ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL - Ibiblio

474 Pages·2003·5.63 MB·English

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Copy 3 FM 17-10
WAR DEPARTMENT
ARMORED FORCE FIELD
MANUAL
TACTICS AND TECHNIQUE
v, I .I
FM 17-10
ARMORED FORCE FIELD
MANUAL
TACTICS, AND TECHNIQUE
Prepared under direction of the
Chief of the Armored Force
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON: 1942
For sale by the Superintendenb of Documents, W'shing.tn, D, C.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, March 7, 1942.
FM 17-10, Armored Force Field Manual, Tactics and Tech-
nique, is published for the information and guidance of all
concerned.
[A.G, 002.11 (7-17-40).]
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL:
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
DISTRIBUTION:
D 2, 7 (5); IR 2, 7 (5); Bn and H 17 (5); IBn 2, 5-10 (3);
C 17 (20); IC 2, 511 (5).
(For explanation of symbols, see FM 21 6.)
II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ca.PreT 1. Doctrine and organization. Paragraphs Page
SECrON I. General ._______.._. - --------.-- 1-12 1
II. Individual and unit training -. .1.3 -15 9
III. Relation with other arms .… ...1.. 6-24 11
CHAPtIEI 2. Tactical employment.
SECTION I. General ___ .-....... .__.__._ _ 25-27 15
II. Reconnaissance ___._--_-. ____. 28-31 20
III Security ____._ .-.. ___..._..__ 32-45 38
IV. Offensive combat __.._-_ .-.. 46-51 85
V. The defensive -. ..............5..2 -56 120
VI. Special operations -_ ._ .57.-.6.4 133
VII. Marches- .---------------6-5---6-6- ---- 147
CHAPrTE 3. Scouting and patrolling, mounted.
SECTION I. General .-. . ......6.7.. ........... 149
II. Mounted scouting .----.----- 68-70 149
III. Mounted patrolling ___-_-________ 71-90 153
CHArERn 4. Reconnaissance platoon and company,
armored.
SECION I. General .-....................... 91-99 163
II. Reconnaissance platoon .--.. .. 100-109 166
III. Reconnaissance company ..- .11.0-.1 18 185
CHArTn 5. Armored company and armored bat-
talion, tank, light and medium.
SECTION I. General .--------------1-1-9---1-3-3- -- 192
II. Individual tank …. _ _. ...1..3..4..-.136 198
III. Tank section and platoon -. .1..3.. 7-143 205
IV. Tank company, light and medium_ 144150 211
V. Tank battalion, light and medium_ 151-167 226
CHA*rTa 6. Maintenance company, armored regi-
ment -_......…..…... ...___ 168-173 252
CHarPTs 7. The armored regiment.
SEcTION I. Armored regiment_- _--. _____- 174-184 256
II. Tactical employment -_-------- 185-193 262
III. General ..................... 194-197 274
CHASPTa 8. Reconnaissance battalion, armored.
SECTION I. General -____............. 198-206 277
II. Reconnaissance -.____._-.____ 207 215 281
III. Security -_____.________.___ 216 285
IV, Movement .--------------- - _ 217-218 285
V. Combat .----------------2-1-9- -- 287
VI. Evacuation- . . .......2..2--0- -. 288
VII. Bivouac- ____._-._..._.._.__ 221 289
VIII. Supply and maintenance ----. - 222 289
CHarrea 9. Headquarters company, armored,
SECTION I. General -. .................2...2 3-235 291
II. Headquarters and headquarters
company, armored battalion,
light and medium ..-- ......2.-3 6-241 303
III. Headquarters and headquarters
company, armored regiment___ 242 248 306
IV. Headquarters and headquarters
company, reconnaissance bat-
talion-- ... _..__ _____--_____ 249-254 308
In
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
CHAPTER 9. Headquarters company, armored--Continued.
SEcTION V. Headquarters and headquarters
company, armored division ... 255-262 310
VI. Combat command _-- ___..... 263-264 311
VII. Division artillery headquarters
and headquarters detachment_ 265-266 314
VIII. Headquarters company, armored
corps ...2--6 7 ------ 315
IX. Headquarters and headquarters
company, GHQ reserve tank
group __.._.._.. -. ... _ 268-270 316
CHAPTER 10. Service company, armored regiment
and division.
SECTcON I. Service company, armored regi-
ment _----.__ .. . ......2.7 1-279 323
II. Service company, armored divi-
sion_-. .- _ _ _..____. ____._. 280 289 327
CHAPTER 11. Division trains, armored.
SEcTroN I. General ..-.................. 290-291 331
II. Train headquarters and head-
quarters company _ .- . .....2..9 2-293 332
III. Tactical operation of division
train .---------------. 294-298 333
CHAPTER 12. GHIQ reserve tank battalion, light
and medium.
SEcrToN I General .. __................2 99-308 340
II. Coordination and cooperation___ 309-315 346
III. C o n t r o l, communications and
liaison_- _____.______ _ .316-318 348
IV. Reconnaissance ..-.. ._._._.___ 319-323 350
V. Security.- .. __._ ___._______ 324-328 354
VI. Offensive combat …_-_______3_2_9_ _3 35 355
VII. Defensive combat ._. .. .3.3.6.-340 358
CHAPrTE 13. GHQ reserve tank group.
SETIoN I. Role and organization .-. .3..4..1. -343 361
II. Control combat order and
liaison -. ..............3..4 4-346 362
In. Reconnaissance and security ---- 347 350 363
IV. Offensive combat .--. .3..5...1.- 355 365
V. Use of GHQ reserve tank group
with infantry divisions, mo-
torized infantry, armored, and
cavalry divisions . .....35.6.-.3.5.9 369
VI. Defensive combat and retrograde
movements ._-._.._.._.____ 360-363 370
APPENDIX 1. Glossary of military terms -_----------- -_ --- 372
II. Radio channels of communication and radio
nets .................--............ 414
INomEx_ ____--_________-- __________-_-------_-_____ 451
IV
FM 17-10
1-2
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
TACTICS AND TECHNIQUE
CHAPTER 1
DOCTRINE AND ORGANIZATION
Paragraphs
SEcnoN I. General-- ....___._ ___.__._...__.______.___. 1-12
II. Individual and unit training- __ .------_-_---__..1 3-15
III, Relation with other arms ___._ -___._________1-_6-_2 4
SECTION I
GENERAL
* 1. ROLE.-The role of the Armored Force and its com-
ponents is the conduct of highly mobile ground warfare, pri-
marily offensive in character, by self-sustaining units of great
power and mobility, composed of specially equipped troops
of the required arms and services. Combat elements of the
Armored Force operate in close cooperation with combat avia-
tion and with large units of ground troops in the accomplish-
ment of a mission.
* 2. TACTICAL ORGANIZATION.-a. The Armored Force consists
of armored corps, armored divisions, and GHQ reserve tank
battalions. It is composed of troops from more than one arm
or service, transported in armored or other type motor
vehicles.
b. The amored corps consists of a headquarters and head-
quarters company, two or more armored divisions, and certain
organic and auxiliary units termed corps troops.
c. The armored division is a self-contained unit of the sev-
eral arms and services organized tactically and administra-
tively for independent action. It may be attached for
operation with an infantry or a cavalry corps.
d. The GHQ reserve tank group contains a headquarters
and headquarters detachment and three GHQ reserve tank
battalions of either light or medium tanks or both.
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2-5 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
e. The GHQ reserve battalions are self-contained units, of
either light or medium tanks, organized tactically and admin-
istratively for employment by battalion or by group to furnish
additional striking power to other ground forces including
amored divisions and corps. Trained as units, they are im-
mediately adaptable to inclusion in larger groupings of other
ground troops.
* 3. CHARACTERISTICS..-The characteristics of Armored Force
units are:
a. Mobility.-All combat units are mounted in armored
motor vehicles.
b. Fire power.-Through a multiplicity of weapons mounted
on the vehicles.
c. Armor protection.--All combat vehicles are protected by
armor of varying thickness, capable of withstanding at least
rifle fire.
d. Shock action.-Accomplished by the combination of the
other characteristics and by the weight and crushing power
of the major vehicles.
* 4. METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELEMENTS OF ARMORED FORCE,-
Operations of components of the Armored Force may, at
various times or simultaneously, involve--
a. The attachment of GHQ tank battalions and groups to
infantry, cavalry, and armored divisions or corps.
b. The grouping of armored divisions, corps, or GHQ tank
groups with other corps or field armies for combined
operations.
c. The employment, by the field or theater commander, of
armored divisions and corps on independent or semi-
independent missions without reinforcing logistical means, or
additional supporting troops other than combat and recon-
naissance aviation.
d. Operation as task forces wherein armored divisions or
corps or, at times GHQ reserve tank units, are teamed with
motorized divisions, antitank battalions, antiaircraft auto-
matic weapons battalions, and GHQ engineer, maintenance,
and supply units, closely supported by combat aviation, para-
chute, and other troops transported by air.
* 5. GENERAL CONSIDERTRAoNs.-Larger units of the Armored
Force properly utilized, either separately or in combination
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TACTICS AND TECHNIQUE 5
with other means, can achieve rapid decisive results in the
area of employment. They are to be employed on decisive
missions. They must not be frittered away on unimportant
objectives. A mission far in advance of other main forces is
justified when the operation will obtain decisive results, but
must be closely supported by other equally mobile troops.
Their proper utilization necessitates a definite appreciation
and a careful consideration of the several characteristics of
the Armored Force units.
a. The conditions which should exist or be created for their
successful action are air superiority in the decisive area of
employment, surprise, favorable terrain, and absence of or
neutralization of massed defensive means.
b. The mobility of armored units permits great latitude in
the choice of direction and the method of attack. The de-
cision as to whether the attack will be executed as a turning
movement, envelopment, or penetration will be determined
largely by the time factor involved, by the terrain, and by
the hostile dispositions, including hostile rear installations.
The most suitable areas for the employment of Armored Force
units are on the open flanks or through existing gaps created
by penetrations of the enemy's positions.
c. The assignment of missions or objectives to armored
units must be preceded by a careful consideration of the more
important factors which affect the operation of the armored
and other Units associated in the operations. These factors
are: weather, terrain throughout the entire area of contem-
plated operation, nature of the enemy and his methods of
combat, availability of other supporting troops, and especially,
adequate space and road net for the operation of the units
concerned. The axis of advance of the major armored and
motorized Units will be along roads.
d. The most decisive results will be gained from the group-
ing of overpowering masses of armored units and launching
them against vital objectives deep in the hostile rear. The
armored mass must be supported by sufficient means to main-
tain its momentum until the objective has been attained.
e. The most effective and decisive application of the mo-
bility and power of large armored and motorized combina-
tions will often necessitate the decentralization of control to
the appropriate commanders who will be guided only by the
broad general plan of the higher headquarters. After the
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5-6 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
initiation of the operation, however, the superior commander
must keep the armored unit commanders constantly informed
of the situation
1. The maximum development of the demoralizing power
of the larger armored formations will be dependent in a large
measure on the continuous support of adequate reconnaissance
and observation aviation, and timely assistance of combat
aviation in overcoming critical ground resistance beyond the
ability of available artillery. This should be assured by direct
arrangement between air and armored unit commanders and
by adequate air-ground signal communication nets. Higher
commanders can enhance the effectiveness of supporting
aviation by habitually assigning the same air and ground units
to work together as a task force or team.
g. The sustained mobility of armored and motorized units
is dependent upon adequate timely replenishment of required
supplies, especially fuel, and, to a lesser degree, oil and lubri-
cants. Regular vehicle maintenance must be continued.
When operations are to be prolonged for several days, it must
be appreciated that armored and motorized units must have
opportunity for daily maintenance.
h. Because of their mass employment, armored and motor-
ized units are difficult to conceal during approach and develop-
ment. Elaborate measures for deception and surprise will be
required often and may involve variously: advance stockage
and concealment of essential supplies; improvising and con-
centrating dummy armored vehicles or marked activity of
actual units in localities distant from that of contemplated
employment; extensive camouflage work; and rapid shifting
of armored masses to the area of decisive attack.
I 6. A TASK FORCE.--A task force is a temporary tactical
grouping composed of one or more arms or services formed
for a specific mission or operation. The operation of large
armored formations will frequently dictate the organization
of task forces. The composition of such forces will be decided
only after a careful estimate of the associated means which
will be required to accomplish the projected mission or opera-
tion. This estimate must consider the nature of the expected
resistance, the distance to which operations are projected, the
terrain to be traversed, and the troops available for the
operation. The additional means to be associated with
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TACTICS AND TECHNIQUE 6-7
armored elements will vary with each situation but may
comprise appropriately: infantry divisions, foot or motorized
or components thereof; cavalry units; engineers; combat avia-
tion; Parachute troops; other troops transported by air; anti-
tank battalions; antiaircraft units; and additional main-
tenance and supply facilities, especially for GHQ groups.
7. METHODS OF OPERATION.-. Offensive operations of
armored units, acting either alone or as part of a combined
force, are characterized by rapid thrusts into vital parts
of the hostile rear followed by immediate exploitation to
complete enemy demoralization. Armored division com-
manders coordinate and control the movement of subordi-
nate units by appropriate assignment of routes, zones, ob-
jectives, or phase lines. Phase lines are prescribed only
when required to insure coordinated action or movement of
two or more units and must not involve prolonged halts
thereon. The attack is massed initially, but is extended
promptly in frontage and depth by the armored reconnais-
sance and combat elements after the hostile position is pene-
trated. As the'operation gains momentum, reconnaissance
agencies will precede combat elements at the earliest oppor-
tunity to seek out and develop soft spots through which com-
bat elements may pass rapidly. The more time allowed
for this reconnaissance, the more effective it will be. Con-
tact once gained must be maintained.
b. Maximum advantage is taken of speed and terrain
barriers to prevent or neutralize enemy countermeasures.
Reconnaissance agencies provide information on which to
base security measures. Other combat detachments provide
immediate advance, flank, and rear security. Closely sup-
porting motorized units protect the immediate rear and lines
of communication of the armored elements. Other motor-
ized units should relieve the armored unit commanders of
concern for extended lines of communication and assure con-
tinuous logistical support. When armored units are oper-
ating as task forces, the security of the immediate supporting
motorized elements will be enhanced by their following the
armored combat elements as closely as possible.
e. Pollowing the advance of armored units, other elements
of task forces operate to overcome remaining hostile re-
sistance, occupy ground gained, keep gaps open, extend and
5