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| CHAPTER 6. | ORGANIZATION AND TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT |
| Section I. | Mission and organization |
| Section II. | Tactical employment, general |
| Section Ill. | Defense and retrograde |
| Section IV. | Offense |
| Section V. | Armored cavalry operations |
Section I. MISSION AND ORGANIZATION
119. General
This chapter includes guidance on both the three-man section as prescribed in TOE 7-97T and an augmented section of fifteen men. Paragraphs 121 and 122 outline the organization and equipment for infantry and armor units for both type sections with a suggested method of utilization for the three-man section and its augmentation from parent unit sources. The bulk of this chapter is concerned with relatively detailed coverage of the 15-man section. The same broad basic considerations apply to employment of the three-man section; however, inadequacies of the three-man section in personnel and equipment will affect its ability to make a timely response to fire requests and to operate for extended periods in the field.
120. Mission
The mission of the Davy Crockett section is to provide organic nuclear fire support for the parent unit.
121. Organization and Communications, Infantry Units
a. Three-Man Section.
(1) This organization in infantry units is assigned to the combat support company, infantry division battle group, and the mortar battery of the airborne division battle group. It has three squads, two armed with the light Davy Crockett (XM28) and one armed with the heavy Davy Crockett (XM29) (fig. 66). Each squad consists of one EM who is the team leader ( squad leader). Each light weapon is mounted on a 1/4-ton truck which tows a 1/4-ton trailer. The heavy weapon is stowed in the M113 APC in infantry units and mounted on the 1/4-ton truck in airborne units. The airborne 1/4-ton truck pulls a ¼-ton trailer. The senior squad leader is also the section leader.
(2) Each light squad and the heavy airborne squad has a mounted AN /VRC-10 radio for communication. The heavy squad has an AN/VRC-15 radio mounted in the APC. A remote control group, AN/GRA-6, must be added from facilities within the battle group to allow communication during actual firing posture of both type weapons.
(3) Each squad must be augmented with four additional men for sustained operation, for dismounted operation of any duration, or when more than one weapon is employed. Men chosen for this augmentation should be trained in indirect fire procedures and techniques and cross-trained on Davy Crockett to fill squad positions as computer, gunner, assistant gunner, and loader .
FIGURE 66. Davy Crockett section TOE 7 - 97 TABLE
(4) Until augmented by additional squad members, vehicles, and communications, the three squad leaders give an immediate capability of firing one weapon by operating as a reduced crew on the heavy weapon and utilizing the APC for transportation. If this method is used, the ¼-ton trucks and trailers of the light squads will be left with the battle group field trains or a higher echelon. Airborne sections may operate their heavy weapon and utilize one of the light weapon's %.-ton carriers as transportation only.
(5) The battle group commander will cross-train selected battle group mortar men to operate Davy Crockett. This includes those from the heavy mortar platoon, rifle company mortar sections, and the support squad of the reconnaissance platoon.
(6) Augmentation personnel may come from units to which squads are attached, or from the nearest mortar unit when employed in general support.
(7) The three-man section is considered capable of planning for and firing a single Davy Crockett round without augmentation. Both preplanned and target of opportunity fires can be fired if sufficient time is allowed for registration and preparation of data.
(8) If augmentation must come from sources within the battle group, the personnel may be drawn from the units given in (5) and (6) above. Two additional vehicles to provide transportation for augmentation personnel for the two light squads will be taken from battle group units as directed by the battle group commander. AN/PRC-10 radios may be taken from the utility sets of the battle group. The addition of one AN/PRC-10 to each squad is considered sufficient for all operations except when the squad is employed in direct support or during dismounted and airborne operations when two will be required.
b. Fifteen-Man Section.
(1) The section consists of three squads (fig. 67). Each squad contains a squad leader, fire direction computer, gunner, assistant gunner, and loader. The senior squad leader will be the section leader.
(2) The primary armament of the section consists of two light Davy Crocketts (XM28) and one heavy Davy Crockett (XM29).
(3) Transportation for the section consists of two ¼-ton trucks and one ¼-ton trailer for each light squad and an Ml 13 armored personnel carrier for the heavy squad.
(4) Figure 68 shows the radios of the section and a type radio net used by the section when employed in general support. Employed in direct support, the squads will additionally enter the command net of the supported unit. In attachment, the squads will enter the heavy mortar fire direction net and the command net of the unit to which it is attached.
(5) Whenever the tactical situation permits, wire systems parallel the radio nets.
c. Duties of Personnel.
(1) Squad leader. Responsible for the command, discipline, training, and tactical employment of his Davy Crockett squad. He is trained in forward observation procedures and may issue commands to the squad for direct fire missions. He is qualified to make recommendations to the supported unit on the employment of the Davy Crockett weapon.
FIGURE 67. Davey Crockett section, infantry units (with 12-man augmentation)
(2) Fire direction computer. Operates the communications equipment and by use of his map, M16 plotting board, and firing tables, computes data to place accurate fire in the target areas. In an indirect fire situation, he issues the fire command, and may issue it in a direct fire situation.
(3) Gunner. Lays the weapon for elevation and deflection throughout all fire missions. Makes required safety checks and fires the major caliber projectile.
(4) Assistant gunner. Assists in mounting and loading the weapon. Sets timer dial, arm-safe, and burst option switches. Fires the spotting round on the light weapon. Drives the weapon carrier and is responsible for its maintenance.
(5) Loader. Assists in mounting and loading the weapon. Places out aiming posts, lays wire, and operates communications equipment. He resupplies ammunition, drives the second vehicle of the squad, and is responsible for its maintenance.
d. Relationship to Heavy Mortar Platoon. The Davy Crockett section is dependent upon the heavy mortar platoon for forward observers during indirect fire and normal administrative, supply, and training functions. The section receives command guidance and safety criteria from the heavy mortar platoon commander and is responsive to control of the platoon when employed in general or direct support.
122. Organization and Communications, Armor Units
a. Three-Man Section.
(1) This organization in armor units is assigned to-
(a) Headquarters and headquarters company, armored division infantry battalion.
(b) Headquarters and headquarters company, armored division armor battalion, 90-mm.
(c) Headquarters and headquarters company, armor battalion, 90-mm.
(d) Headquarters and headquarters troop, armored division cavalry squadron.
(e) Headquarters and headquarters troop, armored cavalry squadron, armored cavalry regiment.
(!) Headquarters and headquarters company, infantry division armor battalion; 90-mm.
(g) Headquarters and headquarters troop, infantry division cavalry squadron.
(2) Equipment is the same as for infantry units except for the substitution of radios with the armor frequency band
FIGURE 68. Type radio net, heavy mortar platoon, infantry battle group.
for those sections whose parent unit operates on armor frequencies.
(3) Each squad must be augmented with four additional men for sustained operation, for dismounted operation of any duration, or when more than one weapon is employed. Men chosen for this augmentation should be trained in indirect fire procedures and techniques, and cross-trained on Davy Crockett to fill squad positions as computer, gunner, assistant gunner, and loader.
(4) Until augmented by additional squad members, vehicles, and communications, the three squad leaders give an immediate capability of firing one weapon by operating as a reduced crew on the heavy weapon and utilizing the APC for transportation. If this method is used, the ¼-ton trucks and trailers of the light squads will be left with the parent unit field trains or a higher echelon.
(5) While sources for augmentation of the Davy Crockett teams are at the discretion of the appropriate commander, the following is furnished as guidance:
(a) When the section is organic to headquarters and headquarters company armor battalion, 90-mm; headquarters and headquarters company, armored division armor battalion, 90-mm; and headquarters and headquarters company, armored division infantry battalion; 12 men from the battalion mortar platoon.
(b) When the section is organic to headquarters and headquarters company, infantry division armored battalion, 90-mm, 12 men from the security sections of the tank companies.
(c) When the section is organic to headquarters and headquarters troop, armored division cavalry squadron; headquarters and headquarters troop, infantry division cavalry squadron; or headquarters and headquarters troop, armored cavalry squadron, armored cavalry regiment; one support squad from each armored cavalry troop.
(6) Those units having organic mortar forward observer teams will utilize these FO's to adjust Davy Crockett fires over the mortar fire direction net. Those units without organic mortar forward observer teams may use commanders and the command net or a separate fire direction net established by giving artillery FO's radio which can net with the Davy Crockett squads.
(7) The three-man section is considered capable of planning for and firing a single Davy Crockett round without augmentation. Both preplanned and target of opportunity fires can be fired if sufficient time is allowed for registration and preparation of data.
(8) If augmentation must come from sources within the parent unit, the personnel may be drawn from the units given in ( 5) above. Two additional vehicles to provide transportation for augmentation for the two light squads will be taken from units as directed by the parent unit commander. Portable radios may be taken from the utility sets of the unit. The addition of one portable radio to each squad is considered sufficient for all operations except when the squad is employed in direct support or during dismounted operations when two will be required.
b. Fifteen-Man Section.
(1) This section is organized as shown in paragraph 121b (1) through (3).
(2) Radio nets will be established as indicated in a ( 6) above.
c. Relationship to Parent Unit. The Davy Crockett section is dependent upon its parent unit for forward observers during indirect fire and normal administrative, supply, and training functions. Parent unit commanders will determine which of his subunits will perform these functions.
Section II. TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT, GENERAL
123. Capabilities and Limitations
a. Capabilities. (1) The section is capable of providing direct or indirect organic nuclear fire support for the parent unit and its subunits.
(2) The section or its squads may be employed in either general support or direct support.
(3) The section is completely mobile and is provided with a flexible communications system.
(4) Primary targets for the section are massed enemy personnel.
(5) The maximum range of the light weapon is 2,000 meters and that of the heavy weapon is 4,000 meters.
(6) For classified effects capabilities, see Changes No. 1, FM 101-31.
b. Limitations.
(1) Maximum ranges of the weapon system.
(2) Position disclosing feature of the back blast requires frequent displacement.
(3) Security and safety requirements of the ammunition.
(4) Necessity of obtaining mask and back blast clearance.
(5) Extremely limited portability.
(6) The coordination, control, safety criteria, and warning necessary for nuclear fires.
(7) Ammunition allocation and resupply.
(8) Piston impact area.
124. Fundamentals of Employment
a. Davy Crockett supplements and enhances the fire support available to the parent unit commander.
b. In order to take maximum advantage of its range inclusive of required troop safety limits, Davy Crockett weapons must be employed well forward.
c. Davy Crockett fires should be observed unless specific information is received on location and type of target.
d. During active nuclear wartime conditions the allocation of DAVY CROCKETT nuclear ammunition with authority to expend will be retained by the parent unit (battalion/squadron/battle group) commander.
e. Davy Crockett weapons are normally fired using indirect fire methods.
f. Davy Crockett fires will be coordinated with other fire support elements to the extent permitted by the time available.
g. Decision to use Davy Crockett is based on normal considerations of the fire unit to be utilized, such as: size and type of target, availability of ammunition, effects desired, responsiveness to request, ranges of weapons involved, and proximity of friendly forces.
h. Fire planning is continuous.
i. Fire mission authentication systems, commander's safety criteria, and warning systems will be established by the commander concerned.
j. Davy Crockett units must be placed with or near other friendly units for security.
k. Ammunition in possession of a Davy Crockett squad will not be in excess of the squad's ability to transport it.
125. Methods of Employment
The Davy Crockett section or its individual squads may be employed in either general support or direct support roles. The parent unit commander decides which method best supports his scheme of maneuver. In determining the method of employment for the section or its squads, the parent unit commander considers aspects of the following: desirability and capability of centralized control and coordination of fires, and the desirability of increasing the combat power of specific units. Squads will normally be retained in general support of the parent unit or direct support of one or more of its companies.
a. General Support. When employed in general support, the following considerations are applicable:
(1) Control and coordination are centralized.
(2) Fires are available to all units although the parent unit commander may prescribe a priority of fire to a specific unit.
(3) Firing positions must be occupied by the section which will enable it to fire in support of the maximum number of subunits of the parent unit.
(4) The squads will be integrated into the appropriate fire direction and command nets.
(5) The section leader, under the direction of the appropriate commander, will order the squads into general position areas and will order displacement.
(6) The FSC will coordinate delivery of on-call fires and target of opportunity fires based upon the parent unit commander's guidance and his own knowledge of the fire support situation.
(7) Supply and administrative functions are retained by the parent unit.
b. Direct Support. When employed in direct support, the following considerations are applicable:
(1) A degree of centralized control is retained while the squads are more responsive to fire requests of a designated unit than when in general support.
(2) The squads are responsive to the fire requests of the supported commander and move or position themselves to fire weapons as requested by that commander. The commander must submit all requests for fire to the parent unit commander for approval. Davy Crockett nuclear weapons are not normally allocated to company or lower unit commanders.
(3) Supply and administrative functions are retained by the parent unit.
(4) Squads enter the appropriate fire direction and command nets and the net of the supported unit commander.
(5) Requests from other units are approved in the same manner as for general support. See a (6) above.
126. Troop Leading Procedures
a. The section leader normally accompanies other leaders to the parent unit headquarters to receive the unit order. Applicable portions are issued to the squad leaders in his section order. He then performs necessary coordination, insures that communications are established, and supervises the operations of his squads.
b. If the section is employed in direct support of one unit, the section leader performs the necessary coordination with the supported unit commander. When the squads are employed in direct support of different units, the squad leaders perform this coordination. In the case of a rifle company, the company commander normally utilizes his weapons platoon leader to coordinate Davy Crockett fires along with those of other organic fire support units.
c. The squad leader normally works closely with the individual who is responsible for coordinating the organic and supporting fire support units. The squad leader may utilize one of his radios to maintain contact with his squad when vehicles must be separated. He coordinates with the forward observer after receipt of the company order.
d. Squad leaders choose the exact location of their weapon in either of the above methods of employment. Every attempt is made to establish alternate means of communication. Emergency warning devices and pyrotechnics are kept on hand consistent with unit SOP. At each firing position, coordination for local security is made with the leader of the nearest friendly unit. When in general support, a reconsideration of security provisions must be made by the parent unit commander when proposed firing positions are not near a unit or when the unit furnishing security by its presence is redeployed.
e. For additional information on troop leading procedures, see FM's 7-10 and 17-1.
127. Targets, Types of Fire, and Fire Planning
a. Targets.
(1) There are no specific rules for selection of remunerative Davy Crockett targets. Targets are considered in their relationship to the commander's plan, other fire support means available, size and type of target, effects desired, and availability of ammunition. Generally, targets which are vulnerable to the effects of the weapon and whose destruction or neutralization are critical to the commander's plan are selected.
(2) Type targets.
(a) Massed personnel targets of platoon or larger size.
(b) Mortar, artillery, missile launching positions.
(c) Groups of vehicles.
(d) Command posts or logistical installations of battalion or larger size units.
(e) Fortified positions.
b. Types of Fire.
(1) Davy Crockett squads are prepared to deliver scheduled fires, on-call fires, and fire on targets of opportunity.
(2) In the defense, the squads participate in long-range fires, close-in defensive fires, and fires within the battle area.
c. Fire Planning.
(1) The parent unit commander is responsible for the planning and coordination of Davy Crockett fires. Based on guidance of the commander, the section leader performs detailed fire planning for those squads employed in general support. Squad leaders perform fire planning for direct support squads.
(2) The Davy Crockett fire plan is submitted in the form of an overlay and becomes a part of the parent unit fire support annex to the operation order. As a minimum, a target list is submitted to the commander for coordination with other fire support units.
(3) Preplanned fires are coordinated by the FSC as directed by the parent unit commander.
(4) Davy Crockett nuclear safety lines are established by the FSC consistent with the parent unit commander's safety criteria informally expressed in the SOP. A succession of nuclear safety lines is planned for offensive or retrograde operations. The nuclear safety line must be disseminated to all subunits of the parent unit.
(5) Davy Crockett squads utilize the common numbering systern for concentrations as prescribed in the unit SOP.
(6) Fire planning is continuous. Fires are planned on likely avenues of approach, assembly areas, weapons positions, defiles, and obstacles.
(7) Location of the position(s) of Davy Crockett weapons by a survey section will assist the squads in bringing surprise fire on a target.
(8) For further information on fire planning, see FM's 6-20-2, 7-19, 7-40, and 17-1.
128. Observation
a. Fires delivered by Davy Crockett squads are observed whenever possible.
b. The forward observers of mortar platoons are normally utilized to observe Davy Crockett fires. If no mortar platoon forward observer is available, any commander, mortar or artillery observer may observe the fires provided they can establish communication with the squad delivering the fire. Aerial observers in communication with a delivery squad can adjust the spotting rounds and the nuclear round can then be delivered after they have moved a safe distance or placed a mask between themselves and the target area.
FIGURE 69. Sample Davy Crockett fire plan.
129. Reconnaissance, Selection, and Occupation of Firing Positions
a. The primary consideration in selection of firing positions is the capability of delivering accurate and timely fire for the supported unit.
b. Position disclosing features of the back blast and enemy counter fire location of the weapon by the distinctive trajectories of its piston and major caliber round will necessitate frequent shifting of position. In addition to the primary position, alternate and supplementary positions must habitually be reconnoitered and selected. If time permits, these positions, and the route between them, are prepared.
c. Desirable features of a good position include
(1) Mask and back blast clearance.
(2) Defilade for weapon and crew. Preferably the reverse slope of a hill.
(3) Concealment from ground and air observation.
(4) Routes to rear and flanks for rapid shifting of position.
(5) Free of materials contributing to the back blast cloud.
(6) Near friendly units for security.
(7) Hard standing nearby for vehicles. Desirably, the heavy squad APC is placed on the flank of the weapon to be used as a position for the crew during firing of the major caliber round and to furnish protection from artillery and mortar fires.
(8) A piston impact area clear of friendly troops.
d. Squad leaders must be prepared to recommend position areas from which they can accomplish the desired fire support. Continuous reconnaissance is necessary to locate good positions. Squad leaders pick the exact location of the weapon within the area designated by the section leader or the supported unit commander. After informing the supported unit, the squad leader orders displacement to an alternate position whenever the primary position becomes untenable due to enemy fire.
e. Since Davy Crockett sites will be prime targets for enemy weapons, special precautions may be required. Positions may be occupied only long enough to adjust on targets and the weapon and crew then moved to a covered and concealed area until a fire mission is requested. In open terrain, the primary position may be selected but not immediately occupied if enemy air is active. Fire data is prepared as completely as possible without registration. Unless required by restrictive terrain, the squads do not occupy positions in close proximity to each other to preclude counterbattery fires from destroying more than one squad.
f. In areas where terrain restricts movement and the weapon must remain in one position for an extended period, it may be necessary to construct a protective wall on each side of the weapon and dig emplacements for the ammunition and crew. An alternate solution is to dig emplacements for the disassembled weapon and its ammunition near the foxholes of the crew members.
130. Security
a. Local Security. Positions are chosen which enhance local security by proximity to other friendly troops. Commanders of nearby friendly units should be notified of the weapon position and its provisions for security. Field expedient warning devices and trip flares are used to assist security personnel, particularly during hours of darkness.
b. Ammunition Security. Peacetime security provisions for the XM388 warhead are contained in (SRD) DA Letter AGAM-P (M)471.6 (1 Nov 61) DCSOPS, Safety Rules for Peacetime Operations With the Davy Crockett/ MK54 Mod 2 Atomic Weapons System (U), dated 1 November 1961 and in (CRD) TM 9-1000-209-12, Operator and Organizational Maintenance Manual (prefire procedure): Battle Group Lightweight Weapon System XM28 (portable and vehicle-mounted) and Battle Group Heavy Weapon System XM29 (vehicle-mounted) (U).
131. Ammunition Supply
a. The Davy Crockett section is dependent on other elements for its ammunition supply. The parent unit commander is responsible for resupply of the squads.
b. The special ammunition load (SAL) for Davy Crockett rounds will be established by higher headquarters for each operation. The SAL specifies the number of nuclear rounds authorized to be carried by the unit and is based on the tactical situation and allocations made available to the parent unit commander. Replenishment of the SAL is not made on an automatic basis as is normal with nonnuclear ammunition, but is a command decision.
c. Ammunition personnel of the parent unit draw the XM388 nuclear projectiles from the nearest ordnance special ammunition supply point (SASP). These projectiles are kept on vehicles at the parent unit ADP or at the ADP of the mortar platoon if such a platoon is organic to the parent unit. From the ADP, unit distribution is effected as directed by the parent unit commander. See paragraph 124k.
d. Spotter rounds, pistons, and propellants are drawn through normal ammunition channels and distributed with the nuclear round.
e. The use of helicopters expedite resupply over long distances
or difficult terrain.
132. Movement by Air
a. All components of the Davy Crockett weapon and its ammunition are transportable by Army aircraft.
b. This air transportability provides the commander with readily available nuclear firepower during airmobile operations. Arrangements for transportation within the objective area must be made, however, since the weapon is portable for very short distances only.
Section Ill. DEFENSE AND RETROGRADE
133. General Defensive employment of the Davy Crockett section is characterized by careful and continuous fire planning. Proper utilization by the commander in conjunction with other fire support means and prompt reaction to fire requests by the squads will contribute materially to any defense.
134. Preparation and Planning for Defense
a. General. In determining the best method of employment for Davy Crockett units in defense, the commander must first consider them in relation to the fundamentals of defense (see FM's 7-40 and 17-1). Those fundamentals having the greatest influence on his decision as to method of employment are proper utilization of terrain (avenue of approach) and the coordinated fire plan. Of the considerations included in paragraph 125, the major considerations should be the responsiveness of the squad to fire requests and its ability to deliver fires on the most dangerous avenues of approach into the zone of the parent unit as determined in the commander's estimate.
b. Use with Security Forces.
(1) Davy Crockett provides the COP with an excellent weapon to assist in the performance of its mission.
(2) The weapons should be positioned well forward to provide long-range fires. However, the terrain, the ability of the COP commander to cause the enemy to mass and present a profitable target, and the minimum range must be considered in positioning the weapon. The commander may have to temporarily withdraw his force prior to using Davy Crockett in order to maintain the required safety distance.
(3) Prior to movement to the COPL, the squads must know the position they are to occupy upon return to the FEBA. If time permits, initial fire planning and computation of fire data are started for this position. Routes forward to the COPL and for the return are planned, coordinated with commanders concerned, and prepared whenever possible.
(4) Squad leaders must be prepared to advise the COP commander on the best use of their weapon. The COP commander must insure adequate communications with the squad and keep the squad leader informed of the situation.
(5) Those commanders receiving support by Davy Crockett units should also receive an FO.
c. Preparation for the Defense.
(1) Squads receive an initial load of nuclear ammunition for the operation as prescribed by the parent unit commander. Consistent with local security requirements, those rounds for immediate utilization should be removed from their containers and inspected. Nonnuclear components are carefully inspected and stored. Squad equipment and vehicle should be checked and maintenance performed prior to initiation of action.
(2) Firing positions are selected which will take advantage of the relatively limited range. Normally, these will be in the forward company sectors regardless of the type of command control. When employed in direct support, the squads will be located in the sector of the supported unit.
(3) Section and squad leaders perform necessary troop-leading steps. The section leader assumes the major portion of coordination and reconnaissance requirements whenever possible. Communication is established as soon as possible.
(4) Survey data is particularly valuable when fires must be delivered on unobserved targets.
d. Fire Planning.
(1) Fire planning is continuous and as detailed as time will permit.
(2) Target lists and fire capabilities charts are kept current. Fire data should be prepared for the primary position and as many alternate positions as possible.
(3) Concentrations are planned and registered on likely avenues of enemy approach, probable assembly areas, and weapons positions. Fires are planned within the battle area to support counterattack plans.
(4) Fires from other weapons are integrated with the nuclear fires of Davy Crockett and may be fired on the same target to complete its destruction.
135. Conduct of Defense
a. During the conduct of the defense, the squads fire prearranged concentrations on receipt of approved fire requests from forward units if in general support, or from supported unit commanders if in direct support. Fires on targets of opportunity can be delivered in minimum time if small shifts can be made from previously registered concentrations.
b. Displacement to alternate positions is frequent. Planning such moves must receive constant attention to insure timely fire support.
c. The section and squad leaders must be kept informed of the tactical situation to insure troop safety and timely response to fire requests.
136. Retrograde
a. Night Withdrawals. The employment of Davy Crockett weap-· ons in night withdrawals is limited. Massed targets are difficult to fix at night at a distance which will provide friendly troop safety. The effect of flash blindness (dazzle) on withdrawing forces must be considered. If terrain forward of the forces left in contact canalizes the enemy into an avenue of approach Davy Crockett units may be left in direct support of the forces covering these avenues. To be effective, concentrations should be registered during daylight. Radar or infrared equipment may be used to determine when the enemy has massed sufficiently to present a target. Friendly forces must be warned prior to the delivery of the round in order to permit shielding of their eyes.
b. Daylight Withdrawals. Davy Crockett weapons provide a significant advantage to forces effecting a withdrawal from action under enemy pressure. Fires are provided to assist in the disengagement of heavily engaged forces and, in particular, to destroy enemy follow up or reserve forces. Squads may be employed in direct support of forward forces initially with subsequent support provided to the battle group covering force. A wide zone or relatively weak reserves may cause the commander to keep one or more squads in general support. Selected positions should facilitate coverage of dangerous avenues of approach and support of the battle group covering force. Fires are planned to cover likely areas of enemy concentration, defiles, obstacles, and probable locations of enemy supporting weapons. Care must be taken to insure that the weapon or its ammunition does not fall into enemy hands.
137. Participation in Counterattack
a. Fires within the battle area are planned to limit penetrations and to support counterattack plans. Fires to support counterattack plans should be planned on the center of mass of the attacking enemy forces, in the penetration, or on reserve forces moving to support the penetration.
b. Counterattack plans should provide for Davy Crockett squads to be under close control of the counterattack force commander.
Section IV. OFFENSE
138. General
In offensive action, Davy Crockett may be used to fire on known concentrations of personnel or equipment and for targets of opportunity. The shock and lethal effects of the weapon provide the supported unit with the capability of rapidly destroying targets which constitute a threat to advancing elements. Proximity of friendly troops to proposed targets and availability of nuclear projectiles will influence the frequency of use.
139. Preparation and Planning for the Attack.
a. Method of Employment.
In determining the best method of employment for his Davy Crockett weapons in offensive operations, the parent unit commander considers them as a powerful supplement to the nonnuclear fire support means available to him. Based on his knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the weapon system, the recommendations of the FSC, and on the ammunition allocation for the operation, he chooses the method which best supports his scheme of maneuver. Responsiveness to requests and timely delivery of fires are important in a fast-moving or fluid situation. Use of Davy Crockett weapons provides supported commanders with an additional means of influencing the outcome of combat.
b. Movement to Contact.
(1) Davy Crockett units normally move in a march column with other fire support elements of comparable range. Because of their range, they must be placed well forward in the column to insure that they are capable of supporting the lead elements. The section and its squads must be prepared to deploy from the column and execute fire missions with speed and accuracy.
(2) One squad may be placed in direct support of the lead unit while the section minus is retained in general support to provide fire support for maneuvering elements when resistance is met.
c. Preparation for the Attack.
(1) Section and squad preparations for the attack are generally the same as for defense with the following differences:
(a) Scheduled fires are planned.
(b) Initial firing positions are selected and plans made for their occupation and the registration of weapons to support the attack. Squads occupy positions at the latest practicable time before the attack to minimize detection by the enemy.
(c) Routes are planned to support the attack as it moves forward.
(2) When employed with task forces or other independent or semi-independent units, Davy Crockett units are placed well forward in order of movement to insure that they are able to fire in support of the lead elements. An FO should be with the force commander to observe Davy Crockett fires. Checkpoints or phase lines on the axis will assist in calling for such fires. Security of the weapon and its ammunition must be considered by the commander.
d. Fire Planning.
(1) Scheduled and on-call fires are preplanned to support the commander's scheme of maneuver. These fires are closely coordinated with other fire support elements. Nonnuclear fires should be planned to supplement the nuclear fires of Davy Crockett and to fire into the target area to complete destruction of the target.
(2) Fires are planned on known and suspected enemy positions, CP's, and weapons emplacements. Special attention is given to enemy reserve positions or assembly areas. Continuous fire planning is conducted on such targets although they may not be part of scheduled fires.
(3) Section and squad leaders must be kept abreast of the tactical situation and constantly informed of any change in the nuclear safety lines. Successive nuclear safety lines are planned to coincide with phases of the attack or on well-defined terrain features.
140. Conduct of the Attack
a. Initial fires are delivered in support of the attack as planned. Squads then prepare to engage targets of opportunity or deliver on-call fires as requested by supported elements. If enemy counterfire is known to be active, additional fires will normally be accomplished from alternate positions.
b. Dependent upon the method of employment, the squads displace forward as ordered to insure timely support of attacking elements. When the section is in general support, at least one squad should be in position to fire at all times. In fast-moving attacks, as in a movement to contact, the squads must be prepared to move quickly into a firing position.
141. Exploitation and Pursuit.
Davy Crockett fires are effective in exploitation and pursuit operations as they can be employed against enemy targets with minimum delay and coordination in comparison with other nuclear fire support means. They can be used to destroy forces attempting to slow down the exploitation. Such delaying units may be destroyed by a combination of Davy Crockett fires and maneuver units or they may be bypassed and left to be destroyed by Davy Crockett alone. During pursuit, Davy Crockett is utilized as in a movement to contact.
142. Night Attacks
Davy Crockett may be employed at night' provided fires are registered during daylight or illumination is provided in the target area. As in defensive fires, the flash blindness (dazzle) of friendly troops caused by the nuclear detonation must be considered. Since night attacks are usually over relatively short distances, the Davy Crockett squads may support from positions farther to the rear of the line of contact for greater security.'
SECTION V. ARMORED CAVALRY OPERATIONS
143. General
a. The basic principles set forth in previous sections are applicable to Davy Crockett sections found in armored cavalry units. This section sets forth only those techniques that are unique to armored cavalry operations.
b. The Davy Crockett squads are normally placed in direct support of troops of the squadron because of the extended distances inherent in armored cavalry operations; however, the squads may be employed in general support when required fire support can be provided to all elements of the squadron using this method.
c. Paragraphs 133 through 142 are applicable to the Davy Crockett section in support of economy of force, offensive, defensive, and retrograde operations by an armored cavalry squadron.
144. Reconnaissance Operations.
Davy Crockett weapons are used in reconnaissance operations when fires from artillery, mortars, and tank guns are insufficient to cause enemy reaction. When firepower of the magnitude inherent in Davy Crockett weapons is required in the accomplishment of the squadron or troop missions, fires are delivered employing those techniques previously described for the engagement of targets of opportunity.
145. Security Operations
a. The Davy Crockett section supports its parent squadron in the conduct of security operations by applying the principles and techniques set forth in paragraphs 123 through 142.
b. Davy Crockett squads will usually be placed in direct support of cavalry troops. Fires are planned to support defense of blocking positions and limited offensive action of the security forces. Targets of opportunity are engaged as they are detected to prevent the enemy from reaching positions so close to friendly elements that troop safety considerations preclude firing of concentrations. Aerial observers should be used to extend observation out to ranges commensurate with those of the weapons system capabilities,