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Chapter IV
Armor Offensive Operations
0401. The offense is the decisive form of war. The will to seize, retain, and exploit the
initiative defines the spirit and purpose of the offense. It is essential to success in all
operations (defensive, stability, and support) as well as offensive. Combined with a
demonstrated combat capability, it makes Armor forces credible in any situation.
Circumstances may require defending; however, victory requires shifting to the offense as
soon as possible. The offense ends when the force accomplishes the mission, reaches a limit
of advance, or approaches culmination. It then consolidates, resumes the attack, or prepares
for another operation.

0402. Because tactical offensive operations often expose the attacker, they normally require
local superior combat power at the point of attack. This and the need to have sufficient force
available to exploit success imply taking risk elsewhere. Armor Commanders build up
sufficient combat power in their main effort to overwhelm the enemy at the critical time and
place. At the point of their attack, commanders avoid the enemy's main strength turning him
out of his defensive positions, isolating his forces from sources of support, and forcing him to
fight in an unintended direction over ground he has not prepared. By attacking this way, the
disadvantages of fighting exposed shift to the defender.

Fundamentals of Armor Offensive Operations

0403. Armor forces are employed using two distinct methods: as the direct or semi-indirect
fire support element or as the maneuver element. Timing, protection, mobility, and speed are
the key elements that must be synchronized between the mounted and the dismounted
elements. Armor leaders must understand and employ the fundamentals of offensive
operations:

a. Fight as a combined arms team. Armor always fights as part of a combined arms
team. Capabilities and limitations of armor and infantry make them complementary when
they are employed as a team.

b. Know the enemy. The armor leader must know and understand the capabilities of the
enemy’s weapons systems and defensive doctrine, including the enemy’s capabilities to
conduct ambushes.

c. See the battlefield. The armor leader must know and be able to identify key terrain.
He should also learn to identify covered and concealed routes during movement. He must
also anticipate how the enemy will use the terrain and then determine how to counter it.

d. Use weapons system to the best advantage. The armor leader must know the
capabilities and limitations of his weapon systems. Knowing the best kill probability ranges
of all weapons (main gun, machine guns, special weapon attachments, and light infantry
weapons) plays a vital role. Leaders can improve kill probabilities by engaging enemy
vehicle flanks.
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e. Concentrate combat power. The armor leader must be able to control and
concentrate weapon systems. To do this, he uses proper command and control techniques and
trains his unit to move, shoot and communicate under all types of conditions. The leader also
makes maximum use of available indirect fires.

f. Use maneuver to best advantage. Armor must move rapidly, strike first, and
maintain the momentum until the enemy has been killed or captured.

g. Suppress the enemy's defense fires. As the attacking forces concentrate, they
become increasingly vulnerable to enemy fires. The maneuver must therefore coincide with
suppressive strikes against enemy weapons system that could interfere with the movement.
Priorities for suppressions should be made to ensure the proper allocation of resources. The
suppression of enemy artillery by an attack or counter - battery is essential to avoid high
losses. Suppressions of anti-tank missiles and tanks at the point of attack by direct fire,
artillery and mortars will help maintain the momentum of the attack and reduce friendly
casualties.

h. Shock, overwhelm and destroy the enemy. The attack maximizes on speed
suppression and violence. Since the attack is at the weakest point of the enemy, the attack
must be narrow and in-depth. Suppressive fires, supporting attack and close air support
should coincide with the maneuver elements. Attacking units, which become stalled or
disorganized, must be bypassed by fresh formation pressing on to deeper objectives. The
attacker must be alert to changing situations and must fully exploit the weaknesses revealed
to the attacker. Advancing units must bypass points of resistance, striking deep and fast.

i. Attack the enemy rear. The most decisive offensive is that which strikes with
overwhelming force into the enemy's rear, and destroys or captures his service support,
combat support, and command and control elements. These elements are least likely to be
protected and armed. Disrupting enemy command and control, interrupting the flow of fuel,
ammunition, repair parts, food, interfering with enemy air defense and artillery support
weakens or destroys the whole system of defense and makes it possible to the defeat the
enemy with fewer forces.

j. Coordinate continuous support. Armor leaders must always be aware of their

logistical status. Logistic support is extremely difficult in the austere environment of light
forces. Armor leaders must understand the procedures for critical support, such as evacuation
of personnel and equipment or resupply of repair parts, ammunition and fuel. This is
important because organizational changes are very frequent in the realm of light forces
operations.

k. Be flexible. Armor leaders achieve flexibility by ensuring units are properly trained,
by adhering to standing operating procedures (SOP) and battle drills, and by becoming
technically and tactically proficient. They must understand the commander’s intent and
anticipate changes in the fluid environment of war and thus ensure that the mission is
accomplished.

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Purposes of Armor Offensive Operations

0404. Armor offensive operations seek to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative to defeat
the enemy decisively. Armor forces attack simultaneously throughout the area of operations
(AO) to throw enemies off balance, overwhelm their capabilities, disrupt their defenses, and
ensure their defeat or destruction. The offense ends when the force achieves the purpose of
the operation, reaches a limit of advance, or approaches culmination. Armor forces conclude
a phase of an offensive by consolidating gains, resuming the attack, or preparing for future
operations. Additional tasks offensive operations accomplish include:

a. Disrupting enemy coherence.

b. Securing or seizing terrain.

c. Denying the enemy resources.

d. Fixing the enemy.

e. Gaining information.

Armor Offensive Operations at the Operational and Tactical Levels of War

0405. Armor operational commanders conduct offensive campaigns and major operations to
achieve theater-level effects based on tactical actions. They concentrate on designing
offensive land operations. They determine what objectives will achieve decisive results;
where forces will operate; the relationships among subordinate forces in time, space, and
purpose; and where to apply the decisive effort. Operational commanders assign AOs to, and
establish command and support relationships among, tactical commanders. Tactical
commanders direct offensive operations to achieve objectives (destroying enemy forces or
seizing terrain) that produce the theater-level effects operational commanders require.

a. Operational Offense. At the operational level, offensive operations directly or

indirectly attack the enemy center of gravity. Armor Commanders do this by attacking enemy
decisive points, either simultaneously or sequentially. Massed effects of combined arms
operation allow attackers to seize the initiative. They deny the enemy freedom of action,
disrupt his sources of strength, and create the conditions for operational and tactical success.
To attain unity of effort, operational commanders clearly identify objectives and reinforce the
relationships among subordinate forces. By minimizing interoperability challenges and
harnessing system capabilities, commanders tailor their forces to achieve decisive effects.
They allocate sufficient combined arms forces to achieve their objectives.

b. Tactical Offense. Armor tactical commanders exploit the effects that combined arms
forces contribute to the offense. They synchronize these forces in time, space, resources,
purpose, and action to mass the effects of combat power at decisive points. Armor
commanders direct battles as part of major operations. Battles are related in purpose to the
operational commander’s objectives.
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0406. Battles may be linear or nonlinear and conducted in contiguous or noncontiguous

AOs. Tactical commanders receive their AO, mission, objectives, boundaries, control
measures, and intent from their higher commander. They determine the decisive, shaping, and
sustaining operations within their AO. They direct fires and maneuver to attack and destroy
the enemy and attain terrain objectives. Tactical commanders normally have clearly defined
tasks—defeat the enemy and occupy the objective.

Characteristics of Armor Offensive Operations

0407. Surprise, concentration, tempo, and audacity characterize the offense. Effective armor
offensive operations capitalize on accurate intelligence and other relevant information
regarding enemy forces, weather, and terrain. Armor commanders maneuver their forces to
advantageous positions before contact. Force protection, including defensive Information
Operations (IO), keeps or inhibits the enemy from acquiring accurate information about
friendly forces. The enemy only sees what the friendly commander wants him to see. Contact
with enemy forces before the decisive operation is deliberate, designed to shape the optimum
situation for the decisive operation. The decisive operation is a sudden, shattering action that
capitalizes on subordinate initiative and a common operational picture (COP) to expand
throughout the AO. Commanders execute violently without hesitation to break the enemy’s
will or destroy him.

Surprise

0408. Armor units achieve surprise when the enemy cannot react effectively to the
commander's scheme of maneuver. It is achieved by conducting thorough reconnaissance and
surveillance, striking the enemy from an unexpected direction at an unexpected time and by
employing deception efforts.

0409. Operational and tactical surprise complements each other. Operational surprise creates
the conditions for successful tactical operations. Tactical surprise can cause the enemy to
hesitate or misjudge a situation. But tactical surprise is fleeting. Commanders must exploit it
before the enemy realizes what is happening.

0410. Airborne, air assault, and special operations forces (SOF) attacks (combined with
strikes by Armor units and joint fires against objectives the enemy regards as secure) create
disconcerting psychological effects on the enemy.

0411. Surprise can come from an unexpected change in tempo. Tempo may be slow at first,
creating the conditions for a later acceleration that catches the enemy off guard and throws
him off balance. Accelerated tempo resulted in operational and tactical surprise despite
increased publicity and heightened tensions beforehand.

0412. Armor commanders conceal the concentration of their forces. Units mask activity that
might reveal the direction or timing of an attack. Armor commanders direct action to deceive
the enemy and deny his ability to collect information.

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Concentration

0413. Concentration is the ability of armor forces to mass and synchronize overwhelming
combat power and shock effects against an enemy weakness without unnecessarily massing
large troops. Armor commanders designate a point of main effort and focus available
resources to support it. Concentration is achieved by fixing the enemy to prevent his reaction
to maneuver, rapidly massing forces and fires to overwhelm the enemy defense, and
synchronizing maneuver with combat support.

0414. Concentration requires coordination with other services. At every stage of an attack,
commanders integrate joint intelligence assets with joint fires. They capitalize on air
superiority to deny the enemy the ability to detect or strike friendly forces from the air.
Armor commanders direct ground, air, and sea resources to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy
reconnaissance elements or capabilities. They also direct security, IO, and counter fire to
protect friendly forces as they concentrate.

Tempo

0415. Armor forces move quickly to take advantage of enemy weaknesses. Speed in
execution is the key to denying the enemy time to reposition or reorient to meet an attack.
Armor commanders should strive for a tempo that would maintain relentless pressure on the
enemy to prevent him from recovering from the shock and effects of the attack.

0416. Controlling or altering tempo is necessary to retain the initiative. At the operational
level, a faster tempo allows attackers to disrupt enemy defensive plans by achieving results
quicker than the enemy can respond. At the tactical level, a faster tempo allows attackers to
quickly penetrate barriers and defenses and destroy enemy forces in depth before they can
react.

0417. Armor commanders adjust tempo as tactical situations, Sustainment Support (SS)
necessity, or operational opportunities allow to ensure synchronization and proper
coordination, but not at the expense of losing opportunities to defeat the enemy. Rapid tempo
demands quick decisions. It denies the enemy the chance to rest and continually creates
opportunities.

Audacity

0418. Audacity is the willingness to risk bold action to win. The armor commander is quick
and decisive, and willing to take prudent risks. He bases his decisions on sound tactical
judgment, personal observation of the terrain, and first-hand knowledge of the battle. He
constantly seeks to attack the enemy on the flanks or rear and to rapidly exploit success. He
shares the hazards of the battlefield with his troops, moving to the critical places to lead by
example. Armor commanders should understand when and where they are taking risks but
must not become tentative in the execution on their plan.

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Armor Offensive Operations within the Operational Framework

0419. Armor commanders conduct offensive operations within the operational framework
(AO, battle space, and battlefield organization). They synchronize their forces in time, space,
resources, purpose, and action to conduct simultaneous and sequential decisive, shaping, and
sustaining operations in depth (see Figure 4.1). In certain situations, commanders designate
deep, close, and rear areas.

Decisive Operations in the Offense

0420. Decisive armor offensive operations are attacks that conclusively determine the
outcome of major operations, battles, and engagements. At the operational level, decisive
operations achieve the goals of each phase of a campaign. Ground operations within
campaigns may include several phases. Within each phase is a decisive operation. Its results
substantially affect the course of the campaign. At the tactical level, decisive battles or
engagements achieve the purpose of the higher headquarters mission. Armor commanders
win decisive operations through close combat that physically destroys the enemy; overcomes
his will to resist; or seizes, occupies, and retains terrain.

0421. Armor commanders weigh the decisive operation with additional resources and by
skillful maneuver. For example, armor commanders may fix part of the enemy force with a
frontal attack (a shaping operation), while the majority of the force envelops it to seize a
decisive point. He decide when, where, and if to commit additional supporting fires and
reserves. He shift priority of fires as necessary. Maneuvering forces positions them to mass
fires against the enemy.

Figure 4.1 Armor operational frameworks in the offense

0422. Armor commanders designate a reserve to provide additional combat power at the
decisive time and place. The more uncertain the situation is, the larger the reserve. Once the
reserve is committed, the commander designates another. The initial strength and location of
reserves vary with:

a. Potential missions, branches, and sequels

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b. Form of maneuver

c. Possible enemy actions

d. Degree of uncertainty

0423. Reserves provide a hedge against uncertainty. Armor commanders assign them only
those tasks necessary to prepare for their potential mission. Only the armor commander who
designates the reserve can commit it, unless he specifically delegates that authority.

Shaping Operations in the Offense

0424. Shaping operations create conditions for the success of the decisive operation. They
include attacks in depth to secure advantages for the decisive operation and to protect the
force. Armor commanders conduct shaping operations by engaging enemy forces
simultaneously throughout the AO. These attacks deny the enemy freedom of action and
disrupt or destroy the coherence and tempo of his operations. Attacking enemy formations in
depth destroys delays, disrupts, or diverts enemy combat power. They may expose or create
vulnerabilities for exploitation. Shaping operations in the offense include:

a. Shaping attacks designed to achieve one or more of the following: 1) Deceive the
enemy. 2) Destroy or fix enemy forces that could interfere with the decisive operation. 3)
Control terrain whose occupation by the enemy would hinder the decisive operation. 4) Force
the enemy to commit reserves prematurely or into an indecisive area.

b. Reconnaissance and security operations

c. Passages of lines

d. Breaching operations

e. Unit movements that directly facilitate shaping and decisive operations.

f. Operations by reserve forces before their commitment.

g. Interdiction by ground and air movement and fires, singularly or in combination.

h. Offensive IO

0425. Other shaping operations include activities in depth, such as counter fire and
defensive IO. These shaping operations focus on effects that create the conditions for
successful decisive operations.

0426. The advance, flank, or rear security forces conduct security operations. These
elements:

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a. Provide early warning.

b. Find gaps in defenses.

c. Provide time to react and space to maneuver.

d. Develop the situation.

e. Orient on the force or facility to be secured.

f. Perform continuous reconnaissance.

g. Maintain enemy contact.

0427. In extended and noncontiguous AOs, commanders secure or conduct surveillance of

the gaps between subordinate units. Commanders secure gaps by assigning a force to secure
the area, dedicating surveillance efforts to monitor it, designating a force to respond to an
approaching enemy, or by installing and overwatching obstacles.

Sustaining Operations in the Offense

0428. Sustaining operations in the offense ensure freedom of action and maintain
momentum. They occur throughout the AO. SS unit locations need not be contiguous with
those of their supported forces. An extended major operation may place tactical units far from
the original support area. Armor commanders may separate attacking forces from the SS
base, thus extending their lines of communication (LOCs). He provides security to SS units
when operating with extended LOCs.

Considerations for Nonlinear Offensive Operations

0429. Nonlinear offensive operations can occur in both contiguous and noncontiguous AOs.
The size of an AO is normally very large compared to the number of soldiers deployed. The
AO may also encompass diverse terrain. Enemy forces will be widely dispersed and may be
numerically superior. Attacking forces must focus offensive actions against decisive points,
while allocating the minimum essential combat power to shaping operations. Reserves must
have a high degree of tactical mobility. Forces conducting nonlinear operations require robust
communications and sustainment capabilities. Armor commanders may dedicate forces for
LOC security operations beyond that provided by available military police.

0430. The higher headquarters conducts security operations in those portions of the AO not
allocated to subordinates. Flank security importance increases as operations extend and
attacking forces expose their flanks. Linkup operations often occur in this environment.
Linkup operations, particularly those involving vertical envelopments, require extensive
planning and rehearsal. The potential for fratricide increases due to the fluid nature of the
nonlinear battlefield and the changing disposition of attacking and defending forces. The
presence of noncombatants in the AO further complicates operations. In this setting, armor
commanders exercise prudent judgment in clearing fires, both direct and indirect.

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Forms of Maneuver
0431. The five forms of maneuver are the envelopment, turning movement, infiltration,
penetration, and frontal attack. While normally combined, each form of maneuver attacks the
enemy differently. Each poses different challenges for attackers and different dangers for
defenders. Armor commanders determine the form of maneuver to use by analyzing the
factors of Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain and Weather, Time available, and Civil
Consideration (METT-TC).

Envelopment

0432. The envelopment is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to avoid the
principal enemy defenses by seizing objectives to the enemy rear to destroy the enemy in his
current positions. At the tactical level, envelopments focus on seizing terrain, destroying
specific enemy forces, and interdicting enemy withdrawal routes (see Figure 4.2).
Envelopments avoid the enemy front, where he is protected and can easily concentrate fires.
Single envelopments maneuver against one enemy flank; double envelopments maneuver
against both. Either variant can develop into encirclement.

Figure 4.2 - Envelopment

Turning Movement

0433. A turning movement is a form of maneuver in which the attacking force seeks to
avoid the enemy’s principal defensive positions by seizing objectives to the enemy rear and
causing the enemy to move out of his current positions or divert major forces to meet the
threat (see Figure 4.3). A major threat to his rear forces the enemy to attack or withdraw
rearward, thus “turning” him out of his defensive positions. Turning movements typically
require greater depth than other forms of maneuver. Deep fires take on added importance.
They protect the enveloping force and attack the enemy.

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Figure 4.3 - Turning movement

Infiltration

0434. An infiltration is a form of maneuver in which attacking forces conducts undetected

movement through or into an area occupied by enemy forces to occupy a position of
advantage in the enemy rear while exposing only small elements to enemy defensive fires
(see Figure 4.4). The need to avoid being detected and engaged may limit the size and
strength of infiltrating forces. Infiltration rarely defeats a defense by itself.

Figure 4.4 - Infiltration

Penetration

0435. A penetration is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to rupture

enemy defenses on a narrow front to disrupt the defensive system (see Figure 4.5). Armor
commanders direct penetrations when enemy flanks are not assailable or time does not permit
another form of maneuver. Successful penetrations create assailable flanks and provide
access to enemy rear areas. Because penetrations frequently are directed into the front of the
enemy defense, they risk significantly more friendly casualties than envelopments, turning
movements, and infiltrations.

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Figure 4.5 - Penetration

Frontal Attack

0436. A frontal attack is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to destroy a
weaker enemy force or fix a larger enemy force in place over a broad front (see Figure 4.6).
At the tactical level, an attacking force can use a frontal attack to rapidly overrun a weaker
enemy force. A frontal attack strikes the enemy across a wide front and over the most direct
approaches. Armor commanders normally use it when they possess overwhelming combat
power and the enemy is at a clear disadvantage. He masses the effects of direct and indirect
fires, shifting indirect and aerial fires just before the assault. Success depends on achieving an
advantage in combat power throughout the attack.

Figure 4.6 - Frontal Attack

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Types of Offensive Operations for Armor Forces

There are many types of offensive operations where armor forces may participate namely:

Movement to contact (MTC)

0437. Movement to contact is a tactical operation conducted to develop the situation and to
establish or regain contact. The attacker, unsure of exactly where or when he will fight,
moves aggressively toward the enemy. It is best when friendly forces discover the enemy
with at least enough time to make hasty attack plans. Being surprised by inadvertently
running into the enemy is always a possibility but not the preferred tactical option. Armor
commanders adjust their tempo appropriately as they anticipate closing with the enemy force.
They decide where and when their force can deploy into attack formation that would facilitate
the initial contact and still provide freedom of action for the bulk of their force. The desired
result of MTC is to find the enemy when this happens, the commander fight a meeting
engagement. To maintain their freedom of action once they make contact, commanders
usually lead with a self-contained force that locates and fixes the enemy. The Armor
commander holds the bulk of his force back so when his lead forces make contact they can
maneuver majority of their force without becoming decisively engaged.

Hasty attack

0438. The hasty attack is the most likely result of a meeting engagement. Armor
commanders must launch the attack with the forces at hand and with minimum preparation
destroy the enemy before he is able to either concentrate or re-establish a defense. In the
defense, hasty counterattack may recapture lost positions before the enemy has time to
consolidate his success. There should be no pause in the momentum of force upon initial
contact. The hasty attack must try to fix forward enemy elements in place with firepower.
Find gaps, weak spots, or open flanks, and move through them rapidly. Speed is essential.
Regardless of its purpose or echelon, a hasty attack enhances the risk of losing
synchronization. To minimize this risk, units conducting hasty attacks should use standard
formations and well-understood and rehearsed plans supported by sound intelligence
preparation of the battlefield.

Deliberate attack

0439. In contrast to the hasty attack, deliberate attack is a fully synchronized operation that
employs the effects of every available asset against the enemy defense. Because such
synchronization requires carefully planning and extensive coordination, a deliberate attack
takes time to prepare. Armor commanders should use deliberate attack when the enemy
situation is known and when the combined arms team can be employed with sufficient
combat power to defeat the enemy. A deliberate attack aims at breakthrough on a narrow
front, seeking penetration deep into the enemy's rear.

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Exploitation

0440. Exploitation is an operation undertaken to extend the destruction of the defending

force by maintaining defensive pressure. The ultimate objective of the exploitation is the
disintegration of the enemy to point where he has no alternative but surrender or flight.
Failure to exploit aggressively towards the success of the main effort may provide the enemy
sufficient time to regain the initiative. Exploitation requires the physical and mental
aggressiveness to combat the friction of night, bad weather, dangers of fratricide and
extended operations.

Pursuit

0441. A pursuit is an offensive operation directed against a retreating enemy force. It

follows a successful attack or exploitation and is ordered when the enemy cannot conduct an
organized defense and attempts to disengage. It differs from the exploitation since its primary
function is to complete the destruction of the enemy force and it cannot be anticipated.

Other Armor Offensive Tasks and Missions

0442. The following describes other tactical tasks and missions that may be required of the
armor forces during offensive operations.

0443. Obstacle Breaching. During offensive operations, armor forces may be required
to assist in breaching obstacles. Armor forces play a key part in isolating the breach point and
providing direct fire support to the breach and assault forces. The unit will be organized into
support, breach, and assault forces. The breach operation is executed through suppression,
obscuration, security, and reduction using all available infantry, engineers, artillery, and
mortars.

0444. Screen/Guard. Armor forces may be given employment priority if the enemy
threat is predominantly mechanized or is in wide-open terrain allowing long-range fires. The
armor unit in this circumstance may be tasked to establish a screening force to provide
security for the maneuver elements as it flows into the operational area.

0445. Reconnaissance in Force. A reconnaissance in force is a deliberate attack by

armor forces to discover and test enemy disposition, composition, and strength. At times it
may uncover a weakness that, if promptly attacked, would permit an immediate tactical
success. Objectives are designated on terrain that will force the enemy to react.

0446. Attacks from a Defensive Posture. The types of attacks from a defensive
posture are counterattack and spoiling attacks which maybe hasty or deliberate in nature.
Armor forces can conduct counterattack or spoiling attack or as a part of much larger force
during operations.

a. Counterattack. The counterattack attempts to defeat an attacking enemy force or

regain key terrain. Counterattacks may be conducted by a reserve or lightly committed
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maneuver element. Timing is critical and any delay or preparatory movement allows the
enemy to react. Therefore, thorough counterattack planning and rehearsals should be done in
advance. The counterattack is launched when the commander senses that the balance of
power on the battlefield has changed and he can exploit the situation by counterattacking to
seize the initiative.

b. Spoiling Attack. The spoiling attack attempts to strike the enemy when he is most
vulnerable such as during preparations for attack in assembly areas, attack positions or on the
move before crossing the line of departure. This breaks up and impedes the enemy’s
capability to conduct a synchronized offensive.

0447. Follow and Support. Armor forces may be employed as a follow and support
force during exploitation and pursuit operations to facilitate and maintain the momentum of
the attack. They maybe also used in the conduct of a penetration.

0448. Raid. A raid is an attack into enemy territory to accomplish a specific purpose and
with no intention of holding or gaining terrain. It may be conducted to capture prisoners,
capture or destroy specific enemy materiel, destroy logistical installations, obtain information
about the enemy and to disrupt enemy plans.

0449. Feint. A feint is a supporting offensive operation to draw the enemy attention away
from the area of the main attack and induce him to move his reserves or shift his fire support.
Feints must appear realistic and true thus contact with the enemy is required.

0450. Demonstration. A demonstration is an operation to deceive the enemy about the

main attack. Its purpose is similar to feint. However, no contact with enemy is made.
Demonstrations support an operations plan of large forces.

Planning for Armor Offensive Operations

0451. In planning for the armor offensive, the following factors should be considered:

a. Intelligence. Available avenues of approach should be considered in planning for

offensive operations. Armor forces should move along an axis of advance that maximizes its
firepower and maneuverability. This should be included in the IPB so that armor will not be
limited during maneuver. Some of these IPB needs are number, armor protection level, and
armor-piercing capability of enemy forces; presence of antitank weapons; and terrain analysis
for mobility corridors.

b. Maneuver. The rate of march of the armor forces can easily exceed the rate of march
of the other arms. This should be planned carefully so as to synchronize all movement.
Further the rate of movement must be based on terrain and weather. Armor forces also rely
on the attachment of light infantry for close-in security in closed and restrictive terrain. The
armor unit’s ground mobility is its greatest asset, as it can move faster than any other ground
combat element.

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c. Fires. The high mobility of the armor forces, when compared with the remainder of
the other arms, may require additional fire support assets that can be positioned in direct
support of the armored unit.

d. Air Defense. Armor forces require air defense augmentation in order to preserve its
capabilities. Armor’s presence in a predominantly dismounted operational area makes it
easily identifiable from the air and a high-value target for enemy attack aircraft.

e. Mobility, Counter-mobility and Survivability. Armor forces should be augmented

with units that have the capability to provide a full range of mobility, counter-mobility, and
survivability tasks, to include assault gap crossing, complex obstacle breaching, preparation
of fighting positions, emplacement of conventional and dynamic minefield, and construction
of nonexplosive obstacles.

f. Sustainment Support. Armor forces normally do not possess the required logistical
redundancy to sustain its units. These forces must normally deploy with their own sustaining
and unique support packages, which are either organic or are provided by other supported
units. Special consideration is given to the maintenance, repair, supply, transportation, and
external communications requirements that augmentation forces provide to the unit.

g. Mission Command. Armor leaders must be willing to take responsibility and use
initiative, guided by their commander’s intent. Armor leaders must be able to think clearly
and quickly. Speed and decisive action are critical. They must use terminology that is widely
understood throughout the command. Above all, they must accurately communicate the
commander’s intent, which guides subordinate commanders in pursuit of the common goal in
the absence of communications. Armor commanders must teach subordinates not what to
think, but how to think. Conversely, when armor units are decentralized and attached to light
infantry, armor leaders must be assertive in advising the infantry commander and his staff on
the best means for armor employment and logistical requirements.

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