Chapter 3

MANEUVER

Section II. HEAVY MANEUVER

3-2. EMPLOYMENT OF HEAVY FORCES (FM 71-3)

    a. Capabilities.

        (1) Conduct sustained, mobile combat operations against enemy maneuver forces in a conventional, chemical, or nuclear environment.
        (2) Operate as an attack or counterattack force and accomplish rapid movement in exploitation and pursuit.
        (3) Accomplish rapid movement and limited penetrations.
        (4) Conduct limited AASLT operations to quickly seize critical objectives.
        (5) Conduct dynamic defensive operations, dispersing over great distances and concentrating rapidly from widely separated areas.
        (6) Conduct delaying actions against larger enemy heavy forces.
        (7) Conduct security operations for a larger force.

    b. Limitations. Caused by the high density of tracked vehicles.

        (1) Mobility and firepower are restricted by urban areas, dense jungles and forests, very steep and rugged terrain, and significant water obstacles.
        (2) Substantial quantities of heavy equipment limit strategic mobility.
        (3) Consumption of supply items is high, especially classes III, V, and IX.
        (4) Tracked vehicles require heavy logistic support and often use railroad and highway transport for long, administrative ground moves.

3-3. HEAVY DIVISIONS

    The heavy divisions of the US Army (armored and mechanized) provide mobile, armor-protected firepower. Because of their mobility and survivability, the Army employs heavy divisions over wide areas that afford them long-range and flat-trajectory fire. They destroy enemy armor forces and seize and control terrain. During offensive operations, heavy divisions can rapidly concentrate overwhelming combat power to break through or envelop enemy defenses. They then strike to destroy fire support, command and control (C²), and service support elements. Using mobility for rapid concentration to attack, to reinforce, or to block, they defeat an enemy while economizing forces in other areas. Heavy divisions operate best in basically open terrain where they can use their mobility and long-range, direct-fire weapons to the best advantage.

3-4. HEAVY BRIGADES

    a. General. The brigade mission is to close with and destroy enemy forces using mobility, firepower, and shock effect. Armored and mechanized infantry brigades are organized to fight on any part of the battlefield in a conventional, nuclear, or chemical environment. The key to victory in the brigade battle is the ability of the brigade to synchronize subordinate maneuver battalions and integrate combat support (CS) and combat service support (CSS) combat multipliers in support of the brigade effort as part of a division or corps operation. Brigades do not act independently but as part of a division or corps. Brigades can direct battles against enemy battalions and regiments up to 15 kilometers forward of the forward line of own troops (FLOT) by controlling task forces (TFs) and attack helicopter units, by establishing priorities of supporting artillery fires, and by coordinating United States Air Force (USAF) close air support (CAS) operations. The brigade influences the battle mainly through task organizing the TFs, assigning missions and sectors, applying force multipliers, assigning and shifting priorities of CS and CSS assets, and constituting and committing the reserve.

    b. Divisional brigades. Most brigades are divisional and normally fight as part of a division. Divisional brigades are tactical headquarters that control mission-tailored battalion TFs.

    c. Separate heavy brigades. Separate brigades are organized for and are capable of conducting sustained operations under corps control. Unlike divisional brigades, they have fixed organizations that include combat, CS, and CSS units. They conduct operations under corps command and are organized to provide their own support.

3-5. MECHANIZED AND TANK BATTALIONS AND TASK FORCES (FM 71-123)

    a. Battalions. Mechanized infantry and tank battalions are organized, equipped, and trained to accomplish compatible missions.

        (1) The mechanized infantry battalion mission is to close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver to destroy or capture him, or to repel his assault by fire, close combat, and counterattack.

        (2) The tank battalion mission is to close with and destroy enemy forces using fire, maneuver, and shock effect, or to repel enemy assault by fire and counterattack.

    b. Heavy task forces.

        (1) Task organizations. Task organization increases the capability of tank and mechanized infantry battalions. Based on his assessment, the brigade commander task organizes tank and mechanized infantry battalions by cross-attaching companies between these units. The brigade commander determines the mix of companies in a TF. The battalion TF may be tank-heavy (more tank companies than mech companies), balanced (equal number of tank and mech companies), or mech-heavy (more mech companies than tank companies). Similarly, the TF commander's estimate may require cross-attaching platoons to form one or more company teams for specific missions.

        (2) Employment considerations.

            (a) The TF is the lowest echelon at which firepower, maneuver, intelligence, and support are combined under a single commander. Task forces normally fight enemy forces they can see and engage—this defines an area extending from less than 100 meters in forests, urban areas, or close terrain, out to about 5 to 6 kilometers from the battalion direct- and indirect-fire weapon systems.

            (b) During the offense, the commander expects the battalion TF to defeat a defending enemy company. Following any penetration, the TF prepares to fight enemy battalion reserves (platoon or company). The TF has no separate rear operations and responds to rear threats as a part of the close fight.

            (c) During the defense, the commander expects the battalion TF to defend against and defeat an enemy regiment or brigade. The battalion TF close fight consists of subordinate companies defeating the companies of the enemy first-echelon battalions and then defeating the companies of second-echelon battalions.

3-6. COMBAT FORMATIONS

    Combat formations are designed to allow the unit to move on the battlefield, given enemy capabilities, in a posture suited to the senior commander's intent and mission. Each formation has its advantages and disadvantages. Subordinate units also employ combat formations, consistent with their particular situation. These formations are applicable for all tactical units, regardless of the echelon. Combat formations describe the general configuration of the unit on the ground. Terrain characteristics and visibility determine the actual location of units. Standard formations allow commanders to rapidly shift forces from one formation to another. This gives them the agility to take advantage of changes in the battlefield. All formations are a variant of the line or column formation. Units may employ any one or combination of six formations. When designating a formation, the commander considers:

        - The relationship of one unit to another on the ground.
        - Where the enemy will make contact and how he wants to act on it.
        - Where he wants his firepower.
        - The level of security desired.

    a. Column formation. The unit moves in column formation when contact is not expected, the objective is distant, and speed and control are of the essence. Normally, the lead element uses traveling overwatch while the following units are in traveling formation. The column formation:

- Is easy to control, facilitates speed of movement, and is useful in restricted terrain. 
- Is flexible and provides for quick transition to another formation or movement against a threat.
- Places minimum combat power forward.
- Places the majority of firepower to flanks.
- May inadvertently bypass enemy units or positions.

    b. Line formation. The line formation arranges subordinate maneuver elements abreast. Since it does not dispose subordinates in depth, the line provides less flexibility of maneuver than other formations. It is used when continuous movement with maximum firepower to the front is required, such as during the assault, or when wide coverage is required. The line formation:

        - Permits maximum firepower to the front and poor fire power to the flanks.
        - Is difficult to control, especially in restricted terrain or during limited visibility.
        - Facilitates the use of speed and shock in closing with the enemy.
        - Allows for no reserve and limited overwatch force.

    c. Wedge formation. The wedge best disposes forces to attack an enemy appearing to the front and flanks. The wedge is used when enemy contact is possible or expected, but the location and disposition of the enemy are vague. It is the preferred formation for a movement to contact as it initiates contact with the smallest element. When enemy contact is not expected, the wedge may be used to rapidly cross open terrain. The wedge formation:

        - Facilitates control: orientation can be rapidly changed.
        - Provides maximum firepower and good firepower to the flanks.
        - Can be quickly changed to the line,"V," echelon, or column.
        - Is difficult to control in restricted terrain or poor visibility.
        - Requires sufficient space to disperse subordinate units laterally and in depth.
        - Allows the unit to make contact with one element while retaining the remainder to maneuver.
        - Initiates contact with the smallest elements.

    d. "V" formation. The "V" formation disposes the unit with two elements abreast and one or more trailing. This arrangement is most suitable to advance against an enemy known to be to the front. It may be used when enemy contact is expected and the location and disposition of the enemy are known. The "V" formation:

        - Is less easy to reorient than the wedge; it is very difficult to control in restricted terrain.
        - Provides for maximum firepower forward and good firepower to the flanks.
        - Facilitates a continuation of maneuver after contact is made and a rapid transition to the assault.
        - Can be quickly changed to the line, wedge, or column. · Requires sufficient space for dispersal laterally and in depth.

    e. Echelon formation. The echelon formation arranges the unit diagonally right or left. It is commonly used by units operating on the flank of a larger formation. The echelon formation:        

        - Provides for firepower forward and in the direction of echelon.
        - Facilitates control in open areas: control is more difficult in restricted areas.
        - Facilitates a continuation of maneuver after contact is made.
        - Can be quickly changed to any other formation.

    f. Box formation. The box formation arranges the unit with forward and trail elements. The box formation can easily be changed to any other formation. It is used to facilitate rapid movement, yet still provide adequate security. The box formation:

        - Provides firepower to the front and flanks.
        - Can be quickly changed to other formations.
        - Is easy to control; it facilitates speed of movement.
        - Requires sufficient space for dispersion laterally and in depth.
        - Is recommended for use in the pursuit.

3-7. EMPLOYMENT OF A MECHANIZED INFANTRY PLATOON

    a. This platoon consists of two mounted sections of two vehicles each and two dismounted infantry squads of nine men each. A mounted section consists of two BFVs and two crews. A squad consists of the squad leader and two fire teams.

    b. The platoon HQ and augmentees are distributed on two BFVs.

    c. A squad leader is responsible for dismounted squad training and employment.

    d. The Bradley commander is responsible for BFV crew training and employment.