gathered ignation from Active Duty in tain amount on my bed every Friday, around as mama-san opened the large 1975, he served with the 2d and over time, I would also leave her box. “She let out a cry like a banshee Maneuver Training Command an apple, an orange, or some cookies and kissed both of my hands.” The and 87th Maneuver Area I’d brought back from the mess hall. noise level in the mom sdas the Command as an MP, and with “One day, when I was changing uni- other maids clucked and chattered HQ, 1X Corps/USARJ as a forms, mama-san Came to the door their approval. The arrival of the tow- MOBDES. He subsequently and started giggling and chattering. I els from the States had taken on a leg- served five years with the went out to the hall and asked if any- endary, manna-from-heaven aura that 220th MP Brigade as plans one knew what she was talking about. must certainly rank as a high-point in and operations and as S3, A teenaged Vietnamese girl told me U.S.-Vietnamese relations. and is currently commanding that mama-san wanted to touch the “Of course, that’s not the end of the the 304th MP Battalion hair on my chest. I said OK, and story,” Boudinot said. “You can prob- (EPWKI), USAR with the when she did, she cried out a vord. ably figure out what happened next... 125th ARCOM at Nashville, I looked at the girl. The tef rager ex- The next evening, there were almost a Tenn. In civilian life, he is a plained, ”She say, ‘Barbarian! Barbar- hundred box tops on my bed, proba- Special Agent with the Naval ian!’” bly every Rinso boxtop in Saigon. Investigative Service, where “Let me ask you something else,” I Word traveled fast. he is primarily involved in the said, “Why does she always hand me “I sent them all away, but pretty investigation of white collar the empty Rinso box?” By that time, soon, I was gone, too. I always won- crime. over the months, he’d bought her dered if the second shipment ever ar- eight or ten boxes of the detergent to rived ... .” 16 Jousting with Their Main Guns: A Bizarre Tank Battle of the Korean War

by Major Arthur W. Connor, Jr.

When asked to describe a typical sion and the 27th British Brigade, led being struck in the front slope. The tank battle, most people talk of long the way into North Korea. Arriving in North Korean crews were no match range gunnery duels and massed for- the vicinity of Kaesong on 8 October, for the American tankers? Two more mations of tanks rumbling through the 1st Cavalry Division led the way T-34s were destroyed in separate fire Europe or the desert. across the parallel as it attacked fights that day, but as darkness fell, During the war in Korea, however, Kumchon the next day? The tankers the enemy counterattacked. there was no such thing as a typical of the 70th Tank Battalion, assigned A heavy ground fog settled over the tank battle. The terrain was restrictive, to the 1st Cav, played a crucial role in tankers and 8th Cavalry positions as roads almost nonexistent, and the spearheading the drive into North the B Company commander placed weather atrocious. Tanks were an in- Korea. three tanks astride the road leading tegral part of the American effort in Resistance was fierce. A Company, into Kumchon, tying in his perimeter the war, but their battles did not fol- 70th Tank Battalion could make little defense for the night. In one of the low the textbook examples taught at headway in its attacks with the 5th most bizarre tank-versus-tank engage- Fort Knox before the war began. The Cavalry on 9 October. On 13 October, ments of the war, four more T-34s following vignette describes the expe- B Company was supporting the 8th rumbled out of the mist to contest rience of one American tanker as he Cavalry when it ran into a company once again the American supremacy and his crew fought for their lives in of North Korean tanks supported by of the battlefield. October of 1950. infantry. Moving north out of Kae- The tank commander of the center The Kom War was barely two song along the main road toward tank, Sergeant Marshall D. Drewery, months old on 11 September 1950, Kumchon, the M-26 Pershings of the saw the first T-34 when it was less when President Hany Truman ap- tank company led the regimental at- than 50 meters away from his posi- proved ground operations north of the tack to seize the village. On the out- tion. He screamed at his gunner to Thirty-eighth Parallel and into North skirts of Kumchon, a group of four T- ftre, and the American tank bucked Korean temtory. After the spectacular 34s attacked the American Pershings. under the recoil of the main gun. The success of the Inchon landings of 16 The lead platoon of B Company fired tank had a high explosive round September, Republic of Korea @OK) at the approaching enemy tanks, kill- loaded in the chamber, and it struck soldiers crossed the parallel on 30 ing all four with their opening rounds. the T-34 directly in its gun tube, September, with U.S. soldiers crossing Two of the T-34s were destroyed splintering it. The North Korean tank on 7 October. Seoul had been recap- when 90-mm hypervelocity mor was now helpless, but instead of pan- tured by troops of X Corps only two piercing (HVAP) rounds penetrated icking and abandoning the vehicle, the days before.' the tanks, detonating the ammunition crew charged and rammed the Ameri- I Corps, with the 1st Cavalry Divi- and blowing the turrets off. The third can tank, preventing it from firing a sion and 24th Infantry Division as- tank burned when hit, and the fourth signed, along with the 1st ROK Divi- tank was abandoned by its crew after Continued on Page 49

~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~ ARMOR - January-February 1993 17 The Main Battle Tank:- Future Developments - A British Perspective by Major S. W. Crawford, RTR L Most 0: today’s MBTs are descendants of the Soviet T-34.

In the seventy-odd years since it country capability. The Germans were are the German Leopard 2, armed made its first appearance on the bat- shocked and impressed when they with a 120-mm smoothbore gun and tlefield, near Bapaume at first light on first met the T-34 in combat, and for a powered by an MTU 1,500-bhp diesel 15 September 1916, the tank has time seriously considered producing a engine, the British Challenger with evolved to maintain its role as the copy vehicle. They may have regret- 120-mm rifled gun and 1,200 bhp Per- most important battlefield weapon ted that they went on to produce the kins CV12, and the Soviet T-80 with system that armies possess. The lum- Panther instead for, although techni- 125-mm smoothbore barrel and 985- bering, thinly armored, unsprung, and cally a superior vehicle, it was consid- bhp gas turbine. noisy vehicles of the World War I erably more complicated and expen- So, how will the tank develop to have given way to fast, reliable, su- sive to produce and quite unreliable in meet the new challenges and threats perbly protected feats of engineering its early days. of the battlefield in the next 20 or so which can hurl armor-piercing projec- Modem MBTs have more or less years? By 2010, technological ad- tiles with deadly accuracy to ranges in followed the T-34Panther formula, vances will lead to a proliferation of excess of 2,000 meters. with the notable exception of the sophisticated weapon systems. In a It is generally ac- sceniqjo where real knowledged that time intelligence is today’s main bat- \ provided by satellite tle tanks (MBTs), \ and RPVs, where pin- with one or two point attacks on ground exceptions, are di- targets can be launched rect descendants at extreme ranges using of the Russian T- TGSMs, and where 34 of 1940. It was ADP-based systems in this vehicle, ar- give automatic and in- guably for the fmt stant information ac- time, that the cess and update to MBT’s chmcter- commanders, the tank istics of firepower, needs constant refining mobility, and pro- and upgrading to main- tection were tain its position in land welded together to Wrufare. produce a balanced It is convenient to as- and formidable weapon system. The Swedish “S“ Type tank. Most of sess future improvements to MBTs T-34 was armed with a dual-purpose today’s vehicles fall into the 45-65- under the familiar headings of fire- 76-mm gun firing high explosive and ton weight range, and are armed with power, mobility, and protection, to armor-piercing shells, unusual in a high-velocity guns of 105-125-mm which automation will be added to in- tank of this vintage, which consider- caliber. Protection is provided by clude all discussion on ADP, informa- ably outranged and outperformed the steel, laminate, and, in some cases, re- tion, and control system develop- weapons of the German tanks oppos- active armor packs which test the am- ments. However, before setting forth ing it. Its armor was sloped to give munition designer’s ingenuity to the on an analysis of these factors, there added protection, and a combination full. Power comes from diesel, multi- is one other heading which, to British of a rugged, reliable diesel engine, fuel, or occasionally gas turbine en- tank designers at least, should be of broad tracks, and Christie-type sus- gines that produce between 1,ooO- paramount importance - reliability. pension gave it an excellent cross- 1,500 bhp. Typical of such vehicles In war, many more tanks are lost be-

ia ARMOR - January-February 7993 d

The WWII-era German Panther, above, drew on many of the T-34’s concepts. as does its descendant, the Leopard II

cause of mechanical unreliability than first. Far better to have a reliable tank necessitate an increase in caliber. to enemy action. In a withdrawal, in the first instance. Sound engineer- Such guns will probably be in the such unreliability can be disastrous, as ing with no cutting of comers, plus a 135-140-mm caliber range and be broken-down vehicles can rarely be detailed and lengthy period of trials conventionally configured, although recovered. A major proportion of Brit- on production standard (as opposed to the bulk of the ammunition will prob- ish tank losses in the Western Desert prototype standard, and therefore ably mean separate charge and shot in 1941-43 were attributable to poor hand-built) vehicles, is the key. The and some form of autoloading. Devel- reliability. Even when advancing, field commander of the future will opments in propellant research and poor reliability can significantly find little use for tanks that are prone KE penetrator technology will allow weaken the attacker’s effort. to failure or need extensive mainte- designers to take full advantage of British MBTs have an unfortunate nance. these larger calibers. tradition of unreliability that stretches Firepower has always been near the Conventional wisdom has decreed back to before World War 11. During top in terms of priorities for tank de- that separated ammunition, allowing that conflict, the problem persisted sign, and future technological innova- the stowage of the highly vulnerable with such vehicles as A13 and Cru- tions will have a quite dramatic effect propellant charges below the turret sader being hombly prone to break- on gun performance. As already de- ring as in Chieftain, increases the down. The problem continues today, scribed, most modem MBTs have tank’s survivability. This view is now and no one can be unaware of conventional guns of 105-125-mm being challenged on a number of Chieftain’s engine fiasco in the early caliber firing KE and CE ammunition. counts; it may have been true in the days. Thankfully, Challenger is some The ammunition is either “fixed,” days when, if a tank was hit in the improvement, and Chieftain has be- meaning that shell and charge come in turret, it was penetrated. But tank tur- come much more available towards one piece, as per the German 120-mm rets are now generally the best pro- the end of its service life, partially smoothbore, or separated, as carried in tected parts of MBTs, and it seems to through better reliability and partially Chieftain, Challenger, and the Soviet make sense to stow charges where owing to the large spares back-up T-64/72/80series. they are best protected. Closely allied now available. Despite the impressive im- to this are developments in mine tech- Despite these improvements, how- provements made in KE ammunition nology, which have significantly in- ever, British vehicles still lag behind performance over the last few de- creased the belly attack threat, and their NATO counterparts in reliability cades, further enhancements will soon thus the threat to hull-stored charges. terms. Leopard I1 is generally recog- be required. Chemical energy natures, Finally, the USA has developed the nized as being an extremely reliable such as HEAT and HESH, have to a technology of “blow-off panels” to tank, while IDR recently quoted an large extent been made obsolete by allow stowage of charges in the turret MDBF for Ml’s gas turbine engine of the introduction of composite and re- bustle. If the charges are initiated by nearly 16,000 kilometers. Even if this active armors, while KE needs im- penetrative attack, the force of the ex- figure is halved, it is still impressive. proved performance to meet the pro- plosion is directed away from the Reliability like this costs, of course, jected threat. The three main areas for crew compartment. These changes and reliability engineering is a science future gun technology are improved may well have negated the historical in itself. Some will argue that avail- powder guns, liquid propellant guns, advantage of charge stowage below ability, which can be achieved by and electromagnetic (EM) guns. the turret ring. large repair pools, spares, and man- There is a general consensus that Autoloaders were first fielded by the power resources, is a better aim. But conventional powder guns in the !05- Soviets in the late 1960s in T-64, fol- bitter experience shows that, when 125-mm caliber range are nearing the lowed by T-72 and T-80, and can thus money is to be saved, it is the spares limit of their stretch potential, and that be considered to be mature technol- and repair pools that are always cut future improvements in performance ogy. It is almost inconceivable that fu-

ARMOR - January-February 1993 19 PRINCIPLE OF RAIL GUN ACCELERATOR

complete automation of the gunner’s function becomes a distinct possibil- ity. Such high velocities also allow re- duction in KE penelmtor mass. As the PLASMA penetrator performance of a KE pro- jectile is given by the formula mg/d2, RAILS where m is the mass of the projectile, v the velocity, and d the diameter, any increase in v combined with either the PROJECTILE same or a lesser value of d drarnati- cally increases the penetration. Reduc- C tion in the KE penetrator mass offers two advantages: either the space re- Figure 1 quired to stow the same amount of ammunition is very much reduced, ture MBTs will be designed without provements offered by liquid propel- and thus overall tank size is reduced, autoloaders, and France has incorpo- lant guns are not of sufficient magni- or a significantly greater number of rated one in their new MBT, the tude to warrant the expense of re- rounds can be carried, thus easing the Leclerc. The most obvious advantage search and development, for tank guns strain on the logistic resupply chain. of an autoloader is that it allows re- at least. The application of liquid pro- Probably a sensible compromise can duction of the crew to three, and thus pellant gun technology is more likely be reached. increased survivability by a reduction to be in the field of lower velocity ar- Two final points must be made in the overall dimensions of the tank. tillery pieces. about the EM gun. First, there is no It also allows radical design concepts, The most exciting development in propellant, and consequently ppel- such as the external gun tank, to be- tank gun techology however, is un- lant vulnerability problems vanish. come a serious proposition. Oppo- doubtedly the EM gun. Briefly, this Second, the technology required to nents will stress the need for four men gun works on the principle shown in produce such high electrical power in a crew to cany out all the multifari- Figure 1. The forces generated will levels has other system applications ous mks of servicing, maintenance, enable KE penemtors to be launched, and may enable, for example, adop sentries, administration, and so on, but eventually, with muzzle velocities of tion of such enhancements as electric at a time when manpower is becom- between four and six km/s - a real transmissions. All in all, EM gun ing scarcer and more expensive, this quantum leap. All the indications are technology is an exciting prospect for argument cannot be long sustained. that this technology will be mature by future MBT design. Research is well There may, however, be a case for re- 2010. This vast increase in muzzle ve- underway at present and, having lief crews to allow rest after “sorties,” locity would appear to place the ad- proved the feasibility of the concept rather like air forces man their air- vantage in the gun/mor relationship with various demonstrators, efforts are craft. back with the gun, although research now being directed to make the pres- Liquid propellant guns have now on the terminal effect of penemtors at ent bulky prototype systems into a rather fallen by the wayside as con- such high speeds has yet to be com- size compatible with incorporation in tenders for the next generation of tank pleted. MBTs. It is considered unlikely that guns. While they offer advantages in The implications of the EM gun are MBTs mounting EM guns will appear propellant stowage, which being a liq- enormous. With muzzle velocities in before 20 10. uid can be molded into available the four to six km/s range, all targets Before leaving firepower, the MBTs space, and survivability, as the vola- will become in effect static targets. need for an antihelicopter capability tile mixture need only be mixed from The time of flight of the projectile is must be discussed. It is a popular no- individually inert components in the so short that there will be no need to tion that the armed attack helicopter gun chamber, there are basic design aim off for moving targets, and there- has developed into a “threat vacuum” problems. Breech design is compli- fore, fire control systems can be with no natural predators and has cated by the requirements of sealing vastly simplified. The flat trajectory flourished accordingly. Certainly, its and the need for controlled ignition of of KE penetntors flying at this veloc- appearance has added a new dimen- the propellant to avoid pressure peak- ity may need only one point of aim in sion of threat to the MBT, and efforts ing. It would also Seem that the im- the gunner’s sight. at which point are being made in many countries to

20 ARMOR - January-February 7993 SECTION DRAWING OF T-80 AND T-64B GLACIS ARMOUR k \ counter it. There is little doubt that a dedicated antiair system is the best so- F lution, and weapons like the Short UPPER Starstreak HVM on Stormer would seem to be ideal. However, such sys- tems are expensive and in short sup- ply, and cannot be guaranteed to be in constant support because of all the other demands that will be made on them. The tank, therefore, needs its own capability. Whether an MBT needs to knock a helicopter out of the sky is another matter, for arguably all that is required is a “mission abort” or heli- copter suppression system. In the shorter term, however, the solution would seem to be a gun-launched, proximity-fused, HE round of some ’igure 2 kind, probably launched at a higher velocity than current tank CE rounds Much of this increased protection is munitions, and can be optimized to give greater accuracy. This, added due to the development of complex against either. They are most effective to the proximity fuse, gives a high armors. Although the Germans devel- against HEAT and HESH attack and I probability of a hit. The real problem oped such techniques as face harden- have led to the KE round being once for the MBT is how to detect an at- ing to improve resistance to penetn- more the premier mode of antiarmor I tacking helicopter. The probability of tion during the last war, until recently attack seeing one through the episcopes of a tanks relied mainly closeddown, bouncing tank going on thickness of across country is very low indeed, and rolled homogenous some form of automatic detection de- armor (RHA) to OPERATION OF EXPLOSIVE REACTIVE ARMOUR vice is required. It is in this area, keep projectiles above all else, that the dedicated anti- out. However, ar- air system scores high and is able to mors like the pion- make full use of its weapons. eering British Chobham armor The protection requirements of have become fust MBTs can be broadly divided into choice for modem two types: direct protection or the MBTs, and are ability to survive a hit, and indirect fielded on Chd- protection, or the ability to avoid lenger, MI being hit in the first place. In terms of Abrams, Leopard direct protection, MBTs have come a 2, and the T- long way since the 12-mm thick plate 64/72/80 series. T- armor of the Mk IV of 1917. By 80’s armor, which 1945, the U.S. Pershing had sloped is representative of annor some 102-mm thick at the the genre, is shown front, while the mighty King Tiger at Figure 2. These boasted plates of 185 millimeters. laminated armors Such quantum increases in protection are designed both have continued to the present day, and to absorb the en- current MBTs have considerably en- ergy of KE pene- hanced (and classified) levels of pro- tmtors and diffuse tection. the attack of CE Figure 3 ARMOR - January-February 1993 21 ~______The decrease in effectiveness of CE for both. They will undoubtedly be- recently developed techniques of sig- rounds against armor has been rein- come standard in the future. nature reduction. As already men- forced by the introduction of explo- The greatest danger following pene- tioned, adoption of the autoloader can sive reactive armor (ERA). ERA was kition, however, is that of an ammu- reduce the overall height of an MBT first brought to public attention by the nition fire. Propellants that burn because there is no need to provide Israeli use of it under the name Blazer slowly in the open will detonate when room for a standing human loader. In- during the Lebanon campaigns of confined, with disastrous conse- deed, autoloading may allow future 1982. This armor is bolted in boxes quences for vehicle and crew. At- MBTs to mount the gun externally on tank hulls and turrets, and consists tempts have been made with sealed, and dramatically reduce the size and of explosives sandwiched between fire-extinguishing charge bins to nip vulnerability of the vehicle. Battle- armor plates. When attacked by ammunition fires in the bud, but as field agility. a function of an MBT’s HEAT, for example, the explosive the propellant itself can contain the acceleration and speed across country, detonates, sending the plates flying necessary oxygen for combustion, this can reduce exposure times during outwards and disrupting the incoming is only partially successful. In British movement and thus considerably en- jet, as shown in Figure 3. Although tanks, propellmt has traditionally hance survivability. In extreme cases, ERA has little effect on KE attack, its been stowed below the turret ring, but a highly mobile tank can outperform combination with Chobham-type the rationale behind this may now be the traversing performance of an armor has made CE warheads, as used obsolete, as previously discussed. Per- enemy turret, a capability claimed for by most ATGW systems, almost ob- haps the FRG and U.S. current prac- the Cromwell when faced with the solete. tice of turret bustle stowage with German Tiger in the last war. Active armor takes ERA one stage blow-off panels is the way ahead. It is in the field of signature reduc- further, and aims to defeat incoming Crew compartment fii suppression tion, however, where the most subtle projectiles before they reach the tank. systems, like that of Leopard 2, have enhancements to survivability may be It is still very much in the develop- their main task in putting out hydrau- made. The value of camouflage has ment stage, and embryo systems pro- lic fires caused by damage to the gun long been understood, and research pose either to shoot down incoming control equipment (GCE) and small continues into better patterns, paints, missiles with guns or antimissile mis- fires in oil and rag waste and other and materials. IRdefeating materials siles, or by means of explosive peripheral equipments. Such systems have been fielded for some time, and charges and self-forming fragments. are likely to be a feature of future methods to counter TI surveillance ae There is no doubt that active armor MBTs, although it is interesting to now developed. Much can be done in may well counter CE attack and note that Leclerc uses the safer elec- the future at the design stage to ensure TGSMs, but KE, especially with the trical GCE and the FRG are consider- that exhausts are shielded and hot velocities postulated for the EM gun, ing an electrical system for retrofit to fumes dispersed, while radar signa- may be another matter. However, it is Leopard 2. tures can be reduced by use of some conceivable that active armor systems Fuel fires present a lesser hazard, of the aircmft industry’s stealth tech- will be deployed after the year 2000. with fuel being generally stored in niques. Noise can be reduced too, and self-sealing tanks. Indeed, diesel has one of the benefits of the Ml’s (and However well protected an MBT been proposed as a suitable outside presumably T-80’s) gas turbine engine may be in the primary threat arcs, the layer for ammunition stowage bins is that it is extremely quiet, the tracks restrictions of weight and size dictate with the idea that it will cool down being the major contributor to the that armor on the sides, rear, and top penetrating splinters and thus prevent vehicle’s noise signature. and belly, will be lighter, and there- ammunition fires. Diesel fuel is par- The protection levels of future tanks, fore more susceptible to penetration. ticularly effective at suppressing therefore, will be considerably en- Accepting that penetration will hap- shaped-charge attack, as long as the hanced by a combination of new ar- pen on occasion, there are a number attack is below the fuel/air interface. mors (ERA and active armor), en- of measures which can be used to So much for direct protection. Indi- hanced survivability measures to minimize the damage. Spa11 liners can rect protection has just as important a counter the effect of penetration, and defeat low levels of residual peneba- role to play in enhancing the surviv- a continuing increase in indirect pro- tion, while body armor is already ability of the tank. This form of pro- tection. The end result is likely to be worn by many nation’s tank crews for tection can be achieved by the combi- that MBTs will be much harder to ac- the same purpose. British tank crews nation of a host of factors such as quire, track, and hit, and even a hit currently have neither spa11 liners nor size, agility, silhouette, use of camou- will not, as is the case even now, body armor, although there are plans flage, tactical handling, and the more guarantee incapacitation of the target. a Turbine engines, like those in the M1-series. at left, and the Russian T-80, right, deliver high power from small size. but use much more fuel.

These advances will go a long way to ing nations of the world, the U.S. and trous early days of the L 60 engine. counter the projected firepower en- Russia, and it is unlikely that such Recently, a Chieftain fitted with hancements. technically sophisticated nations intro- hydrostrut suspension - a develop- In mobility terms, modem MBTs duced gas turbine engines in M1 and ment of Challenger’s excellent offer levels of agility, speed, and ma- T-80 without careful thought. It is true hydrogas system - proved consider- neuvembility far in excess of those that these engines use considerably ably more mobile across country. achieved only 20 or so years ago. more fuel than normal diesel engines, While such suspension systems rep- Then, Centurion with its 650-bhp en- but much of this is consumed during resent a considerable improvement gine could muster 25 mph as against the engine idling time that takes up so over what went before, there is even today’s Challenger which can achieve much of an MBT’s battlefield day. greater scope for improvement using 56 kph from its Perkins CV 12 1,200- The U.S., whose M1 uses roughly active suspension. Now, active sus- bhp engine, a figure which itself is twice the fuel that Challenger does, is pension systems are not exactly new, low when compares to T-80’s 75 kph. now actively considering the installa- having been tested in prototype form A better measure of agility, perhaps is tion of an auxiliary power unit to re- on the USmG MBT-70 project and power to weight ratio. Centurion had duce fuel consumption. indeed being used currently by the a power to weight ratio of 12.7 Because of these advantages, there- Swedish “S” Type tmk to lay and aim bhplton, compared to Leopard 2’s 27 fore, it seems likely that progressively the gun. However, these suspensions bhp/ton. However, engine power and more and more MBTs will be pow- are programmed by crew input, and power-to-weight ratio alone do not ered by turbine engines, and by 2010 are used in static situations or prepro- dictate an MBT’s mobility. Many will be the first choice of tank design- grarnmed maneuvers. The real advan- other factors, like ground pressure, ers. There remains considerable scope tage of active suspension will be re- length-to-width ratio, track design, for further development of these en- vealed when it operates automatically, and so on all play their part. gines, and use of adiabatic technology for example “seeing” when the tank is Modem MBTs are powered by ei- and transverse mounting may allow about to encounter a ditch and altering ther conventional diesel or gas tur- for shorter and lighter hulls. The com- the suspension accordingly. This tech- bine. Such engines currently generate bination of turbine engines of increas- nology is by no means yet mature, but between 900 and 1500 bhp to power ing power and the decreased weight by the next century should allow their highly agile charges. It is gener- of hulls could produce a significant MBTs to travel at considerable speed ally thought that 1500 bhp will remain increase in the MBT’s mobility and across the roughest terrain. the standard power required for a 45- agility. It will be in the field of automation, 65-ton MBT, and attention in the fu- Of all the other factors that deter- however, encompassing ADP, fire ture will tend to be focused on how to mine a tank’s mobility, perhaps one of control computers, information and make tank power packs smaller, more the most important is suspension de- control systems, and so on, that will efficient, and more reliable. sign. Challenger, Leopard 2, and the make the major impact on MBT de- Here, the gas turbine engine has an like have improved suspension with sign over the next 20 years. Although undoubted advantage. It is inherently greater wheel play, which allows fie control computers like Chieftain’s more compact and lighter than a con- cross-country bumps and dips to be Improved Fire Control System have ventional diesel engine, and also more tackled at speed without disruption or been around for some time, only re- reliable on account of its simpler de- injury to the crew. It is interesting to cently has the full potential of com- sign. Turbine engines are now in ser- note that Chieftain’s poor mobility is puter technology for future tanks vice with the two major tank-produc- not engine-limited, despite the disas- begun to be realized.

ARMOR - January-February 7993 23 -- tegrate the MBT’s fire equipment, logistic requirements, and control laser and naviga- so on. It should give the commander a tion system with the constantly updated situation report on computer map, so that his own troops, with details like vehi- enemy vehicles identi- cle readiness, ammunition states, vehi- fied and ranged by an cle and personnel casualties, and esti- individual tank are auto- mated repair times of damaged tanks, matically plotted on among other items. every friendly MBT’s All this information will then enable system. the final attribute of such systems, Additionally, more for- that of automatic message sending. mal orders can be Commanders at all levels are bur- New French Leclerc MET will include a battlefield manage- planned and plotted i,, dened by a large number of reports rnent system to help simplify the tank commander’s workload. graphic overlay form and returns which must be sent to en- A host of functions and actions that and transmitted without need for hard able others to produce relevant phs at present require crewman input copy. The amount of paper which for future operations and logistic re- could be automated. In particular, it presently encumbers tank command- supply. Future information and con- has long been realized that the tank ers may be dramatically reduced, and trol systems will be able to produce -commander is overloaded, and at- the days of trying to refold a large such reports and returns without crew tempts are now being made to lessen map while closed down and moving input; MBTs will produce the infor- his burden. Most nations have some at speed cross-country may well be mation, either automatically or when active research into this area under- drawing to a close. demanded by the commander’s vehi- way. The U.S. has its Battlefield Man- Closely allied to computer-generated cle system. agement System, while the UK is mapping is the land navigation sys- The introduction of such a capability busy formulating its requirements for tem. No matter how skillful at reading has major implications. Not only has its Battlefield Information Command a map they may be, most MBT com- the tank commander’s workload been and Control System. The French have manders spend much time and effort considerably reduced, allowing him to recently fielded a system in Leclerc. in trying to map read themselves from concentrate on fighting his vehicle So, what will such systems offer the location to location, especially at and subunit, but all MBTs in 8 group MBT crewman in the future? The at- night and in low visibility. Any tank will have instant access to intelligence tributes of an information and control commander who claims to never have information. Some nations have al- system can be divided into several been lost must be treated with suspi- ready begun to plan how they might broad functional areas: these are, the cion, and the burden is particularly modify their tactical groupings to take provision of computer-generated map- great on subunit commanders. A navi- advantage of these new facilities. For ping, some sort of land navigation gation aid will be a great assistance to example, it may no longer be neces- system, the maintenance of a data tank crew efficiency and need not de- sary for troop leaders to provide an base of information on the enemy, mand pinpoint accuracy; up to plus or interim level of command between friendly forces, minefields etc., and minus 100 meters is probably suffi- tank squadron leader and individual the handling of messages. All of these cient for almost all situations. hovi- MBTs. With the instant access to in- will have implications for the future sion of this facility will signify a formation provided by an information and can be considered both individu- major breakthrough in relieving over- and control system, the squadron ally and collectively. load on commanders. leader may easily command up to 15 Computer-generated mapping, pre- It is obvious that maintenance of a vehicles directly. sented on VDUs, will allow a large comprehensive and up-to-date data- The implication that is exciting tank store of terrain data to be presented as base is fundamental to the whole con- designers, however, is one of crew required to MBT crews. Information cept. The scope for storage of infor- size. It is possible to provide these fa- on, say, routes and obstacles can be mation is enormous and only limited cilities to any crew member and this, demanded and presented either iso- by the capacity of the software. On died to the commander’s reduced lated from, or integrated with, the top of the temin data stowed for the workload, may mean that by judicious main geographical map. New infor- computer mapping, the database must reallocation of tasks and transfer or mation on enemy locations and forces contain details of enemy strengths, lo- duplication of operating controls, can be plotted and automatically cations, equipment, and the same for crew numbers may be further reduced. transmitted to friendly vehicles to en- friendly forces. It must also contain, The two-man crew becomes a distinct sure an all-informed intelligence pic- although not necessarily on every possibility, where each member has a ture. Indeed, it may be possible to in- MBT, details of own unit personnel, common crew station which allows

24 ARMOR - January-February 7993 him to drive, command, fire the gun, considerably reducing the crew’s helicopters used extensively in mecha- and operate radios and other equip- workload and perhaps allowing modi- nized operations against first class op- ment as necessary. A two-man crew, fication of tactical groupings by re- position. What is certain is that heli- in tun, may allow reduction in the moving some interim levels of com- copters cannot carry the fight forward size of the MBT, thus enhancing sur- mand. to the enemy in the face of heavy fire, vivability. After 2010, the design of MBTs may nor can they assault a strongly forti- Having said all that, the tweman go through a quite radical change. The fied and stoutly defended position crew concept is probably unlikely to maturing of EM gun technology will without heavy casualties. They do not be in service in any great numbers be- greatly simplify gun control systems have the ability to absorb punishment fore 2010. So, havhg given a resume and reduce ammunition size. The gun and continue operating, one of the of likely future developments in fire- will certainly be autoloaded and may fundamental attributes of the tank. It power, protection, mobility, and auto- well be mounted externally, thus re- is for reasons such as these that no mation, we must return to the original ducing the vulnerability of the crew one weapons system is likely to be question of how the tank will develop compartment. The KE round will be able to take the place of the MBT on over the next 20 years or so. It would effective against armored ground tar- the battlefields over the next 20 yews. be timid not to make a speculative gets and all but the fastest of air tar- The tanks innate ability to create and judgement as to what form it might gets because of its high velocity. It maintain shock action, by a combina- take. The task is made Considerably will also fire a slower, general pur- tion of its attributes of firepower, mo- easier if we c& divde the predictions pose secondary round for general sup- bility, and protection, and the fact that into two; that is to say, what sort of port la&. Armored protection will it is able to continue to exploit its own tank might be produced by a major now be by a combination of laminate, success, make it certain that it will re- tank producing power in the period reactive, and active armors, and the main as the commander’s main asset 2000-2010, and what might be pro- full impact of stealth technology will in future highly mobile and intensive duced after 2010. have made the MBT much harder to mechanized operations. There seems little doubt that a tank acquire. Diesel engines will have introduced into service in the fmt pe- given way to gas turbines, which will nod will have a conventional powder be more compact and mounted trans- Major S. W. Crawford grad- gun. This gun will almost certainly be versely to save spce and weight. Ac- uated from Cambridge Uni- smoothbore, unless the UK continues tive suspension will enable high- versity in 1976 with an MA in with its ill-judged commitment to the speed, cross-country movement. Most Land Economy. After three rifled barrel, and will fire KE and CE significantly, automation will truly years in civilian employment, fin-stabilized ammunition. The CE have come of age, and the introduc- he entered the Royal Military round is not likely to have an anti- tion of the common crew station con- Academy, Sandhurst, in armor role, but may well be able to be cept will have allowed crew reduction 1979. On commissioning, he proximity-fused for antihelicopter use. to two, each able to perform all func- joined the 4th Royal Tank The gun will be fed by an autoloader, tions within the vehicle. Interim levels Regiment in Munster, Ger- and the crew will be reduced to three. of command, for example, at troop many. After completing the This may also allow the MBT to have leader level, will have disappeared, British Army Staff Course, he a low profile or reduced volume tur- and sustainability in continuous open- served as a weapons techni- ret. Armor protection will be provided tions will be achieved by alternate cal officer on the staff of the by a combination of laminate armor crews moving up under light armor Director, Royal Armoured and ERA, and protection against over- during replenishment. Corps. He returned to the 4th fly top attack will be incorporated. There will be those, of course, who RTR in 1989 as a squadron Towards the end of the period, active say that by 2010 there will be no need leader, serving six months as armor may be introduced, probably in for the MBT on the battlefield. Other part of the UN peacekeeping the form of an autonomous radar-con- weapon systems, for example the ar- force in Cyprus. He became trolled gun turret to acquire and shoot mored helicopter, will have greater OIC of the Regiment in Octo- down incoming missiles and TGSMs. flexibility and sustainability. These ber 1990, but was extracted The vehicle is as likely to be powered prophets must be reminded that by and sent to HQ, British by a gas turbine as a conventional die- 2010 the “threat vacuum” into which Forces Middle East in Riyadh sel engine, probably of around 1.500 the helicopter has developed will be during the Gulf War. At pres- bhp; if the former, an auxiliary power filled with sophisticated antihelicopter ent, he is attending the U.S. unit will be used to reduce fuel con- systems, and its vulnerability will Army Command and General sumption at idle. An information and make it a fragile asset to be carefully Staff Course at Fort Leaven- control system will be incorporated, conserved. We have yet to see attack worth.

~~~~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ARMOR - January-February 7993 25 Planning for a Future Tank Must Consider Technology Leaps, Robotic ‘Crews’ by H. H. Dobbs ‘The time has me: the Walrus said. only certainty is that this proposed a0 talk of many lhings: principal armored combat vehicle will Of shoes - and ships -and sealing wax - Of cabbages -and kings . . .* not be in the Armored Force much be- Lewis Carroll. fore 2010, at best. Through the Looking Glass Obviously, this is not a very satis- factory situation from the Army’s With apologies to Lewis Carroll and point of view, but there are aspects of his Walrus, whose Wonderland is it which can be turned to advantage. It scarcely stranger, and certainly less eliminates the need to focus on a threatening, than ours, perhaps the near-term replacement of the M1 se- time has come to talk of kings - of ries, and permits - in fact, demands who, or what, may be ‘King of the - an unconstrained long-term look at Killing Zone” a decade or more where technology is going over the hence, when the Army can hope to next two decades. It is possible that get its next main battle tank, the re- we need a major redirection in both placement for the M1 series. hardware and combat development based on international mde whose The Armored Systems Moderniza- objectives. The purpose of this article key drivers are high technology and tion program has been greatly reduced is to discuss briefly why that may be technological innovation. This is the in scope, a consequence of the col- the case, suggest the direction it might basic ‘engine’ described by Kennedy? lapse of the Soviet threat and the take, and initiate further discussion on O’Neil? and others as that which car- Army’s successes. The logic of its ra- the subject. ried European civilization to world tional schedule to keep the Armored It is not difficult to see why, in the domination. It now has become Force in step with improvements in public view, the Army’s concerns global, and generates change far more technology has been enveloped and with further improving our combat ve- rapidly than in the past. To ignore it is bypassed by the larger question of the hicles should be something less than a to risk unpleasant surprises. mission to be served by making the major concern to the country at large. investment required to accomplish Obviously, even after the reductions The purpose of our R&D programs this. Despite imminent sales of the now underway, the Army’s force-in- over the past 50 years has been to pre- production-ready, vastly superior being will be unmatched by any other vent such surprises, and they largely M1A2 to foreign armies, the cost ef- on the planet. Given that training and have been successful in that regard. fectiveness of upgrading the U.S. morale are maintained, it will remain This has been a continuous process Army’s M1-series tanks to the M1A2 that way - unless, of course, some of and it has been possible to meet pro- configuration is questioned. Even this its numerous potential adversaries im- jected threats by modifying our equip- logically unassailable proposal may prove their capabilities significantly. ment and forces in relatively small not be fully implemented. Even argu- Unfortunately for the complacent, steps. When projections must be made ments for maintaining the unique pro- some of those potential adversaries farther ahead, however, a thorough duction base for armored combat ve- will make such improvements. New grasp of the implications implicit in hicles are met with skepticism in threats are inevitable in a world cul- ongoing improvements in the relevant some quarters. The schedule for an ture made up of a multitude of highly technology is likely to indicate the M1 replacement, the Future Main Bat- competitive nationalistic states exist- need for a discontinuous change in tle Tank, is hazy and ill-defined. The ing in a capitalistic world economy equipment and tactics.

26 ARMOR - January-February 1993 The time involved need be no longer tainly all these factors influenced the 2. How could these offer an opportu- than the roughly two decades between German situation prior to WWII.” ’At nity to a potential adversary? the present and 2010, when a new the stat of that conflict, the Allied ar- The current focus for a FMBT is on U.S. MBT‘reasonably may be possi- mies paid a heavy price for their lack development of a ‘super M1’ in which ble. This is comparable to the time of, “..intelligent military innovation..” all of the characteristics of the out- between the two world wars. Then, as Their losses confirmed the wisdom of standing current tank are improved. now, existing technology at the begin- the U.S. Army Armor Branch’s This is a conservative approach. How- ning of the period promised further founders, whose battles within the ever, its apparent virtues may be mer- developments which could drastically Army to overcome conservative oppo- etricious, giving a false assmce of change the way armies fought. Writ- sition to creation of the Armor Force battlefield success 20 years hence. An ers such as Fuller, Hart, and Mitchell, have become an often told story out alternate approach to a future princi- among others, discussed the potential of the Corps’ history. pal armored combat vehicle may offer of tanks and airplanes, but, “Despite It appears to me, as I have stated in much more. We need to keep in mind this, the evidence of the initial battles previous articles, that we again are at that, “Armor is a state of mind - an of WWIIfrom 1939 to 1941 would in- a major turning point in the tactics of instinctive sense of mobility.”8 not a dicate that only the Germans paid se- ground warfare, the first since specific type of hardware. Much still rious attention to the analyses of how WWII!*’ The course taken by the can be done to improve the MBT in the technology best could be em Corps’ founders 60 yean ago should its current form. The separation of ployed. However, here too this may be be the model for that to be followed forces in “close combat” in DESERT giving too much credit for intelligent today. A critical examination of the STORM stretched out to over 3,000 military innovation with regard to implications of the developing tech- meters in many cases, five-tmix technology. As the historian Tuchman nology is needed to determine the best times that in WWII tank battles. This has stated with respect to a much ear- path to follow. The two basic ques- overmatch can be increased with im- lier war. ‘...most military innova- tions are: proved ammunition, such as X-ROD tions,’ (evolve) ‘..from defeat, igno- 1. What technological developments or the XM943 STAFF? Longer range miny, and paucity of means.’4 Cer- could threaten current armor forces? vision systems and fire control sys-

ARMOR - January-February 1993 27 tems also will increase vehicle lethal- The review of emerging technologies which occurred in approximately the ity. Cross

ARMOR - January-February 7993 29 The Premium Tank-5: The Armor Threat of the 1990s by Major James M. Warford The August international arms exhi- waves through the US. armor com- tended to be fielded in lower priority bition known as Desert Security I1 munity. The PT-5’s designers had Soviet divisions, as well as being (DSEC 11) was very well attended and managed to continue what had once made available to Soviet allied coun- included the normal amount of docu- been a dramatic Soviet capability, tries. These tanks had the necessary mented surprises. Like most of the with the result being a new tank that capabilities to be competitive on the large military showcases of recent was clearly superior to its competi- battlefield, while being inexpensive years, DSEC I1 provided both the tion. As one senior US. Army ob- and simple enough to be produced in well-known arms purchasing powers, server attending the exhibition put it, very large numbers. MBTs constituted as well as emerging new counm‘es. a “with the 120-nun guns of DESERT the bulk and the low-end of the Soviet marketplace for increasing their mili- STORM now long silent, history may tank fleet’s high-low mix. tary strength. This year’s exhibition, have once again repeated itselfin the The Soviet tank type that made up however, was more significant since it shape of an innovative new tank supe- the high-end remainder of the fleet finally conjirmed the existence of a rior to our own. Perhaps the most was the Premium Tank 0.A pre- threat that various Western intelli- frightening point to consider is that mium tank is defmed as a very high gence agencies .had been trying to the PT-5 is here and it‘s for sale ...” value and innovative tank that incor- track down for several years. The re- porates the highest technology avail- cently formed tank design consortium According to The Military Balance able at a given time. According to the hosting DSEC I1 included a previously 1991-1992, in June 1991 the Soviets premium tank concept, both the less unseen tank as the centerpiece of its could have fielded a tank force of ap- sophisticated MBTs and the premium armored vehicle display. Called the proximately 54,400 tanks. Unlike the tanks were fielded concurrently, with Premium Tank-5 (PT-5) by its design- total mnk strength of a Western my, the reserve forces employing the same ers, the new tank‘sfirepower, mobil- these Soviet totals embodied the re- h4BT as the bulk of the active foke. ity, and protection characteristics sults of a unique Soviet concept. The Since its debut in July 1941 with the demonstrated a new and significant concept concerned the fielding of a Russian T-34 Model 1940 and Model threat to U.S. armor. The real possi- tank force consisting of two different 1941, the premium tank has heralded bility that this truly innovative and tank types in a high-low mix. The So- the use of innovation and high tech- advanced tank could be provided to viet Main Battle Tank (MBT) was de- nology in tank design. When com- potential adversaries sent shock signed as a lowcost tank that was in- pared to the contemporary tanks 30 ARMOR - January-February 7993 fielded by its competition, the innova- The PT-5, at figures 1 and 2, will be While the main gun carried by the tion and high technology incorporated the first tank of unconventional design PT-5 represents a huge incmse in ca- into each of the Soviet premiums re- to appear since World War 11. After pability, the heart of the tank’s im- sulted in a crisis being impressed the M48LEOPARD 1 and Ml/LEOP- proved firepower will be the new upon its opponents. The success of the ARD 2 generations, the appearance of “hunter-killer” fm control system. In- premium tank did not go unnoticed by the PT-5 will mark the start of the corporating the most advanced capa- the Western armies that were forced third postwar generation of tank de- bilities available, the hunter-killer sys- to react to its capabilities. The short- velopment. The PT-5 will go into lim- tem will include a laser rangefinder lived American T-95 premium tank ited production in the early 1990s. (LRF), a thermal night fighting capa- project of the 1950s, and the success- with the push to full deproduction bility for both the tank commander ful American and German programs between 1994 and 1996. Due to its and gunner, and an advanced shoot- to field high technology MBTs in the cost, complexity, and revolutionary on-the-move capability. 1980s. are examples of the Western design, the numbers of FT-5s eventu- Like the very similar systems used response to the Soviet premium tank ally produced will be somewhat lower on the MlAl and Leopard 2 MBTs, experience. Prior to the collapse of the than past premium tanks. The PT-5 the PT-5’s hunter-killer fire control Soviet Union in 1991, Western intelli- will reach its Initial Operational Capa- system will allow the tank to accu- gence agencies were very concerned bility (IOC) during the same time rately engage multiple long-range tar- about Soviet innovations that were frame it reaches large scale produc- gets, while stationary or on the move. projected to appear in the near future. tion. One important advantage of the PT- While the threat imposed by a future 5’s hunter-killer system will be the premium tank bm Russia or the Improved Firepower employment of both active and pas- Ukraine has been downgraded signifi- sive defensive countermeasures. cantly, the threat of the premium tank. The FT-5 will mount either the new employed by a new adversary de- third-generation 125-mm main gun or mands attention. The task at hand is the new “Rapira-4” 135-mm main Actlve and Passive to identify this threat and respond to gun. The third-generation 125-mm Countermeasures it, prior to the imposition of a danger- gun will have a maximum effective ous crisis in tank and antitank war- range of 2,500 meters, and will fire a The active countermeasure system fare. new family of HVAPFSDS, HEAT- will be based on the Soviet Drozd FS, and RAG-HE ammunition. For (Thrush) system. The Drozd system, The Premium Tank-5 any engagements beyond 2,500 me- which was first seen on the T-55AD ters, the PT-5 will be able to fm an MBT in the late 1980s or early 199Os, The identification of the future pre- improved laser beam-riding ATGM consists of a radar sensor that detects mium tank could take place in a wide through the gun tube. A key charac- incoming ATGMs, and then fires a variety of different scenarios. These teristic of this gun will be an im- volley of pellets from modified turret- possibilities range from the tank being proved bml-life over that of cur- mounted grenade launchers to destroy identified during operational testing rently fielded 125-mm tank guns. The an attacking missile before it hits the by U.S. national assets, to it being PT-5 may also mount the new Rapira- targeted tank.’ The passive counter- openly displayed as an export candi- 4 135-mm main gun, which will in- measure system will consist of two date, or for the purpose of proving a crease the maximum effective engage- different elements: a Laser Waning given country’s military prowess. In ment range of the PT-5 to approxi- Receiver (LWR) network and the whatever scenario the future premium mately 3,200 meters. The Rapira-4 “Shadow” infrared “projector.” tank eventually appears, it will most will not only fire a completely new The LWR network consists of three likely be based on the product and family of ammunition, including a sensors, one mounted on the turret process of the Soviet experience. Fol- new Depleted Uranium (DU) roof and one mounted on the left and lowing the established line of Soviet HVAPFSDS round, it will also fire a right side of the hull. The purpose of premium tank developments - the T- more powerful laser beam-riding the sensor network is to warn the PT- 34, postwar heavy tanks, the T-64 se- ATGM out to a maximum effective 5’s three-man crew that they are being ries, and the T-80 series - the exami- range of 6,000 meters. The secondary illuminated by a laser rangefinder or nation of the future premium tank will armament will consist of a coaxial laser designator, and to identify the be based on the projected Premium 7.63-mm PKT machine gun and a direction of the threat. Once given Tank-5 (PT-5). The PT-5 is the result 12.7-mm NSVT antiaircraft machine that information, the crew can conduct of a combination of the available gun. Both machine guns will be crrpa- the necessary evasive maneuvers to open-source information and the anal- ble of being fired while the PT-5 is avoid the incoming antitank projectile ysis of this author. fully buttoned-up. or missile.

~~ ~ ARMOR - January-February 7993 31 The truly innovative Shadow infra- be the first fielded premium tank to known, it will certainly be more ad- red projector is designed to project a use this type of suspension. vanced than that employed by the T- duplicate infrared and radar image of 64 and T-80 premium tanks. the PT-5 ten meters to the right of the The Innovative The most revolutionary aspect of the projecting tank. The intent of the Protection of the PT-5 PT-5’s armor protection is the active Shadow is to confuse Precision armor fitted to the tank‘s glacis. Open Guided Munitions (PGMs) or smart- Like the fmpower and mobility de- sources have claimed that the Soviet bombs into locking onto and attacking sign areas discussed above, the pro- tank originally known as the FST-2 the projected image and not the actual tection provided to the PT-5 will be included “proactive armor” that would PT-5. As discussed by the Soviets in very impressive and represent a huge intercept an attacking projectile before the late 1980s. and confiied by Op- increase in capability. The turret used it actually hit the armor? According eration DESERT STORM, combat in on the PT-5 will be entirely new, and to retired General Donn Starry, the the future will include the large scale truly revolutionary. The PT-5’s un- FST-2 could also have incorporated employment of PGMs. The PT-5 will conventional turret will be of a low- electromagnetic armor. The intent of be the first tank in the world fully ca- profile/low-volume design: that will electromagnetic armor is to destroy an pable of operating in the intense PGM not only reduce the tank’s weight, but attacking projectile with an extremely environment expected to characterize will also give the PT-5 a very low powerful electric charge. When an in- battlefields of the fuhrre. overall profile. The tank commander coming round hits the tank armor it will be seated on the right, and the completes an electric circuit and basi- Mobility of the PT-5 gunner seated on the left, both low in- cally destroys itself? While these pos- side the turret. When occupying a sibilities still may appear in the future, The mobility characteristics of the hulldown fighting position, the target they are not part of the active armor PT-5 will also be given a high prior- presented by the exposed turret will fitted to the PT-5. ity. Unlike its Soviet predecessors, the be almost impossible to detect. If the Known as “snaplock armor,” the PT-5 will not have the initial mechan- turret was hit, however, the armor revolutionary laminate consists of a ical problems historically associated would certainly provide the level of six-layer array incorporating two outer with premium tanks. The PT-5 will be protection necessary to defeat cur- layers of steel, two middle layers or powered by the new Smerch (Tor- rently fielded antitank weapons. plates of advanced ceramic “active“ nado) diesel engine, providing be- The PT-5 will be fitted with two dif- armor, and two inner layers of steel. tween 1.200 and 1,500 hp. This new ferent types of armor protection, ad- The two active plates are mounted on engine will combine the power and vanced composite armor on the turret top and bottom guides, in a concept reliability of European tank engines, and new “active” armor on the tank‘s very similar to that used with house- with the innovation-and light weight front slope. The turret armor of the hold sliding glass doors. When in mo- normally associated with premium PT-5, like earlier premium tanks, will tion, the top and bottom guides ensue tank designs. consist of a combination of both ce- that the plates travel and return in the The PT-5’s engine and fully auto- ramic material and cast steel. In the correct manner. The intent of the new matic transmission will give the tank PT-5’s turret, however, the ceramic armor is to defeat the long dart-like a maximum speed of 85 kph, and a material will not be limited to the tur- DU penetrators in APFSDS ammuni- range of operation of approximately ret front. Since the PT-5’s turret is tion. When the front slope of the FT-5 700 kilometers. This very impressive much smaller than that fitted to other is hit, the penetrator is slowed by the performance is possible because the tanks, there is no restriction to limit two outer layers of steel. As it reaches low-profdellow-volume turret and the use of composite armor to save the two middle active plates of the lightweight engine allow the PT-S’s weight. Therefore, the composite snaplock armor, the plates slide to combat weight to be only 50 tons. In armor fitted to the PT-5 will protect the left and right simultaneously; and addition to the new engine and trrins- all sides of the turret through 360 de- then slide back to their original posi- mission, the PT-5 will also incorpo- grees. Instead of the filled internal tions. Both of these actions occur in rate a hydro-pneumatic suspension cavities incorporated into the turret the smallest fraction of a second, with system. This type of suspension will fronts of other premiums? the n-5 both active plates moving in unison. allow the height of the PT-5 to be will employ an innovative “ceramic The result of this snap-lock action is raised or lowered by adjusting the shell” placed between the outer and the penetrator being neatly cut into tank’s ground clearance to best suit inner layers of cast steel armor. This three separate pieces. The kinetic en- the available terrain. Although already ceramic shell will ensure complete ergy of the severed penetrator would in use by the Japanese Type 74 MBT coverage of the turret from all angles be drastically reduced, leaving the re- and fully tested in the American T-95 of attack. While the exact ceramic maining energy and undirected parts premium tank project, the PT-5 will material used in this composite is not of the penetrator to move laterally and 32 ARMOR - January-February 1993 be absorbed within the laminate. The would have ten years from now, they pressed. In fact, they might not even two inner layers of steel would pro- already had.”’ It would clearly be an believe that these MBTs are the best vide more than enough protection to example of assuming away enemy ca- the U.S. Army has to offer. As with protect the PT-5’s crew from the rem- pabilities if the U.S. Army allows it- the case of the German Army in the nants of the DU penetrator. The ad- self to be caught off-guard by the de- spring of 1941 when it was con- vanced composite and snaplock lami- ployment of the PT-5. fronted by the T-34, the logical con- nate armor carried by the PT-5 could Apparently, the potential impact of a clusion to the above scenario would potentially provide complete protec- future premium tank like the PT-5 be that a given country could already tion against conventional antitank may have already been identified. secretly possess a tank superior to the weapons. Open sources reported in 1988 that MlAl and MlA2. The appearance of the PT-5 could be the U.S. Army had developed a new If the U.S. Army of the 1990s and a primary force behind the decision to innovative type of armor using de- beyond continues the same pattern fully develop and field the next gener- pleted uranium. While the program to maintained by the opponents of past ation of battlefield weapons. field as many of the American MlAl premium tanks, a new crisis in tank “heavy metal” tanks to the deployed and antitank warfare may give an op The PT-5 Scenarlo forces prior to the start of Operation ponent a critical advantage. The thmt DESERT STORM confirms the capa- of a potential adversary applying the As previously mentioned, the identi- bilities of Soviet MBTs, it only tells process of the Soviet experience to fication of the PT-5 could occur in a part of the depleted uranium armor produce a future premium tank in the wide variety of different scenarios. story. Apparently, the program to put shape of the PT-5, must be identified Any problems associated with identi- DU armor on the MlAl began in and effectively countered prior to the fying this new threat, however, will 1983, and was upgraded to a “pro- deployment of U.S. forces to the bat- be magnified if the potential adver- gram of national priority” in 1985.6 tlefields of the future. sary follows the Soviet premium tank Perhaps the U.S. Army identified the example. The defense-related press, as threat presented by the PT-5 and its Notes well as a variety of open somes, 135-mm main gun prior to August could help keep any new tank devel- 1990. If the Soviet experience with ‘“Russian Reports,” Armed Forces JOWMI opments secret by denying that any the T-64 is used as an example by the IntermtioMI, February 1992, p. 27. 2Major James M. Warford. “ne Tank ”hat other country has the capability to de- developers of the PT-5, the lack of in- Could Have Wan the Next War: An Assess- velop high technology weapons. Sev- formation concerning the PT-5 ci~be ment of the Soviet T44 him Tank,” eral sources will argue that a given understood. When the T-64 was fmt ARMOR. March-April 1990. p. 26. country is simply not capable of pro- deployed to the Western Group of ?om Donnelly. “Soviets Plan Exotic Tank for the ’90s.” Army Times, 10 October 1988. ducing a tank with the very sophisti- Forces (WGF) in East Germany it was 41bid. cated characteristics of the PT-5. It already 11 years old. Like the T-64, ’John Barry, ‘A Failurr of Intelligence,” should be remembered, however, that the first public appemnce of the PT-5 Newsweek. 16 May 1988... D. 21. these same sources once believed the may only confm the that it im- %id. combination of a large caliber posed on the U.S. Army long before smoothbore main gun, an innovative its projected IOC of 1994-1996. engine, and the use of composite Major James M. Warford armor sophisticated for the The New Crisis In Tank and was too was commissioned in Armor Army field (with the T-95 Antltank Warfare U.S. to in 1979 as a Distinguished Premium Tank), at virtually the same Miliiary Graduate from the time the Soviets fielded the T-64. In the near future, the desire to sell University of Santa Clara, Since the Soviets have historically the MlAl and M1A2 MBTs to U.S. Calif. He has commanded been able to develop and field high allies may provide a valuable opportu- D/1-66 Armor, N2-66 Armor technology premium there is no nity for potential adversaries to ob- tanks, (COHORT), and HHC/2-66 reason to assume that other nations serve these American MBTs during Armor, and has served as incapable of the same achieve- are demonstrations and vehicle displays. an AOAC Small Group In- ment. According to Soviet Given the increasing capabilities of Military structor at Ft. Knox. Since Power 1989. Soviet technology tank weapons producing countries, and the his graduation from CGSC in was not only equivalent that of the previously unheard-of availability of to June 1992, he has been as- the relative technology level was weapon design teams and production U.S., signed as the S3,2d Squad- in fact changing significantly in favor know-how, it is very possible that cer- ron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 24th of the Soviet Union. “We discovered tain military delegations may view the ID (M) at Ft. Stewart, Ga. that things we had predicted they MlAl and M1A2 and not be im-

~ ARMOR - January-February 1993 33 A Visit to the Soviet Airborne Training Center at Ryazan

MSG William T. Powers of Dedham. Mass. forwarded these photos of Soviet airborne armor taken on a recent visit to the Ryazan Airborne Training Center in Russia. The vehicles on exhibition at this static display show the wide range of smaller armored vehicles tailored for air drop, in some cases fully rigged. I

BMD-1, at left, with suspension collapsed and prepared for air drop. Note two soldiers in foreground, mounted in special seats, called "Kintava." that are custom-formed for each man. These two crewmen remain inside the vehicle during the air drop, and the swcial seats cushion impact. Above right. a BMD variant called the 1V119, similar to a FIST vehicle, is at the center of the static display. with a 2S9 mo&rhowitzer version beyond it at far left. I

Above, a BMD-2 with 30-mm cannon identical to the 30-mm 2S9 SP MortadHowitzer with suspension collapsed and on the BMP armored personnel carrier. On the turret roof is a prepared for air drop. Later BMD variants, like this fire-support launcher mount for the AT-4 missile. vehicle, use longer chassis with six roadwheels. rather than five.

This BMD-2 carries its ZSU-23 twin antiaircraft gun on the This variant of the BMD is the BTR-RD antitank missile top deck during air drop, then acts as its prime mover once vehicle, with launcher on top deck and an additional launcher on the ground. used in ground mount configuration.

34 ARMOR - January-February 1993 Bring Back the Blues by Captain Brace E. Barber

An armor lieutenant clutched his in 1986 left a gap in DIVCAV recon the forward line of own troops MI6 as he watched the landscape rush and security capabilities. (FLOT). They then move by foot to past below. He and his platoon pre- DIVCAV squadrons must recapture set up a screen line five to 20 kilome- pared to dismount the helicopters that this asset and it’s abilities - medium- ters in front of the squadron. Current brought them to the enemy’s doorstep, range reconnaissance, rapid response information received from the platoon and the beginning of another mission to rear area threats, and the conduct of on the enemy situation allows the in support of the division cavalry raids in the enemy’s m. The recon commander to improve his plan, and squadron. Wait, this does not make platoon provides the squadron with in- employ artillery, and CAS effectively. sense! An armor lieutenant with an telligence, security, and flexibility that By inserting early, the recon platoon M16?.., DISMOUNT?..., Helicop- no other unit can match. can confii or deny the accuracy of ters??? ...: is this some kind of a joke? The framework is already present in the intelligence preparation of the bat- the DIVCAV to add the needed per- tlefield (IPB), allowing the com- Actually, it is not a joke. Rather, it sonnel and equipment Fsily. The or- mander time to alter his plan. Be- describes what was formerly the air- ganic aviation unit maintenance pla- cause the DIVCAV squadron is the mobile reconnaissance platoon of the toon and IIIN platoon can easily han- frst unit to move into an area, the DIVCAV squadron. The organization dle the small number of UH-IH or IPB is key to their success. The dates back to the beginning of aircav UH-60 helicopters needed to lift a commander’s revised plan, based on with the blues platoons of the 1st platoon of 31 men. up-to-date information, focuses squad- Cavalry Division in Vietnam. Unfor- Medium-range reconnaissance is the ron assets and increases their chances tunately, it has been ignored and al- primary mission of the recon platoon. of success and survival. lowed to die in the quickly reorganiz- Twelve to 24 hours before the squad- Good enemy intelligence allows the ing cavalry. The disappearance of ron zone reconnaissance begins, heli- line of troops to move rapidly and recon platoons with the new J-series copters insert the platoon forward of with confidence. The result is more

ARMOR - January-February 1993 35 time spent on reconnaissance, not are already pat of the squadron plan tions. The platoon operates well in wasted hiding from an enemy that is and can be used to extract the sol- difficult terrain, where mounted not there. diers. scouts lose their mobility. When this Without a recon platoon, the squad- Another mission of the recon pla- condition necessitates the use of air ron relies on the division long-range toon is that of m area reaction force. troops independent of ground troops, surveillance unit (LRSU) for intelli- The platoon can rapidly move by heli- the mon platoon can fill the ground gence. Though an effective intelli- copter to delay or destroy a level II role of reconnaissance and security. gence-gathering tool, they report to threat. A trained combat platoon Will The DIVCAV squadron must regain the division and are concerned with be effective against the light enemy the airmobile reconnaissance platoon, the division deep battle. They do not forces expected to disrupt our rear a cavalry unit whose capabilities and provide information that can im- area operations. benefits are enormous compared to its mediately help the squadron, even if Also, as a reaction force, the platoon size. Without it, the squadron is oper- communications were rapid enough to can destroy or maintain contact with ating in a degraded mode, making get the intelligence to the squadron in light enemy forces bypassed by a plans that cannot compensate for re- a timely manner. squadron zone reconnaissance. Line cent enemy shifts, counting on divi- Through detailed planning of enemy troops maintain flexibility of maneu- sion for information that may or may air defense suppression (SEAD), no- ver, by not becoming decisively en- not help, using valuable assets to fm areas, landing zones w), and gaged or having to lave a platoon maintain contact with bypassed false Us,the helicopters of the lift back to maintain contact with the enemy, and risking enemy success in platoon can safely and quickly move enemy. This powerful resowce allows our rear area. across the FLOT to insert the recon the squadron to keep maximum recon- platoon. naissance forward and oriented on the Author’s Note: Blues phtoons did Working in team-sized elements, the objective. not disappear in 1986, I was the pla- platoon moves by foot the remaining An additional mission of the recon toon leader of the 1/9 Cav “Head distance to observation posts (OP). platoon is that of deep operations. In Hunters” recon platoon until its inacti- Chances of success are greatly in- the case where an enemy command vation in 1990. At first, I was ob- creased by conducting these missions post or other soft, high value target is server/controIIer for the platoon when under the cover of darkness. Stealthy identified, the recon platoon can be it received praise for its success at the movement in limited visibility situa- tasked with its destruction. Inserted in NTC in 1989. Later, I led the platoon tions allows the teams to penetrate the same way as for a screen line, the through training in both desert and enemy reconnaissance. From these platoon moves in squads or as a pla- forested environments. As an armor positions, they provide information, toon to maintain its full combat power officer, I never expected to be clutch- control friendly indirect fire, and em- consolidated. Making the most of lim- ing that M16, but, since I have, I am ploy close air support, to hams or de- ited visibility and surprise, the platoon convinced that this asset is invaluable stroy the enemy. attacks violently with massed small to DIVCAV squadrons. For effective communication with arms fire and grenades to destroy the the squadron, teams carry radios with enemy position, deceive them as to a green net capability. A vehicle the size of the attacking force, and placed just behind the FLOT, or one create as much confusion as possible. Captain Brace E. Barber is team located to the rear of the screen It is important that the raid and aerial a 1987 graduate of the can act as a relay station for reports. extraction are swiftly executed to take United States Military Acad- To sustain operations, teams carry advantage of enemy disorganization emy. A graduate of AOB, sufficient rations, small camouflage and avoid a coordinated pursuit. AOAC, Ranger and Airborne nets, and institute sleep plans im- A disjointed recon and counterrecon Schools, he served as a tank mediately. effort by the enemy, which could re- platoon leader and XO with Recovery of the teams is accom- sult from such an operation, would 1/72 Armor, Camp Casey, plished by aerial extraction, exfilm- substantially increase the effectiveness Korea; scout platoon leader, tion, or the movement of the squadron of the DIVCAV squadron. reconnaissance platoon or other friendly troops past their po- The platoon’s mobility and dis- leader, and HHT XO with 1/9 sitions. This is the most difficult of mounted operation also make it ideal Cavalry; and aide-de-camp the missions to accomplish for the for numerous other missions. Their for First Corps Chief of Staff, squadron. Once again, detailed plan- ability to bypass obstacles that delay Ft. Lewis, Wash. He is cur- ning is needed to protect the recon mounted forces make them valuable rently the commander, B soldiers from friendly fire and enemy as far-side security for obstacle- Troop, 5-12 Cavalry. detection. Downed Pilot Pickup Points breaching and river-crossing opera- 36 ARMOR - January-February 1993 “THE RANGE FROM HELL” The Multipurpose Range Complex at Orchard Training Center near Boise, Idaho by Major James D. Brewer

Gone are the days But for all the ex- when a sharp tank otic target my, the commander could G- capability that drives 2 the qualification this range into the range, memorize 21st century is the where the targets combination of video came up, and plan teaching aids and ahead for his hot the Enhanced Re- run. Engaging tar- moted Target System gets at the multipur- @RETS), a compu-

pose range complex ~ terized program that (MPRC) built by the allows the tower per- Idaho National 1 sonnel to tailor the Guard presents a range to meet most fresh challenge to gunnery tables. Day- every crew, and of- light and thermal fers a target array cameras mounted at that is so varied, it’s the tower, linked impossible .arget reference points on the massive range keep tank commanders oriented with the MPRC‘s ve- to memorize. hicle intercom moni- The largest range of its type in the Sometimes the lava rock piles are ac- toring radios, allow the range operator world, construction began in Novem- tually hotter than the target.” to observe and hem the tank crews ae- ber of 1988 and was completed in De- More than once a crew has fmd-up tions on the range. This system pro- cember of 1990. Covering some 5200 the mid-afternoon heat signature of a vides not only information on the tank acres, the Idaho facility offers nine stand of high desert lava rock. and target, but permits additional manuever lanes, each averaging 2.3 “After 2:OO a.m. it’s great shooting,” safety surveillance of the range. And miles in length: and a road network of explains LTC Alan Gayhart, com- when the crew completes the run and 29 miles links all aspects of the avail- mander of the 2-116th Cavalry and returns for an after-action review, the able training ground. With armor full-time MPRC manager. “Things video record, plus tape recordings of fighting positions in each he, includ- have cooled down by that time.” the vehicle’s radio transmissions, pro- ing 68 hull-down firing points and vide a solid record for analysis. multiple stabilization runs, the tank If terrain and visibility were not “I told the loader HEAT, a tank commander that fires a table on this enough to distract the crew of a deter- commander may say,” explains LTC range will have his skills stretched to mined tank, the designers of the Gayhart, “but you play back the tape the limit. MPRC have 11 moving mor targets and it’s right there. SABOT, the guy The wide-open spaces and long en- (some covering 1,OOO meters), 60 sta- says, and there’s no denying it.” gagement distances make excellent tionary armor targets, 153 stationary But the trainers in Idaho are not sat- tank country; and the heat inversion infantry targets, and 45 moving infan- isfied with the status quo: they’re on and gently rolling ground test a try targets. All of these targets m the cutting edge of technology that crew’s ability to find the target. both MILES and thermal equipped: takes qualification ranges even further ‘Target acquisition here is a thus the MPRC can evaluate individ- into the future. They have requested, challenge,” says MSG Gary Petruska, ual, crew, section, platoon and com- through the National Guard Bureau, a operations NCO. “A ml tank is a lot pany-team units up through Tank GPS system that locates each vehicle easier to see than a thermalized target. Table XII. on the firing range, providing an icon

~ ~~ ARMOR - January-February 1993 37 The MPRC‘s target-rich environ- ment indudes moving infantry tar- gets, left, moving tank targets, in- cluding some that travel 1,000 me ters. and a SAM site, at right. r- on a graphic display that shows both the tank. With our proposed system, north, then move by bus to the Or- vehicle location and gun tube orienta- we will be able to anticipate and pre- chard Tmining Area. Next they dnw tion for each tank on the range. When vent fratricide, rather than determine equipment, move to a support facility a tube violates the left or right limit of afterwards what happened.“ (mess, water, classrooms), upload at the range, or acquires another tank, The Army’s MOLS (multiple objects the Ammo Supply Point, then either the fire control system of the tank can locating system) was designed to fm (a) roadmarch to firing positions at be automatically shut down. This sys- these safety problems. However, this the MPRC, or (b) conduct manuever tem goes further than the present one multimillion dollar system was never training enroute to the firing positions. used by the National Training Center purchased and made available for use Upon arriving, units can choose from in that it is preemptory. by multipurpose ranges, according to the list of training possibilities at Fig- Gayhart. ure 1. “To ensure maximum safety, we ‘The system we want is being used The range is presently being safety currently require a safety officer in a in cities around the country for locat- surveyed to support firing of the vehicle to trail the firing tank; how- ing critical vehicles like police cm HELLFIRE missile. The inclusion of ever, dust and obscuration frequently and ambulances. It’s used around re- the Area Weapons Scoring System inhibit his ability to see all actions by mote oil drilling sites, too.” (AWSS) on the range presents the The cost of this AH-64 crews with the same high system? A small scoring standards faced by the M1 Training Possibilities at the MPRC fraction of the cost crews. Six thousand meter shots for of MOLS. Apaches are just one more of LTC *CALFEX (Combined Arms Live Fire) The MPRC is Gayhart’s goals to make the MPRC the jewel amid an even greater challenge for soldiers. Armor Units the sprawling Tank commander, if you think your *Tank Gunnery Tables V-XI1 138,OOO-am Or- is good, then this range will ei- *Tasks Supporting Tank Tactical Tables C-l crew chard Training ther prove it beyond any doubt, or it Infantry Units Center, where Na- will humble you in a matter of mo- tional Guard units ments. The fmt unit that fired this *Company-Level Offensive & Defensive Operations nationwide con- high desert training facility qualified Aviation Units duct UP to bald- only two out of 52 crews. The record ion-size force-on- is now 17 crews from a single battal- *AH-64 Commander’s Gunnery Tables (day & night) *AH-64 Crew Gunnery Tables (day & night) force operations. ion. That’s why just one run down *AH-64 Team Gunnery Tables Under the present my of the nine lanes will convince *AH-64 CALFEX system, units land you that the sign over the target main- at Gowen Field, tenance shack is right. This truly is Figure 1 some 26 miles the “range from hell.”

38 ARMOR - January-February 1993 “The Emperor’s New Clothes’’ (or “A Maneuver Commander’s Guide to the Decision Support Template”) by Major John F. Anta1 and Lieutenant Colonel Lee R. Barnes Jr.

“A leader must meet battle situa- sional soldiers admit to the value of early 1990s. that the DST concept ap- tions with timely and linequivocal de- preparing and using a DST. But why pears. A chronological review of cisions.”’ do so few staffs understand how to some of this literature reveals that the produce one? Is the DST a tool of the DST is an evolving concept. The children’s story, the “Emperor’s S2, the S3, or the commander? Is the FM 71-3, Annored and Mechanized New Clothes,” is an amusing tale DST a process or a product? Is the Infantry Brigade (May 1988). men- about pride and ignorance. In the DST the find step in the synchroniza- tions the DST in a section on the In- story, two tailors have failed to make tion of the plan? If everyone under- telligence Preparation of the Battle- the emperor a new robe on the sched- stands how to use a DST, then why field (IPB). This manual states that uled fitting date. In desperation, they do so few units ever develop a DST the “DST consolidates the steps in the develop a scheme to cover up their for combat operations? (IPB) process. The S3 briefs the com- mistake. After long and elaborate ar- Our intent in this article is threefold mander on the DST. The DST does gument, the tailors convince the em- First to answer some questions we not dictate decisions to the com- peror that they have created a beauti- can’t get answered from existing doc- mander. It outlines friendly courses of ful new robe that is made from com- trinal literature. Second, to challenge action, relative to time and location, pletely new materials. The tailors in- some doctrinal answers that we feel that the commander may execute.”2 A sist that the material in the robe is so are incorrect or don’t apply at the bat- DST sketch is given as an example in special that only the most intelligent talion or brigade level. And third, to FM 71-3. FM 71-3 goes on to say that and enlightened people could appreci- show how the DST can be a valuable the “DST focuses on critical areas and ate it. decision-making tool. To accomplish times needed to plan for and execute At first, the emperor was suspicious. this task, we will review the history of friendly force employment... at bri- He explained the story of the new the DST, offer an improved definition gade, the intelligence estimate is robe to his trusted advisors, as he of what a DST is, and provide an ex- likely to be in DST f~rmat.”~This last stood before them dressed only in his ample product. Armed with this arti- sentence hints that the DST is a tool underwear. The advisors, unwilling to cle, and some practice, it is the hope of execution and an orders product. admit to the emperor or to each other of the authors that DSTs will assist Unfortunately, FM 71-3 does not that they were not intelligent enough commanders to make battlefield deci- mention the DST again anywhere else to see the new material, began to de- sions in a “timely and unequivocal in the manual. No explanation is pro- scribe the robe in vivid detail. Others, manner.” vided as to how to create the DST. wishing to demonstrate that they too In September 1988, the Army pub- were intelligent enough to see the new The DST: An Evolving Concept lished FM 71-2.The Tank and Mech- robe, stated that the robe was the most anized Infantry Battalion Task Force. beautiful robe that they had ever seen. What is a DST? The current doctrine In this manual the DST is defined and Not willing to Seem ignorant, every- on the Decision Support Template is a defensive sketch is provided as the one the emperor met admitted to see- confusing. FM 100-5, Operations DST product. FM 71-2 explains the ing the robe. Eventually a child tells (1986). the Army’s capstone manual DST as “the final template of IPB. It the emperor the truth. The emperor for wdighting, does not mention the does not dictate decision to the com- suddenly realizes that there is no robe, DST. FM 101-5, Staff Organization mander, but rather identifies critical and everyone learns a lesson in humil- and Operations (1984). the Army’s events and threat activities relative to ity. primary manual for staff planning and time and location which may require In many ways, this story is a fitting decision making, is also silent on the tactical decisions. Critical events and introduction to the topic of the Deci- subject. FM 101-5-1, Operational threat activities are displayed on the sion Support Template or DST. The Terms and Symbols (1985) does not decision support template using target DST has been a part of the U.S. list the DST as an operational term. It areas of interest, decision points and Army’s lexicon for several years. Like is only in more recent manuals, the time lines.’“ FM 71-2, however, does the emperor’s clothes, most profes- ones produced in the late 1980s and not explain the DST further. In Ap-

ARMOR - January-February 1993 39 pendix B, Combat Orders, the FM 71- DST, in final form, is a “combined in- of the DST in this new student text is 2 clearly leaves out the DST as an or- telligence estimate and Operations es- a reprint from the 1989 pamphlet. ders product. In addition, FM 71-2 timate in graphic In addition, In March 1990, FM 34-3. Intelli- emphasizes the Troop Leading be- the manual states that several DSTs gence Analysis, was published. ”lis dures (TI..€’) as the primary ‘‘task will be needed for each opention. manual explained that the IPB “sup force command and control process.”’ In July 1989, Fort Leavenworth pro- ports the use of fire and maneuver to In the TLP, the IPB process is men- duced ST 100-9, The Command Esti- achieve a tactical advantage. Event tioned in the “Estimate of the Situa- mate. Although a student text (ST) templating facilitates following enemy tion” and ‘‘Analyze Courses of Action does not carry the weight of m Army forces and determining their probable - War Game” steps. The DST then, field manual, this text did describe the course of action. Decision’ support according to FM 71-2, is a wargaming DST in a section concerning the IPB templates (DSTs) enable the com- tool and not an orders product. No- process: mander to apply combat power in a where in FM 71-2 does it state that a “The decision support template re- timely manner.”’* FM34-3 prescribes commander uses his DST to fight the lates the details of event templates to that the DST is prepared during the battle! decision points that are of signifi- threat integration phase of the IPB FM 34-130, Intelligence Preparation cance to the commander.... The deci- process as a shared SUS3 product. of the Battlefield (May 1989). is the sion support template provides a The purpose of the DST is to assist a primary reference for the IPB process. structured basis for using experience commander “as to when tactical deci- The DST is listed 22 times in FM 34- and judgment to reduce battlefield un- sions are required relative to battle- 130. This manual includes a defini- certainties.... Decision support tem- field e~ents.”’~According to FM 34- tion, a sequence to develop the DST, plating identifies those areas where 3, a properly prepared DST portrays and depicts various types of DSTs enemy or terrain targets can be at- the enemy’s most likely course of ac- (air, enemy countenttack, enemy de- tacked to support the commander’s tion and possible target areas of inter- fense, enemy withdrawal, friendly, concept for fighting close and deep est, along with time phm lines friendly attack, and rear operations). operations. It also relates projected (TPLs) and decision points which re- FM 34-130 establishes the DST as a battlefield events and targets that will late to fire, maneuver, and combat staff product that is produced after require the commander’s decision.”” service support (CSS). This manual wargaming the most probable course ST 100-9 (1989) provides a diagram also states that a “decision support of action. “The staff then develops de- of a DST for an offensive opention. matrix supplements the DST.”I4 A cision support ternplates (DSTs) for In addition, ST 100-9 states that a sketch of an offensive DST is given the most likely enemy course of ac- DST as an example in FM 34-3. tion and probable branches and se- “depicts the TAIs (Target Area of In June 1990, FM 71-100, Division quels. The staff then briefs the com- Interest) and decision points. To save Operations, was published. This man- mander on the DST.”7 The com- time, the decision support template ual made only one reference to the mander then wargames the DST to can be combined with the situation DST. The DST is described as a make smthat it covers all potential ternplate and event template... The de- “melding of the enemy situation and enemy courses of action (COAs) and cision support template will highlight event template information with the integrates his intent. “The commander the commander’s opportunities and friendly course of action sketch or op- then updates the PIRs (Priority Intelli- options and ensure timely and accu- erations overlay of the final approved gence Requirements), based on the rate decisions. thus providing the OPLAN or OPORD.”’~FM 71-100 DST, and issues a decision and con- means to influence enemy actions establishes that the DST is a master cept of the FM 34-130 rather than just reacting to them... execution matrix. The DST is started depicts these actions in a diagram that The template is not the battle map. It during the war game phase of the integrates the IPB process with the does not represent locations of enemy planning process and is expanded “Commander’s Decisionmaking Pro- units that are confirmed by intelli- once a specific course of action is se- cess.” FM 34-130 clearly shows the gence; rather, it is the best guess of a lected by the commander. DST in the decision-making process G2 mcer.”” “The DST is, essentially, a master and establishes the DST as a product A diagram of the IPB process and execution matrix. It correlates the that is issued to subordinate leaders as the command estimate (which in- enemy operational timetable and the a part of the final order. It describes cludes the DST for the first time) is friendly operational timetable while the threat integration process as hav- shown in ST 100-9 (1989). In July identifling decision points (DPs) for ing three steps: develop situation tem- 1991, Fort Leavenworth printed a new commitment of friendly combat power, plates, develop event template and version of ST 100-9 with a new title, target areas of interest (TAI) where matrix, and develop decision support Techniques and Procedures for Tacti- the combat power must be applied. template. FM 34-130 states that the cal Decisionmaking. The explanation time phase lines (TPLs) to assist the 40 ARMOR - January-February 1993 decision maker in synchronizing the combat power which is available and the named area of interest.”“ FM 34-24. Reconnaissance and Surveillance (Final Draft, November 1990). established the DST as the final IPB product of the combined staff effort. Although a “Final Dmft” is not approved doctrine, it does show the direction that the DST concept is heading from the Intelligence School’s perspective. FM 34-2-1 states that the DST is a product of wargaming. The purpose of the DST is “to synchronize all battlefield oper- t t t t t t ating systems (BOS) to your H-HR H+30 H+50 H+1 hr, 5 min H+1 hr, 40 rnin H+2 hr commander’s best advantage. The Decision DST consists of target areas of inter- Point Criteria Action Fir= est (TAI)s, decision points or lines, BROWN Enemy west of L3, moving 3 MRB - Moscow, Angel-Tula 903 TPLs, and a synchronization ma- BEAR west, passes blocked 1 MRB-B1,2 MRB - 82 or tri~.”’~This manual depicts a diagram OPFOR west of D1 4 MRB - 63.7 MRB - B1 904 of a DST, with decision lines that re- GOLDEN Enemy east of L3, 3 MRB - Moscow, Angel-Tula 901 late directly to the matrix below the BEAR moving west, passes 1 MRB-G1,2MRB-G2 601 clear, OPFOR east of L1 4 MRB -G3.7MRB -G4 9024 sketch. This manual also includes a 602 diagram of a slightly different PANDA- , Enemy east of L4, commander’s decision-making process BEAR ’ moving west, passes 1 MRB - PI, 2 MRB - P2 (supported by IPB) th3n FM 34-130. clear, OPFOR east of l2 4 MRB - P3.7 MRB - P3 FM 71-123,Tactics and Techniques KODIAK Enemy east of L5, 3 MRB - PI, Angel - PI for Combined Arms Heavy Forces: BEAR moving west, passes clear, OPFOR east of L3 4 MRB K316 7 MRB K3 Armored Brigade, BattalionlTask - - Force, and Company Team (Final Figure 1. Example of an OPFOR Sketch with Matrix DST. Draft, June 1991), adds little to our knowledge of “how to” develop and use the DST. The discussion in this pected to be able to produce plans that refined continuously until execution. manual on IPBDST is simply a re- “enable the commander to shift his The DST lists all critical decisions, peat of what is said in other manuals. main effort quickly without losing targets and time-distance factors FM 71-123 fails to carry the tactical synchronization... To achieve this re- that will assist the commander in discussion of the DST from brigade to quires anticipation, mastery of time- making accurate and timely battle- battalion level. space relationships, and a complete field decisions. In its final product is understanding of the ways in which a master execution matrix tied to A DST for Maneuver Commanders friendly and enemy capabilities inter- the commander’s battle map. act.”’* To accomplish this, we must As described above, the DST can be Doctrinal literature is not consistent first develop a useful definition of a presented in several forms. At the bat- concerning the DST. It does not ade- DST. Our definition is a synthesis of talion/task force level, the most useful quately define or describe the use or current doctrinal literature. form appears to be an overlay DST, development of the DST. To be effec- The decision support template is a or an overlay with execution matrix tive at the battalion level, the DST master intelligence and operations DST. This format should include all must assist the commander to execute execution product (overlay, sketch, critical decisions, targets, and time- combat decisions during the battle. In matrix, or combination sketch with distance factors that will assist the other words, the purpose of a DST is matrix, or overlay with matrix) commander in making accurate and to promote agility. used by the commander and his timely battlefield decisions. This prod- FM 100-5, Operations, emphasizes staff to assist in the execution of the uct is produced as a combined staff agility and operational flexibility as battle. The DST is a product of the effort under the direction of the opera- the key to successful tactical opera- initial war game of the command- tions officer. Another useful format tions. Tactical commanders are ex- er’s chosen course of action and is for a DST is a sketch with matrix.

ARMOR - January-February 7993 41 This DST product reduces the com- enough to preserve synchronization tion become deceptions in themselves. plex operation to a simple concept. throughout the battle... it must be flex- By presenting the enemy with a pat- The OPFOR regiment at the National ible enough to respond to changes or tern that depicts a strong attack in one Training Center (NTC) has used an to capitalize on fleeting opportuni- direction the enemy may respond by improved version of a DST to assist ties.”’’ moving forces to protect against your the regimental commander in making Some maneuver commanders see no attack. If the enemy doesn’t respond, battlefield decisions. This version has need for a DST because they often continue with your planned attack. If been validated in the field in several plan to execute a battle according to a he does, quickly execute a branch rotations at the NTC. An example of rigid, yet synchronized plan. These plan. This kind of agility, that attacks an OPFOR sketch with mabix DST is set-piece battles usually contain only the enemy’s newly created weakness, shown at Figure l.19 one detailed course of action. Subor- may often be enough to smash through The DST is the commander’s tool to dinate units are expected to execute his defenses before he can issue fur- execute fm, maneuver and combat the plan. This type of operation can ther orders. support options during the battle. De- work if the enemy cooperates with the The branch plans are driven by E- cision points or decision lines are assumptions that were developed connaissance and appear on the DST used to assist the commander to fire when the single come of action plan as on-order plans. The commander’s targets and execute branch plans. De- was devised. If a plan is inflexible, priority intelligence requirements cisions are based upon enemy actions. and does not include branches, there (PIR) are focused on the critical infor- Decision points or lines also assist the are few decisions for the commander mation needed to make decisions commander to move along a new di- to make after the battle has started. about which branch plan(s) to exe- rection of attack based upon enemy But what if the enemy doesn’t coop- cute. weakness, or exploit an enemy mis- erate? What if the enemy isn’t where take. Decision points, targets and you expected him when you issued Conclusion time-space factors are calculated di- the order twelve hours before crossing rectly on the commander’s battle map the line of departure? The key to agil- Current literature on DSTs is confus- or depicted on a sketch. ity is to develop plans that can be ex- ing and contradictory. The decision DSTs are really nothing new. A ru- ecuted once the enemy situation be- support template is a master intelli- dimentary example of a DST is pro- comes clearer. This situation usually gence and operations execution vided by an ordinary company/tem occurs closer to battle-time or during product (overlay, sketch, matrix, or fire plan. An effective company fire the battle. To achieve the flexible combination sketch with matrix, or plan orients on several possible enemy thinking and fast reaction prescribed overlay with matrix) used by the avenues of approach. The company in FM 100-5, commanders must de- commander and his staff to assist commander designates target refer- velop phns that are oriented on the them in the execution of the battle. ence points (TRPs) to help him mass enemy in an action and reaction The DST is a product of the initial his fires at the critical point. The com- thought process. This thought process war game of the commander’s chosen mander decides where to direct his demands that each plan have several course of action and is refined contin- fires based on the enemy’s actions. branches. Branch plans provide for uously until execution. The DST lists Primary and alternate positions are fo- tactical agility and can compensate for all critical decisions, targets and time cused on the most likely enemy ave- any disadvantage associated with the distance factors that will assist the nue of approach. Supplemental posi- chosen come of action. They can as- commander in making accurate and tions allow the company/team com- sist the commander to act decisively timely battlefield decisions. In its mander to maneuver fires in other di- to exploit enemy weaknesses as those final form, it is the commander’s rections (Le. a branch plan). A DST at weaknesses are discovered on the bat- battle map. the battalion/task force level follows tlefield. A DST can phy a critical role Commanders must master time and the same theme, but involves many in the execution of tactical agility by space factors to fight effectively on more pieces. acting as a master execution matrix the modem battlefield. A DST is one for the implementation of branch technique that helps the commander The DST and Branch Plans plans. simplify time-space data. To make Branch plans are also central to ef- correct battbfield decisions in time, AirLand Battle requires a flexible fective deception planning. Deception you must first plan the decisions that and intelligent orders process that is operations exploit enemy actions by you know that you will have to make. oriented on the enemy and recognizes manipulating multiple friendly courses Next you can plan decisions for possi- the critical value of time. FM 100-5, of action. Deception does not always ble branches and contingencies. All of Operurions states the challenge aptly: require a separate feint or ruse to de- these decisions involve a precise un- “Our tactical planning must be precise ceive. Multiple friendly courses of ac- derstanding of what can be done in a 42 ARMOR - January-February 1993 specified time. The DST reduces these decision support template to become 4Headquiuters, Department of the Army, part of every maneuver commander's Field Manual 71-2, The Tank and Mechanized time and space calculations to effi- Infantry Banalion Task Force, Washington cient battlefield information. In addi- tactical tool box. It is time that we see D.C., 27 September 1988. pp. 2-27 thm 2-28. tion, the DST focuses the commander that the emperor's new robe, like the 'lbid., p. 2-14. and his staff on the enemy. The DST, confused concept of the DST as re- 6Author's Notes: LTC beBarnes was a lead therefore, is a tool that assists the lated in current doctrine, is useful writer for FM 71-2 as it developd from a coor- dinating draft manual into a fmal draft manual . commander to think and act faster. only if we weave some fabric into the (1986-1987). The Intelligence Preparation of This ability helps to synchronize com- design! the Battlefield (IPB) portion of Chapter 2 was bat power and allows the commander revised several times to aamnmodate the to quickly take decisive advantage of evolving concw of IPB and DST. The ann- Notes ments from the Intelligence Center and School enemy mistakes as they unfold. Com- at that time clearly indicated that IPB was an manders and staffs trained to develop 'Captain C.T. Lanham. Infantry in Battle, informal process at levels below division. The DSTs in a systemic fashion can in- Garrett and Masse. Richmond, 1939). p. 152. DST was viewed simply as the summing up of crease their ability to execute tactical 'Headquarters, Depatment of the Army, the previous templates - a collection of the S2 Field Manual 71-3, Armored and Mechanized plans in minimum time. This makes officer's assumptions, predictions and fads. The Itfantry Brigade, Washington D.C.. 11 May DST was considered a briefmg aid for the S2 to the DST a critical enabler for AuLand 1988, p. 2-10. use during the decision-making process. It was Battle doctrine. It is now time for the 31b;d.,pp. 2-10 lhru 2-13. not considered an orders product to use during mission execution. 7Headquarters. Department of the Army. Field Manual 34-130, Intelligence Prepration of the Battl&e&i, Washington D.C., 23 May 1988, p. 3-1. Major John F. Anta1 was com- Lieutenant Colonel Lee R. '/bid. missioned in Amr in 1977 from Barnes Jr., an Armor officer, 91bid.,p. 4-66. "Command and General Staff College, Stu- USMA. He is currently the XO of is currently Bronco 07, the dent Text 100-9. The Command Estimate. Fort the 1st Bde, 1st ID, Ft. Riley, senior brigade staff trainer, Leavenworrh. July 1989. p. 7-34. Kan. A 1990 graduate of the with the Operations Group "Command and General Staff College, Stu- CGSC, where he earned a mas- of the National Training dent Text 100-9. Techniques and Procehres for Tactiml Decisionmaking. Fort Leavenworth, ters degree in Military Science, Center (NTC). He is a 1972 Jul 1991. p. 7-29. he has served in tank units as a graduate of the U.S. Military "Headquiuters. Department of the Army. tank platoon leader, scout platoon Academy. A 1984 graduate Field Man4 34-3 Intelligence Analysis, Wash- leader, BMO, tank company com- of the Command and Gen- in ton D.C. .March 1990. p. 4-1. mander, asst. brigade battal- eral Staff College, where he '31bid.,p. 4-6. S3, ''1bid.. p. 4-32. ion 53, G3 training officer, SGS earned a Masters Degree in "Headquarters, Department of the Army, for the 1st Cav Division, brigade Military Science, he has Field Manual 71-100. Division Operations, operations trainer at the NTC, served as a tank platoon Washington D.C., 16 June 1990. p. 3-17. and as the XO, 1st Battalion leader, a scout platoon 161bid. 17Headquarters, Department of the Army, Armor (OPFOR) where he acted leader, a battalion S1, and Field Manual 34-2-1 Reconnaissance odSur- as the chief of staff of the 32d battalion S4. He com- veillance vial Draft, November 1990). p 2- Guards Motorized Rifle Regiment manded E Troop, 1-10 Cav- 31. at the NTC. He also writes for alry and served in the US. "Headquarters. Department of the Army. Field Manual 100-5, Operations. Washington military and historical periodicals. Army Readiness Group, D.C.. 11 May 1988). p. 133. Since 1985, he has published Fort Douglas, Utah. From I9Author's Note: This DST was used by the over 18 articles in professional 1985 to 1987 he was a lead Opposing Forces (OPFOR) regiment in a meet- journals, including Army Maga- writer in revising the final ing engagement at the National Training Cen- draft of FM 71-2 The Tank ter. The battle, which occurred in the late win- zine, Military Review, ARMOR, ter of 1992. has since become known as the Infantry, Engineer, Army Trainer, and Mechanized Infantry 'Battle of Golden Bear." The DST used in this and Military History Magazine. In Battalion Task Force. In battle helped to make the action one of the most addition, his first book, Armor At- 1987, he served as the ex- successful meeting engagements in OPFOR his- tacks, The Tank Platoon, was ecutive officer of 2-69 Armor tory. The DST listed four separate plans. The first published by Presidio Press in and then as brigade S3, plan, Brown Bear, was designed to fight the December 1991 and is currently 197th Infantry Brigade. In battle if the OPFOR engaged the Blue Forces used by the U.S. Military Acad- 1990, he commanded 1-63 near CRASH HILL. This plan envisaged the emy as a textbook for military sci- Armor (OPFOR) at .the BROWN AND DEBNAM passes under Blue Force control. The forward detachment was or- ence instruction. NTC. dered to seize Objective MOSCOW in the

ARMOR - January-February 1993 43 DEBNA&f PASS. In this case. the regiment assault forces were expected to hold their psi- Kodiak Bear was the plan to fight the many was prepared to attack through the forward de- tions until the main body of the regiment ar- near HlLL 760. This plan seemed very unlikely. tachment if the motorized rifle battalion that rived to back them up. Golden Bear used the but had to be considered in case the Blue Forn composed the Forward Detachment (FD) en- key terrain in the regiment's zone to decisively kicked off their attack late or developed a prob- joyed success. If the FD was stopped cold, then defeat the Blue Force. lem with their maneuver. Kodiak Bear was the regiment would shift to defend east of Panda Bear was the plan to fight at HILL merely a repeat of Panda Bear, with the regi- CRASH HILL. 876. if the Blue Force went to ground early. No ment attacking in the no&. along Axis DON, This plan had seemed anlilely. but was well one wished this variant because it was. basi- and striking deep totheeast. within the capabfity of a determined Blue dy,a meme of Golden Bear. The difference In addilion. the regimental staff had planned Fora unit. was that now the Blue Force would be station- for an alternate attack axis, Axis DESNA. just Golden Bear, the second plan, was the variant ary, in hasty defensive positions and the in case the Blue Force decided to totally neglect to use if the passes could be seized by the regi- OPFOR would be attacking across open ground. the high speed approaches in the southern por- ment before the arrival of the Blue Force. This In this cue. the regiment planned to attack tion of the Central Corridor. This option also was the best case. 'Ik forwad detachment along the north wall of the central corridor, appeared unlikely. The OPFOR's planning, would seize Objective MOSCOW and the along Axis DON. bypassing the defenses at 876 however, had been thorough and included this regiment's air assault force would seize Objec- and moving into the tactical depths of the branch plan just in case. tive TULA. The forward detachment and the air enemy's defenses. 2oFM 100-5,p. IS.

Army Plans New Smoke Vehicle The Army is investigating conversion of M901 Improved TOW Vehicles to smoke generator ve- hicles that will replace the M1059s now in the inventory. Like the M1059, the new Large Area Mobile Protected Smoke System (LAMPSS) would be built on the M113-style chassis, but the smoke generating equipment would be far more advanced than the 1940s-era technology on the M1059. Instead of the TOW-launching "hammerhead" on the M901, the new vehicle would have a launcher for smoke rockets capable of projecting a smoke Screen out to a distance of six kilome- ters. In addition, the smoke generator on the vehicle would be capable of tailoring its smoke to spe- cific screening purposes; for example, the defeat of infrared sighting equipment, night-vision aids, thermal viewers, or image intensifiers. It would do this by injecting carbon-based particles with the oil that is burned to create the "fog." One smoke variant would be able to mask troops and vehicles from the millimeter-wave seekers on the newest generation of guided weapons. Other changes to the ITV would include a land navigation and turret positioning system, im- proved engine and transmission to increase horsepower from 212 to 300, and better accom- modations for the crew of three, to include a driver, commander, and smoke-genemtor Not a PfOtOWPe. but a technology demonstrator Of a system that will both operator. generate and project smoke from a tracked camer, the LAMPSS carrier has been exhibited at the Armor Conference, 1 lth Worldwide Chemical The be ab*e to genemte smoke Conference, and at Aberdeen Proving Ground's Armed Forces Day for about an hour before requiring refueling. show. It was fabricated in only 45 days at Red River Army Depot, Texas.

~ 44 ARMOR - January-February 1993 Small Unit Terrain Board Exercises by Sergeant First Class John M. Duezabou

A terrain board and micro-armor Selecting Scale We chose the terrain scale used in models are effective tools for tactical Dunn Kempf, where an inch on the training. While useful for teaching in- To set up a terrain board, first select board equals 50 meters on the battle- dividual soldier tasks. like drawing a scale. Our scale is based on the field. Any smaller scale has little sketch cards or platoon fm plans, sizes of micro-armor models avail- training value for platoons, because their best use is training collective able: The smallest models are b’285 you can’t use separate models to rep- tasks. and Boo of actual size, which makes resent each vehicle in the platoon. Many leaders use terrain boards to an M1 Abms hull about an inch Using the 1 inch=5OM scale, a ho train simple collective tasks like battle long. We chose the smaller, cheaper, model tank is about seven times too drills, but you can also run detailed and less detailed Moo models. They big for the terrain, but each model can platoon and company exercises. The sell for about $4.00 per pack of four represent one actual vehicle. hick is realism. Improper vehicle or five, versus about $5.50 per pack At 1 inch=5OM, four by eight feet is movement and unrealistic engagement for lR8s scale. One fm now offers the smallest terrain board size for results don’t prepm soldiers for war. packs of twenty ‘A85 vehicles at lower training a platoon. A smaller board re- To have the most training value, ter- costs per unit. stricts both maneuver and long range rain board simulation must closely re- You can get models from the same fire. A bigger board is definitely bet- semble the battlefield. This article sources as gaming rules, plus some ter: our battalion uses a multisection shows how to get started with terrain hobby shops. Manufacturers include rigid terrain board of the live fire boards and increase the training value GHQ and Skytrex. You may be able range at Fort Irwin that is over 200 of small unit terrain board exercises. to buy models for your unit through square feet. On it, we can fight a U.S. official channels. Another option, if task force against an OPFOR regi- you’re just getting started, is to use ment! A problem with any terrain Terrain Board Gaming Rules small cardboard markers instead of board wider than six feet, though, is models. These come preprinted, as in that it’s very tough to reach vehicle Wargaming rules for micro-armor the Team Yankee game, or can be models placed in the middle of the (see Figure 1) simulate modem com- made locally. board. bat on terrain boards. Rules govern movement, observation, weapons en- gagement, and other factors. You can find them at fantasy and historical SOME GAMES AND RULE BOOKS SIMULATING MODERN COMBAT gaming supply shops, and one is a Training Support Center (TSC) item. Close and Destroy (Rule Book) by H.N. Voss. 1986. TimeUne Ltd., P.O. Box 60, Ypsilanti, MI 481 97. About $1 0. Good compromise between detail and playability. Best Mail order sources include Modelers overall. Mart, 1183 Cedar St., Safety Harbor, Combat Commander and Battlefield Command (Rule Books) by Ken Smigelski FL 34695; and Merlyn’s, North 1 1978 8 1980. Enola Games, P.O. Box 1900, Brooklyn, NY 11201. About $10 each. Browne, Spokane, WA 99201. Highly detailed. Most current weapons effects data. Playability suffers due to prease of rules affects their detail. Realism train- Combined Arms (Rule Book) by Frank Chadwick 1988. Game Designers Work- ing value. Each game or rule book shop, P.O. Box 1646, Bloomington, IL 61702. About $12. Emphasizes brigade-level gives data on vehicle speeds, accuracy decision making. Not suitable for company or platoon training. and penetrating power of weapons, Dunn Kempf (Game). DVC-T 17-98.1975. TSC item. lndudes complete N~S,rigid and strength of armor. While game terrain board, and vehicle models. Does not simulate vehicles newer than M60A1 and designers try for accuracy, much of T-62. Team Yankee (Game) by Mark Miller 8 Frank Chadwick. 1987. Game Designers their data is guesswork. You may Workshop. About $24. Based on novel by Harold Coyle. lncludes rules, flat game want to vary performance data, based board, and playing pieces. Compact board allows table top use. but limits value as on your own knowledge. Either way, platoon training tool. Simple rules. A good starting point. tell your soldiers that game perfor- Total Conflict (Rule Book) by Gary Blum. 1984. Z 8 M Publishing, Inc., 2425 N. mance data are only guesses. Don’t 47th St., Milwaukee, Wl 53210. About $6. Simplified rules. Highly playable, but lacks detail. Each vehicle model represents a platoon. bet your life some day on the way a Spandrel missile performed on a ter- Figure 1 rain board!

ARMOR - January-February 1993 45 Black and brown construc- tion paper strips simulate roads and trails. Blue ones (foreground) are streams. White foam blocks reme- sent buildings and chenille bumps (fancy pipe clean- ers) are trees.

You can use the same terrain scale as vehicle scale, but beware: with ter- rain Moo actual size, an MI tank can move about 13 feet in a minute and has an effective range of about 30 feet! You need a gym floor or an out- Kempf. These bonds are usually por- realistic, it combines nearly infinite door site to use this scale. table unless highly detailed. An ad- variety, with portability, and is the vantage of a rigid board is that you cheapest option. Sheet Styrofoam is a Bullding Terrain can make it wider and move vehicles good building material, or you can by pushing them with sticks. This buy commercially made terrain. Once you select scale, your next step doesn’t work on a sand table - the You can make your terrain more R- is building terrain. You can start with metal models rapidly sink out of sight. alistic with miniature buildings, roads, something as simple as a large painted A disadvantage of a rigid board is that and trees. We use Styrofoam blocks ’ sheet of paper. We use a sand table, you’re stuck with the same piece of for buildings and colored paper strips which lets us vary our terrain and terrain all the time, unless you build for roads and streams. We make min- place vehicles among the trees or “dig your board in small sections that can iature trees from a craft material in” anywhere. Weight is a problem be mmnged. Another problem of called “chenille bumps,” a type of col- with sand tables: our five by twelve rigid boards is that, if forests are cast ored pipe cleaner (see photo above). foot table weighs 900 pounds. To as part of the board, as with Dunn Whichever option you choose, you make it movable, we built it on a cart Kempf, you can’t actually place vehi- need maps that match your terrain. If with heavy duty wheels. cle models among the trees, but must used properly, they help soldiers learn Another terrain option is a rigid set them on top. map terrain asssociation. From per- board with built-on features. TSCs A third possibility is to build indi- sonal experience, it’s much easier to build these, or you can build one vidual terrain features and place them make a map from existing termin than yourself. A nice one comes with Dunn on a flat surface. While this looks less to sculpt terrain to match an existing map. Your maps don’t have to be highly detailed, but should include major elevation changes, plus all wooded mas, bodies of water, roads, and towns (see Figure 2). Draw maps to standard scale and include grid lines, but don’t put grid lines on your terrain board! Make your soldiers work to learn map terrain association. As a training exercise, have soldiers make a map to match a terrain board, or build terrain to match a map. There is no better indoor exercise in map terrain association.

Simulating Combat Information

A big problem with wargming rules is that soldiers get information they Figure 2. An adequate terrain board map. Crosshatched areas are don’t get in combat. For example, trees and would be marked by green highlighter on a color map. when you fue at a target with 46 ARMOR - January-February 1993 POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT FIRE ENGAGEMENTS we remove them from the board. We EXPLODEDIBURNING. Obvious kill. Either the entire target or its turret must be hack their movements on maps avail- turned upside down. The target is out of the play. able to OPFOR and umpires only. NON-OBVIOUS KILL. Target is either knocked out or mew is dead. The target must stop in place. Do not turn target over. It may not move, shoot, or communicate. Improving Playabllity IMMOBIUZED. Track, wheel or drive train damaged. The target must stop in place. It can’t move until repaired. It may, at player’s option, shoot or communicate. RADIO OUT. Antenna blown off or radio damaged. The target may move and shoot For good training, you must balance at player‘s option, but may not communicate. (Used in indirect fire only. May be com- realism with “playability.” A set of bined with IMMOBILIZED.) rules that moves too slowly has little NO EFFECT. Round hit, but either ricocheted or did not penetrate mor. Target may training value. Using one set of rules, still move, shoot, communicate or ”play possum’ at player‘s option. MISS. Round did not hit target. we took four hours to simulate 14 minutes of combat! But rules that Flgure 3 allow fast play without realistic results don’t train soldiers for war either. Fortunately, you can modify detailed wargaming des, you’re told if you visible to Blue Force units. This in- rules to speed up play without sacri- hit the target, where the round struck cludes OPFOR units hidden in other- ficing too much realiism. The big and the exact effect it had: a kill, an wise visible terrain. If OPFOR units changes come in hit probability and immobilized target, or no effect. We ‘on the board move to concealment, engagement resolution. changed our rules so that when you shoot, you’re only told whether you hit or missed The soldier controlling SAMPLE CALCULATlON FOR COMBINING PROBABILITIES the target learns the effect of the round, which limits the target’s ac- tions (see Figure 3). You must decide Lers assume the rules say that the probability of a hit (Ph) is 75 percent. They further say that 40 percent of the hits will strike the hull (Phh), 30 percent will hit the what to do based on what the target turret (Pht) and 30 percent will hit the track (Phk). Of those that hit the turret, 70 does, just as in combat. percent will not ricochet (Ptr). Of those that hit the hull, 80 percent will not ricochet Another example of “too much in- (Phr). No track hits will ricochet. formation’’ involves seeing the battle- Based on our own judgment, we’ll assume the following about shots that don’t field The “birds-eye view” soldiers ricochet: All track hits immobilize the target; 80 percent of turret and hull hits pene- trate and kill (Ppen), but only 40 percent of kill shots cause obvious explosions (Pex). get on a terrain board lets them see terrain and enemy units they couldn’t We determine the probability of our five direct fire outcomes as follows: see in combat. Telling a soldier to ig- The probability of a miss is everything but the probability of a hit (Ph) or: nore what he can see and fight as if 1 .OO - Ph = 1 .OO - .75 = .25 or 25 percent. he can’t see it doesn’t work very well. The Dunn Kempf solution of limiting The probability of an immobilized target (Pi) is: visibility to low angles with screens Ph x Phk = .75 x 30 = .225 or about 23 percent over the board is also impractical, es- The probability of any kill, either exploding or non-obvious (Pk) is: pecially when many soldiers are in- Ph x [(Pht x Ptr) + (Phh x Phr)] x Ppen = volved .75 x [(.30 x .70) + (.40 x .80)] x .80 = We’ve come up with another way to .75 x 1.21 + .32] x .80 = limit battlefield visibility. First, we .75 x .53 x .80 = 318 or about 32 percent concentrate on realism from the Blue Force side. To achieve it, we cover The probability of an exploding target (Pext) is: Pk x Pex = 318 x .4 = .1272 or about 13 percent terrain that can’t be seen from Blue Force positions with taps. We un- The probability of a non-obvious kill (Pno) is: cover terrain as Blue Force units Pk - Pext = 318 - .127 = .191 or abbit 19 percent move and areas “come into sight.” We The probability of a hit with no effect (indudes ricochets and hits that don’t pene- put all Blue Force units on the board, trate) is whatever chance of hit is left over after the immobilized targets and kills are then make the OPFOR ignore Blue removed, or: Force units that can’t be seen from Ph - (Pi + Pk) = OPFOR positions (you must strictly -75 - (.23 + 32) enforce this, or the exercise loses .75 - .55 = .20 or 20 percent credibility). We don’t put OPFOR units on the board until they would be Figure 4

ARMOR - January-February 1993 47 USE A RANDOM NUMBER TABLE TO RESOLVE ENGAGEMENTS Most rules figure hit probability (HP) using effective target size (which includes movement), target range, and 10851 07246 75379 45204 25241 92286 weapon/ammo accuracy. Based on the 26842 09354 88159 33824 89837 08721 number of effective target sizes and 54387 79953 47774 34484 02040 47954 range increments, rules may have over 36858 27686 68514 29148 77214 08015 50950 64969 58401 98083 27732 68607 50 different Hps for one weapon/ ammo/target combination! We re- 64770 47048 65692 82406 76850 36147 duced the number of HPs down to six 70715 09303 74296 13586 34673 24805 23209 3831 1 64032 68665 36697 35300 if we could ignore target movement, 90553 35808 221 09 50725 36766 13746 or 12 if we couldn’t. 91826 58047 45318 43236 36936 46427 Fm we lowered the number of ef- fective target sizes. Many rules have Sample section of a computer-generatedrandom number table. HPs based on a stationary and a mov- ing variation for exposed ex- flank, If we use the outcome probabilities from Figure 4. put them in a logical order and posed front and hulldown targets. We assign them appropriate numbers from 1 to 100. we come up with the table below for averaged flank and front sizes and re- one weapon/ammo/targetge. This is called an outcome probability table. duced the number of effective target sizes to “exposed“ and “hull down” Outcome Probability Assigned Numbers (of 1001 without sacrificing realism. For a fu- Explosion 13% 1 to 13 ing M1, we eliminated the moving Non-obvious kill 19% 14 to 32 (next 19 numbers) target factor based on the tank’s ex- Immobilized 23% 33 to 55 (next 23 numbers) Hit with no effect 2wo 56 to 75 (next 20 numbers) cellent fm control system. For most Miss 25% 76 to 100 (last 25 numbers) weapons, we left in the moving target factor. This gave us either two or four The first step to use the random number table is to pick an arbitraty starting point. effective target sizes, depending on Then pick an order in which you will use the numbers. For this example, let‘s pick the the weapon. eighth number down in the fifth column from the right as our starting point (36697). For an order of use, lers go amss the row to the right and, when we reach the end Next, we reduced the number of of the row, lers drop down to the next row and go to the left. (You should pick a range increments. In most rules, range different start point and order of use for each weapon.) is measured for each engagement to To use the table, look at the last two digits of the number at the starting point (97). the nearest 100 or 500 meters, de- Find the group of numbers it fits into on the outcome probability table. It fits into the pending on the weapon. Each range ’Miss’ group of 76 to 100. Thus the outcome of the first engagement for this combi- increment changes HP. We lowered nation of weapon/ammo/target/range is a miss. Now go to the next number to the right to find the result of the next shot. The last two digits are 00. This translates as the number of range increments to ”100’ and is also a miss. To find the result of the third shot, drop down to the next three: short, medium, and long. The row. That number is 46, which is an immobilized target. ranges for an increment vary between weapons, and can be estimated instead Figure 5 of measured.

Our change requires only one dice can find these tables at any library in Engagement Resolution roll, since we meup with one com- textbooks on Probability and statistics, bined probability for each of the five or you can make your own with a Next we simplified engagement res- possible outcomes of direct fire. The home computer. A table of at least olution, which gives the outcome of math takes awhile, but you only do 500 numbers works best to avoid each shot. Once you have HP, all it once for each weapon/ammo/tar- using any sequence of numbers too rules have you roll dice to see if the get/range combination. Figure 4 shows often. Figure 5 shows a random num- shot hit. If it hit, you roll again to fmd a sample calculation. If you don’t ber table and how it’s used. where on the target it struck, based on want to bother with the math, you can Finally, instead of waiting for a shot another set of probabilities. Then you simply make a “best guess” of the to figure its result, we do it in ad- roll again to see if it ricocheted. Then probability of each outcome. Maybe vance. Then we combine the results of you compare penetrating power of the your guess will be better than the many shots into an Engagement Reso- round to armor strength at point of game designer’s probabilities anyway! lution List, or Em.For instance, we impact to get the effect of the shot on To further speed play, we use a m- have three ERLs for an M1 firing the target. It sounds complicated, and dom number table instead of dice. It’s SABOT at a hull down T72/r64: one it is! like having a list of dice rolls. You each for short, medium, and long 48 ARMOR - January-February 1993 range. If you use ERLs, you can re- and first sergeant as a minimum. We as much like combat as you can. Re- solve engagements as fast as firers an- include the NBC NCO, supply and quire the same reports that you use in nounce them by using the next out- maintenance people, and platoon ser- battle and require them in the correct come on the appropriate list and geants when we can. In a platoon mis- format. Make troopers communicate crossing it off as you use it. If you do sion, each vehicle is run by a sepmte using proper radio procedures and lots of terrain board exercises, it’s soldier. grid coordinates. Program realistic worth your time to make ERLs of a Try to limit the complexity of rules consolidation and reorganization into few hundred shots each and laminate you must explain to participants. This your exercises. In short, as we’re al- them so they’re reusable. Then you maximizes training time and lets sol- ways being told, TRAIN THE WAY start each exercise at a different place diers concentrate on the battle. Sol- YOU’LL FIGHT! on your ERLs to avoid repeating a se- diers need to know when, how fast, quence of outcomes. and how far their units can move. They need to know when they can Running the Exercise shoot, rules of visibility, and how var- ious events on the battlefield will be Sergeant First Class John Run your terrain board exercise like simulated. Let the umpire worry about M. Duezabou holds a Bache- an “on the ground” ARW. You’ll hit probabilities and engagement reso- lor of Arts Degree from the University of California, need an umpire and an OPFOR com- lution. mander. In a pinch, both positions can Berkeley, and a Master of be filled by one experienced person. “Playing the Game” Science Degree from the When you’re getting started, it helps University of Nevada, Reno. to have an assistant umpire to shuffle In this axticle, I’ve used the terms He is currently AGR Readi- through all the ERLs. “game” and “play,” which is some- ness NCO (19K40) for Com- A, Base the number of participants in what misleading. A good temin board pany 1-163 Cav (Montana National Guard). He is a your exercises on the type of training. simulation isn’t a game to play for In a company mission, we use a pla- fun, it’s a way to present combat situ- PLDC instructor and a for- toon leader for each Blue Force pla- ations with minimum resources to mer scout section leader. toon, plus the commander, XO, FIST, tnin your troops. Make the exercise Jousting with Their Main Guns... Continued from Page 17 killing shot. The gun tubes of the two view. A fourth enemy tank fled the tanks were locked in a deadly strug- battlefield. gle, reminiscent more of a medieval Other than a bent fender, Sergeant Major Arthur W. Connor joust than a tank battle. The other two Drewery’s tank was none the worse Jr. is currently a history in- American tanks on Drewery’s flanks for wear. Just another typical tank bat- structor at the U.S. Military could not fire for fear of hitting their tle in the Korean War. Academy. His previous as- mate. signments include platoon Notes leader and executive officer The T-34’sengine strained to push in 3d Battalion (ABN), 73d the American tank over, when Drew- ‘Rosemary Foote, The Wrong Wor: Arnericon Armor, 82d Airborne Divi- ery’s quick-thinking driver started the Policy and the Dirnenrionr of the Koreon Con- sion; tank company and engine and backed up. A distance of flict, 1950-1953, Ithaca, New York. Cornell headquarters company only three feet separated the two ad- University Press, 1985, p. 74. commander in 3d Battalion, versaries when Drewery’s gunner bay Blair, The Forgotten Wor: Arnerico in 37th Armor, 1st Infantry Di- pumped a hypervelocity round into Korea 1950-1953. New Yo&. Times Books. vision, Fort Riley, Kan.; a the T-34, setting it on fire. 1987. pp. 33940. tour as a United Nations Another T-34 tried to maneuver 3701h Tank Battalion War Diary, October Military Observer in Leba- around its stricken commie, but it 1950. Annex Number Two, “Summary of Dam- non and Syria; and gradu- was dispatched quickly by the Per- aged Enemy Tanks.” Washington National Re- ate school at Temple Uni- shing next to Drewery. Traversing im- cords Center. Suitland, Maryland, Record versity in Philadelphia. mediately, the same M-26 destroyed a Group 407. Box 4433. third T-34 that had just come into 41bid. ARMOR - January-February 7993 49 r

Saudi Troops Will Train at Fort Knox

Saudi Arabia will send 178 members of ment of Social Sciences. United States Mil- by the end of 1992. The first 1.000 civilian its military to Fort Knox for trajning this itary Academy, AlTN: Personnel Officer, customers bought directly from the factory summer. The students will arrive in July West Point, NY 10996. in South Bend, Ind. Prices range from and remain until February 1995. $40,500 to $44,000, somewhat more than According to Colonel Eugene D. Colgan. Attention Wll Veterans sport utility vehicles like the Jeep Grand Project Sword director at Fort Knox, this is Cherokee and land Rover. In addition to a direct outgrowth of DESERT SHIELD/ Professor Alton Lee is working on a his- the vehicle, buyers will get brief driving les- DESERT STORM experiences. tory of the Jeep in World War II. If you sons to learn the Hummer's "unique char- The Saudi government will pay $16.7 mil- have any unusual stories of the Jeep - acteristics." lion for the Project Sword training program. adventurous, amo- The operation's name is derived from the rous, humorous - sword emblazoned on the Saudi flag. please send them to Forty-eight Saudi soldiers will be trained him along with your Senior Officer Logistics as specialists in armor gunnery. tactics, military unit designa- and instructional procedures. and 130 will tion. He will need Management Course (SOLMC) be trained in armor and support-vehicle your permission to SOLMC is a one-week, multifunctional logistics course, use your story. maintenance and turret repair. The trainees If you specifically designed to provide an update for battalion and will later teach the techniques at Saudi do not want him to brigade commanders, primary staff officers, and DA civilians Arabia's own armor school. The mainte- use your name, working in the logistics field. The course encompasses main- nance personnel will receive additional please say so. Any tenance, supply, and transportation, as well as hands-on ex- training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. other experiences perience with vehicles. weapons, ammunition, medical, com- you would like to As part of the agreement, Saudi Arabia munications, NBC, missile, and quartermaster equipment. will buy at least 700 M1A2 Abrams tanks mention in connec- The course is open to officers of all branches in the rank of from the United States. tion with your military major or higher from Active Component. Reserve Compo- Colonel Colgan said more Saudi students service would be nent, US. Marine Corps, and Allied nations. DA civilians in could follow this group. which is currently welcomed. Send to: the grade of GS-9 or higher are also eligible to enroll. The taking nine months of English classes at Professor Alton Lee, course is conducted 12 times each fiscal year at the Armor the Defense language Institute in San An- Department of His- School, Ft. Knox, Ky. Class quotas can be obtained through tonio. Kuwait may participate in a similar tory, University of normal TRADOC channels; you must enroll through your G3 program, and has agreed to buy 235 South Dakota, Ver- or civilian training officer. For more information, contact the million, SD 57069. MlA2s and pehaps as many as 760 over SOLMC staff, DSN 464-3411/8152 or commercial (502)624- several years, he said. 3411. USMA Seeks Teachers HUMMER for SOLMC Class Schedule The U.S. Military Academy Department of Sale M 93 SCH 171 CRS 8A-F23 Social Sciences is looking' for company grade ROTC or OCS officers who are inter- AM General Corp. -Class Report Date Start Date End Date ested in teaching political science or eco- has selected several nomics. If you are from basic year groups dealers to market 93-03 31 Jan93 1 Feb93 5 Feb 93 36-90,and you are interested in civilian the Hummer, a civil- 93-04 21 Mar93 22MX93 =Mar93 graduate study followed by a teaching as- ian version of the 93-05 18 Apr 93 19 Apr 93 23 Apr 93 signment at West Point, please contact us. HMMWV it builds for 93-06 2 May 93 3 May 93 7 May 93 93-08 23 May 93 24 May 93 28 May 93 We are currently considering applications the military. The 21 Jun 93 25 Jun 93 company hoped to 93-09 20 Jun 93 of officers who might be available to start 93-503 25 Jul 93 26 Jul93 30 Jul93 graduate study in the summer of '94 or have 30 dealers 93-10 19 Sep 93 20 Sep 93 24 Sep 93 later. For more information, write: Depart- around the country

50 ARMOR - January-February 1993 Mounted Battlespace TRADOC Organizes New "Battlelabs" initiative Program

Training and Doctrine Command has or- vide versatile, effective, and efficient logis- Soldier ideas are the foundation ganized six battlelabs" to experiment with tics support at all levels. for improving the Army's Mounted concepts and equipment needed for a 'We've chosen to locate battlelabs at our Combined Arms forces. The force-projectionAmerican Army. installations where we have soldiers, units, Mounted Battlespace Initiatives Pro- 'Battlelabs are an initiative analyzing ca- and ranges for maneuver, firing, and air gram is a new and innovative pro- pabilities and requirements rather than de- space," Franks said. gram designed specifically to cap- pending on concepts based on analysis But before any concept and equipment is ture those ideas. and comparison against a firm threat, like tried in the field by soldiers, battlelabs will What is the Mounted Battlespace we did in the Cold War. We can't depend have tested them out through simulations Initiatives Program? It is a program on Cold War analyses and processes to and virtual prototyping. according to Col. which provides you the opportunity determine priorities,' according to General Bill Hubbard. director of battlelab integra- to submit ideas, concepts, and sug- Frederick M. Franks, Jr., TRADOC com- tion and technology at Fort Monroe. gestions related to mounted war- mander. "What battlelabs allow us to do is bring fighting. The Mounted Warfighting Since the end of the Cold War and the together technologists, combat developers, Battlespace Lab (MWBL) takes your collapse of the Soviet Union and the War- materiel developers, industry. and acade- ideas and then evaluates them for saw Pact, the United States military does mia to build prototypes," Hubbard said. "We their potential. Those showing prom- not face one monolithic threat. Instead, then send it through simulation, bring it ise are then processed for further there can be threats to American interests back again, tweak it, send it back through evaluation and possible experimen- and allies from several sources. again to get a near optimum solution ...' tation. Although some US. forces will be sta- "By using virtual prototyping, we can look The exact nature of your proposal tioned overseas, the bulk of the American at different combinations of things on differ- is not important What is important is Army will be based at home. It will be a ent pieces of equipment. Examples are its potential to benefit the combined force-projection Army organized to protect what a new tank barrel can do on a tank, arms force. All ideas are welcomed, national interests and assist allies. and what a new piece of armor on a tank especially if they pertain to one of Operations DESERT STORM, in the Mid- will do.' he said. the following: dle East, and JUST CAUSE, in Panama, Hubbard pointed out that the battlelab de- *Design for new equipment are examples of the types of combat oper- sign will refine solutions 'on the front end *Redesign for modification of ex- ations the Army envisions. of the acquisition process, rather than on isting equipment the tail end.' Changes to organizational strue The six battlelabs are Early Entry Battlelab task forces will work with indus- ture Battlelab at TRADOC headquarters, Fort try to develop new technologies and equip- Change's to tactics, techniques. Monroe. Va.; Mounted Battlespace Labora- ment for the modem Army. However, and procedures tory (armor), Fort Knox, Ky.; Dismounted Franks feels that, with budgetary situations, Submitting your ideas to the Battlespace Laboratory (infantry), Fort technological 'insertions" will be the pri- Mounted Battlespace Initiatives Pro- Benning. Ga.; Depth and Simultaneous At- mary method used to enhance battlefield gram will not preclude you from tack, Fort Sill, Okla.; Battle Command, Fort capabilities for the foreseeable future. Tech being eligible for an incentive award Leavenworth, Kan.; and Combat Service insertion means placing existing technolo- through the Army Suggestion Pro- Support, Fort Lee, Va. gies on available equipment. gram. Format is not important - The Early Entry Lab will work with the One tech insertion is the intervehicular in- merely submit your proposals or Navy, Marines, and Air Force to ensure ini- formation system (IVIS) in M1A2 Abrams come by and see us at Fort Knox, tiallydeployed forces are sufficiently large tanks. lVlS allows armored forces to com- Building 1109. Room 213. Pictures. and lethal enough to be successful in any municate digitally on the battlefield. sketches, narratives. or products circumstance. The Fort Knox lab has been looking at with instructions for use will be ac- The battlespace labs will determine the ways to expand lVlS to include aircraft, ar- cepted. Send your proposals to: Dk best ways for armored and infantry forces tillery, and infantry to get the entire combat rector, Mounted Warfighting Battle to take advantage of time, distance, and team on the same communications net- space Lab, ATTN: ATZK-MW, Fort space on battlefields. The goal is to en- work. Knox. KY 40121-5000. gage an enemy outside his range of capa- As in the case of IVIS. each battlelab will Proposals may be made by phone bilities, day or night, while dispersing Army not work in isolation. They will interact with through the US. Army Armor Center forces but not their effectiveness. major commands, units, and laboratories and Fort Knox Armor Hotline with a At Fort Sill, the Depth and Simultaneous throughout the Army. toll-free service (1-800-525-6848)for Attack Lab will work on ways to detect and "There are also developments going on in CONUS users. The following num- simultaneously strike an enemy throughout the other services that we want to tap into," bers may also be used to reach the the depth of the battlefield. Hubbard said. Hotline: DSN 464-TANK or commer- The Fort Leavenworth Battle Command Battlelab task forces and the national sci- cial (502) 624-8265. Follow touch- Lab is developing techniques and equip- entific laboratories at Los Alamos and San- tone instructions to reach the ment to give commanders at all levels situ- dia, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., have MWBL. Callers are reminded the ational information and intelligence to opti- agreed to exchange information, Hubbard line is unsecure and to leave their mize their ability to command forces, partic- said. He also pointed to advances in virtual name, rank, unit, phone number, ularly while on the move. prototyping at the University of North Caro- and address when a proposal is Combat Service Support Lab members lina as a case of possible academia in- transmitted. are devising methods and systems to pro- volvement.

ARMOR - January-February 1993 51 A Dissent on the Gulf War

Arms Over DIplornacy: Reflec- came a "cruel and morally unjustified mas- Rostov, which was the ultimate aim of both tions of the Persian Gulf War by sacre. and that it was "an act of ven- Soviet offensives (Kollso and Saturn) that Dennis Menos, Praeger Publishing geance, pure and simple, that had nothing had as its primary objective the destruction to do with the legal authority for the war: of von Paulus's forces inside Stalingrad. Co., Westport, Conn., 1992, 174 His first two chapters were written during While Sadarananda provides the reader pages, $42.95. the war, with the remainder written after- with a wealth of information on the German ward. The appendix contains U.N.. Ameri- plans at relief and realignment of Army This study may only please opponents of can,and Soviet documents. and there is a Groups A and B. the author fails to include the way the U.S. conducted the Persian chronology. His message is repeated sufficient detail on the STAVKA's (Soviet Gulf War. The author does not intend to be throughout the work; there is never a doubt High Command's) plan of attack and what objective; his preface says it 'contains the where he stands. "The Iraqi's actions were the ultimate Soviet objectives were in reflections of one who was troubled by the brutal and wrong,' concludes Menos. "but launching Kollso and Saturn. As is now administration's decision to go to war so was the medicine that we handed him.' known, the goal of both Generals against Iraq for the purpose of freeing Ku- He finishes the book by asking, "Did win- Eremenko and Vatutin was the expulsion of wait and by the aftereffects of the conflict.' ning the war make it right?' This book ad- the Germans from the Don. along with the Menos firmly believes the U.S. should have dresses one half of the discussion to an- hope of retaking the Ukraine, thus 'precipi- pursued a diplomatic solution and calls the swer this question. tating the collapse of not only the German American response high-tech gunboat di- southern flank but [ofl the entire German plomacy. THOMAS J. VANCE strategic position in the East.' The author of three books on national se- Major, USAR (IMA) Sadarananda credits Manstein with not curity issues, Menos argues the war was Kalamazoo. Mich. only recognizing the threat posed by the unnecessary. unjust, and immoral. He is Soviet Army's two-pronged countersboke to critical of President Bush and Saddam the Wehrmacht's southern flank, thus repo- Hussein, calling their leadership "a textbook Beyond Stallngrad: Manstein sitioning the German forces for a series of example of how not to manage a conflict.' and the Operations of Army successful counterattacks, but also in deal- It was an unjust war, he says, because the Group Don by Dana V. ing with Adolf Hitler's 'stand and hold or- U.S. didn't pursue all diplomatic alterna- Sadarananda, Praeger Publishing ders. Sadarananda writes that Hitler com- tives before using force. Co., New York, 1990, 165 pages, plicated the Field Marshal's task by deny- He asks many questions, among them: $42.95. ing Manstein the degree of freedom that Why the sudden insistence by the U.S. to would have made his job "considerably less uphold international law while aggression Within the last two years, operational mili- difficult and risky.' Beyond Stahgrad is goes unchecked elsewhere ("there are lots tary history appears to be once again com- structured chronologically in order to effec- of Saddam Husseins'); why weren't eco- ing to the fore as both the academic and tively illustrate the solutions proposed in nomic sanctions given mom time; why military communities search for answers re- order to rescue the besieged garrison at were reporters so heavily censored; why in- garding the problems associated with Stalingrad. While faulting Manstein for not flict 100,000 casualties to save 700,000 mechanized, mid-intensitywarfare. Dana V. sending von Paulus the code word that Kuwaitis; why did the U.S. greet the Shiite Sadarananda's Beyond Sfahgrad is one would have begun the breakout attempt, rebellion in 'absolute silence;' and why the such study, and is operational history at its Sadarananda defends the German reluctance to ground Iraqi gunships and best, focusing where mechanized opera- fe/dmarschall by restating he official line tanks used against the Kurds? tions were practiced and perfected almost proposed by Hitler and Zeitzler (OKH Chief One of the more interesting sections to an aR on the Eastern Front during of the General Staff), that the Sixth Army deals with the Soviet diplomatic initiative, World War II. Sadarananda has recon- was performing a more valuable service by focusing on the Aziz-Gorbachev talks prior structed a brief, yet highly controversial. tying down a substantial number of Rus- to the grwnd operation. Menos gives synopsis of General Feldmarschall Eric von sians along the Volga. The author also Gorbachev good marks for his perfor- Manstein's counteroffensive in the southern writes that Manstein himself concluded that mance; however, the Soviet goal of sparing Don Basin from November 1942 to March von Paulus's situation at Stalingrad was, the Iraqi Army was inconsistent with U.S. 1943. The battles waged during this time for all practical purposes, hopeless after objectives, says Menos. "The U.S. accep- period were, as Sadarananda writes, "the the Soviets launched Saturn and YitN/e tance of the Moscow initiative would have most critical' of the entire war, and were Saturn' (14 December), and instead recom- served America's interest in a number of fought in order to halt the ongoing,Soviet mended that the Sixth Army remain in the ways,' according to Menos, one of them Army counteroffensive aimed at Group B Stalingrad pocket. Disputing this, however, being the preservation of US.-Soviet rela- (including the Sixth Army at Stalingrad). are historians John Erickson and Earl tions 'at a very critical juncture.' Sadarananda describes, at great length, Ziemke. both of whom assert that, as late He admits the U.S. ultimatum of February Manstein's attempt to relieve von Paulus's as 23 December 1942, von Paulus could 22, 1991. was generous and that doomed Sixth Army in the Stalingrad have initiated an attempt to break out and Saddam's biggest blunder of &e war was pocket, as well as the brilliant operational link up with elements of the 4th Panzer turning it down. He also argues that the moves he urldertook in order to prevent Army that had been sent to assist in the Iraqi plans for withdrawal from Kuwait be- Army Group Don from being cut off at breakout. Manstein instead saw the plight

~~ 52 ARMOR - January-February 1993 ~ ~~ ~ ~~ of the Sixth Army as an opportunity to sta- gree, Sadarananda assert that Manstein's viet Union K. Rokossovsky's A Soldier3 bilize one sector of the front while redress- employment of such tactics were in direct Oufy (Moscow, 1985), and Vladimir ing the operational-strategic balance by contradiction to Hitler's 'No Retreat' and Sevruk's Moscow and stahgrad preventing any further Soviet break- 'Stand Fast' orders, but in the long run, 7947/1942 (Moscow, 1978), both of which throughs, such as occurred during the win- however, saved Army Groups A and B would have provided a better understand- ter of 1941-42. Manstein doomed the Sixth from being cut off and destroyed by the ad- ing of the difficulties encountered by the Army to its fate, believing that had von vanang Soviet forces. Manstein's employ- STAVKA after the launching of Koltso and Paulus withdrawn. his own forces would ment of ad hoc panzer groups or Saturn. Sadarananda's discounting of the become a "magnet' for ChuikoVs 62nd kampfgruppes gave him greater flexibility in abilities of the Soviet field commanders Army and Vasilevskii's Stalingrad Front. dealing with local threats. Despite the pres- during this period renders an otherwise ex- Manstein asserted that if properly relieved ence of such groups, the bulk of Manstein's cellent book biased and one-sided. All that by air, the Sixth Army could have, in fact, forces in the Don were, in fact, stationary the author is doing, in fact, is providing the held on at Stalingrad. Manstein's concern forces that were employed in a succession reader with a summarization of the German instead was centered around Army Group of static defenses. Sadarananda writes that field reports that reflected the same skepti- A that was fighting in the Caucasus, rather these kampfgruppes acted as 'fire bri- cism and contempt of the Soviet Army's than on the ever-growing disaster on the gades,' by assisting the infantry as fire sup- ability to maintain and exploit a major of- Volga. In the end, Sixth Army's fate was port and shock units against local enemy fensive. sealed by Soviet Generals Rokossovsky's breakthroughs. Sadarananda fails, how- By discounting the ability of the Soviet and Chuikov's linkup, which negated any ever, to follow through in describing field commanders and soldiers in conduct- relief effort. Manstein's reasoning in employing these ing such a complex set of offensives, sadarananda provides an excellent de- tactics, as well as how successful the em- Sadarananda has in effect defeated the scription of the fighting that continued as ployment of these mobile formations were purpose of his book, and that of course is the gm'son inside 'Fortress Stalingrad" against Soviet forces. Sadarananda like- to illustrate what he terms as "the genius of surrendered (29 January 1943) by vividly wise asserts that, despite the use of mobile Manstein." By presenting a more balanced describing how the Germans under Man- groups, the ultimate failure of subsequent account of the fighting before and after the stein fought to hold off the Soviet 5th German operations in the same area of op- collapse of the Sixth Army at Stalingrad, Shock Army (General M.M. Popov's 'Mobile erations were primarily due to the lack of Sadarananda would have been better able Group') and the 7th Tank Corps at Nyshne- tactical depth during the retreat from to illustrate the effectiveness of Manstein's Chirskaya. which eventually forced the out- Stalingrad. Construction of such defensive operational prowess instead of giving an numbered German troops out of their vital positions came about after Operation extremely biased and poorly balanced ver- bridgehead there. Manstein's forces, esti- ZITADELLE (July 1943). and this only after sion of the failure of the Wehrmacht on the mated to be a collection of 10% divisions Hitter reluctantly permitted their formation Eastern Front. Despite the last point, how- faced a Soviet force that consisted of 36 along the Dnepr River (the Piranha and ever, Beyond Sfalingrad is an extremely rifle divisions (425,476 men), 1,030 tanks, Panther positions). Had Manstein pos- useful book that should be read only after and almost 5,000 guns and mortars, de- sessed such positions in late 1942, the reading both John Erickson's Road to fending a front encompassing 200 square German armies along the Stalingrad Front Stalingrad and Road to Berlin, as well as miles, with mounting casualties and logisti- might not have collapsed as suddenly as Timothy Wray's Standing Fast, in order to cal problems. Manstein, forced on the de- they did during the initial stages of Koltso gain a better appreciation of at least the fensive, began demonstrating what and Safurn. German dilemma as the tide of battle Sadarananda calls the German general's Another major omission in Sadarananda's slowly began turning in favor of the Soviet 'unique' ability to grasp the initiative back book is the failure to discuss the build up of Army after the debacle at Stalingrad. from the Russians. This "ability" was aptly Soviet forces and their use of 'Maskirovka' Sadarananda's book has, however, pro- demonstrated when, along the Chir Front, (deception) prior to the Stalingrad offensive vided operational military history with an Soviet General Bandanov's 24th Tank in November 1942. The author's reliance account that will go a long way in redirect- Corps was mauled by Armeegruppe on German sources clearly reflects the in- ing the focus on an important campaign 'Hollidt" when the Germans were able to attention paid to the Soviets' use of decep- that, up to now, has been ignored by mili- retake the Tatsinskaya airfield that resup- tion by the German Army's Eastem Army tary historians. Beyond Sfalingrad is import- plied the besieged German forces inside Intelligence Branch, and once again illus- ant likewise because of the many opera- Stalingrad. trates how Manstein and his field com- tional and tactical lessons Sadarananda Sadarananda likewise discusses Man- manders misread Soviet capabilities and in- has included throughout the book These stein's employment of mobile defense oper- tentions prior to the Stalingrad offensive lessons serve to illustrate the need for pre- ations in order to contain Soviet thrusts and later during ZITADELLE. Sadara- cise operational planning, as well as deci- against the German positions along the nanda's reliance on German sources, while sive action on the part of platoon through Chir Front. as well as along the Donets neglecting even secondary sources on So- brigade-level commanders. As Army and River. Defined by historian Timothy Wray in viet military strategy during the Second Marine Corps armored commanders pre- his excellent monograph, Standing Fast! World War, is all too obvious. The author's pare for another war such as DESERT German Defensive Doctrine on the Russian failure to use similar Soviet accounts of the STORM, 6eyond Stalingrad is a "must Front During World War II (Ft. Leaven- fighting on the Eastern Front is another se- read.' worth. 1986), these mobile defense opera- rious omission. The wealth of published tions or 'fire brigade tactics' were extremely Soviet memoirs available to scholars in the LEO J. DAUGHERTY 111 critical in stemming the massive Russian West would have made Beyond Sfalingrad Sergeant, USMCR tide during the period immediately after a more balanced and better-written book. The Ohio State University Stalingrad. Both Wray and, to a lesser de- These memoirs include Marshal of the So- Columbus, Ohio

ARMOR - January-February 1993 53