Obstacles - Fires Synchronization

Subscribe Today

• Subscribe to Armchair General Magazine
• Subscribe online and save nearly 40%!
 

In the above sketch, you see obstacles emplaced to persuade the force to seek a bypass around the obstacles (avoiding a breach). As the enemy moves into the bypass, they begin receiving a combinition of indirect fires and longer range direct fires (ant-tank missile systems etc.) The longer range systems are used, since as discussed above, disruption obstacles are emplaced forward of the main engagement area. Again, we want this forward obstacle system to cause our enemy to commit resources early so they are not available later when he needs them. If the enemy decides to breach rather than bypass, we shift fires into the obstacles and make his breach extremely painful!

Turn – When a Commander wants to take advantage of his quick firing weapon systems and desires his enemy to provide flanking shots to him; he will ask for obstacles to provide a turning effect. The Commander wants these obstacles to assist in making his opponent maneuver in a specific direction. Achieving this effect, can be challenging for a unit to accomplish for several reasons. First, the positioning of the obstacles must not be so obvious that the enemy quickly realizes that you want him to turn. Remember, the enemy thinks too! Second, there must be an identifiable bypass for the enemy to maneuver thru. Finally, the overall situation must entice the enemy Commander to want to make the turn.

Turn - Obstacle-Fires Integration

The first thing that must be attained in setting conditions for the turn is a strong anchor point (the beginning of the obstacle complex which entices the enemy to turn). There are several things the Commander should do in developing this formidable anchor point. First, he should utilize the existing terrain. If at all possible, the anchor point is tied in existing terrain which is extremely difficult for the enemy to maneuver through (i.e. rocky terrain, hills or mountains, water obstacles). Second, the area around the anchor point must be heavily covered with effective indirect and direct fires. This is done to ensure the enemy does not conduct a successful breach of the obstacle at the anchor point. After all, if the enemy does not receive this fire; it is quite possible he will attempt to breach at the anchor point. Thus, there will be no possibility he will execute the turn. Third, if the unit has sufficient dismounted infantry; they should be dug-in near the anchor point. This assists in strenghening the anchor point and assits in “persuading” the enemy to turn.

Once the enemy has committed to the turn, you must have a comprehensive and synchronized direct and indirect fire plan to achieve success in the defense. Critical in this is not to show your hand too early. The Commander must enable a sufficient number of enemy vehicles to make the turn, thus providing lucrative flank shots to the defender. This fire plan should include things such as: 1) trigger lines; 2) unit sectors; 3) what types of friendly vehicles fire at what types of enemy vehicles. For example, tanks fire at tanks, fighting vehicles fire at troop carriers, etc… If this detail is not planned, a unit will not be able to take full advantage of the targets it will be presented during th enemy turn.

Fix. The effect fix does not mean completely stopping an enemy attack (that is block which we will discuss next). What it does mean is the commander wants obstacles to sufficiently slow down the advance of the enemy attack towards him so he can place effective fires thus leading to success. With that in mind, the obstacle system is generally positioned in depth. This then makes the opponent breach several obstacles consequently slowing his attack momentum. Fixing obstacles are not only utilized in a deliberate defense, but are very effective when a unit needs to conduct a retrograde operation (retirement, withdrawal, delay). These obstacles buy a unit time which is so critical in a retrograde. Note: fix and disrupt may sound similar. The difference is that disrupt obstacles are further away from the main defense area and chiefly involve indirect fires. The disrupt effect is generally desired before the enemy reaches the main engagement area.

Help Armchair General by bookmarking to