tactical employment of field artillery1943

7/29/2019 Tactical Employment of Field Artillery1943

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CONTENTSParagraphs

CHAPTER l.-PRINCIPLES OF THE EMPLOYMENTOF ARTILLERYSECTION I. Characteristics of field artillery . .II. Organization -------.--------------------III. Types of employment

IV. Zones of fireV. Displacements ..._. .._. ._CHAPTER 2.-TYPES OF ARTILLERY FIRE._ .. ..CHAPTER 3.-ARTILLERY ON THE MARCH ANDAT HALTS ---------------.---------------.--.-----------.5- 58SECTION1. Artillery on the march, general ... 35- 37

II. Artillery with advance, rear, andflank guards .._. ._______________8- 52III . Artillery with the main body ._________53- 56IV. Artillery at march halts and in bivouac 57- 58

CHAPTER 4.-ARTILLERY IN OFFENSIVECO1\1BAT . .. .______________59- 77SECTION1. General -_.-----------------------_____________59- 67'II. Artillery in the attack in a meetingengagement --------.----.. .. .________68- 70

III. Artillery during operations prior toattack of organized posgion .____71- 73IV. Artil!e!y in attack of organizedPOSl bon 74- 75V. Artillery in the pursuit . ._. "_. 76- 77

CHAPTER 5.-ARTILLERY IN DEFENSIVECO1\1BA T ._.... . . . . 78-95SECTION1. General ._____________________________ 78

II. Employment of artillery in defense ._ 79- 93III . Artillery in attack from the defensive 94- 95

CHAPTER 6.-ARTILLERY IN RETROGRADEM0VE 1\1ENTS . .... . .______________________6-102SECTION1. Withdrawals from action . .. 96- 98II. Delaying action ._______99-100

III. Retirements .-.. . . . 101-102

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Paragraphs PagesCHAPTER 7.-ARTILLERY IN SPECIALOPERATIONS 103-120

SECTIONI. General .:.__ 103II. Raids and night attacks 104-105III. River crossings 106-107

IV. Defense of river line -------.---- 108-110V. Operations in snow and extreme cold,mountain operations, jungle war-fare, and desert warfare .__111-115VI. Defense of coast lines 116-117

VII. Attack of fortified locality 118-120CHAPTER 8.-EMPLOY MENT OF ARMORED'

DIVISION ARTILLERY 121-122CHAPTER 9.-EMPLOY MENT OF ARTILLERYWITH CAVALRY 123-129CHAPTER 10.-EMPLOYMENT OF AIRBORNEFIELD ARTILLERY 130-138

. CHAPTER 11.-LIAISON _-------------------- 139-143CHAPTER 12.-ARTILLERY ANTIAIRCRAFT ANDANTIMECHANIZED DEFENSE 144-148CHAPTER 13.-ARTILLERY DEFENSE AGAINST

AIRBORNE TROOPS, INFILTRATIONDETACHMENTS AND FIFTHCOL UMNIS TS 149-152CHAPTER 14.-ARTILLERY DEFENSE AGAINSTCHEMICAL ATTACK 15:l-155

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CHAPTER 1PRINCIPLES OF THE El\IPLOyiIENT OF ARTILLERY

ParagraphsSECTION 1. Characteristics of field artillery 1- 5II. Organization 6- 9III. Types of employment 10-18IV. Zones of fire , 19-21

V. Displacements ----------.------------.22-24SECTION I

CHARACTERISTICS OF FIELD ARTILLERYMission ------------------------------1Characteristics of light artillery -_--_2Characteristics of medium artillery 3Characteristics of heavy artillery 4Projectiles and fuzes 5

1. MISSION.-a. Field artillery contributes to the action of theentire force through the fire support it renders other arms. Ithas two principal missions in combat: Itsupports other arms by...fire, neutralizing or destroying those targets which are most dan-

gerous to the supported arms; it give depth to combat by counter-battery fire, by fire on hostile reserves,~by restricting movementin 'rear areas, and by disrupting hostile command agencies (FM100-5). .b. The flexibility and long range of its trajectories make it pos-

sible for the field artillery to adapt itself rapidly to every tacticalsituation; the destructive power and morale effect of its projectilesand the. ability to shift fires without shifting position are thecharacteristics of its combat. :Massed, surprise fire greatly in-creases its effect and is always sought . 2. CHARACTERISTICS OF LIGHT ARTILLERY.-a. General.- Thecharacteristics of light artillery are mobility, flexibility of fire,"a high rate of fire, and rapidity of getting in and out of position.These characteristics, coupled with its range, enable it to rendercontinuous support to other ground forces over areas of greatwidth and depth.

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2-4 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOFFIELDARTILLERYb. IIorse artillery.-Horse artillery has great battlefield mo-

bility. As the cannoneers are individually mounted, their mountsfurnish an immediate reservoir for draft replacements and relays.It ~an march and maneuver with horse cavalry.c. Pack artillery.-Pack artillery can operate over ground thatis difficult or impassable for other types of artillery. It is suit-able for landing operations and as accompanying artillery, andis especially suitable for mountain and jungle combat. Pack ar-tillery cannot move at faster than a walk, except for short dis-tances. It marches quietly. The pack (field) howitzer is especiallyadapted to movement by air transport, small landing vessel, lightmotor vehicle, or manpower.d. Truck-drawn artillery.-On good roads, truck-drawn lightartillery can maintain a high average speed. It can readily fordstreams up to two feet in depth. It can be towed across stream;o:;of greater depth, but extensive waterproofing is necessary. Withtraction devices installed on the prime movers, its mobility overdifficult terrain approaches that of half-track vehicles.e. Self-propelled artillery.-Artillery on self-propelled mountscan move at high speed on roads. It has the cross-country mobilityof a medium tank.f. Airb.orne artillery.-Airborne artillery is dropped with para-

chutes and landed from gliders and planes. After landing, it haslimited mobility . 3. CHARACTERISTICSOF :MEDIUMARTILLERY.-Medium artilleryhas a lower rate of fire but"greater power than light artillery. Itspower makes it preferable to light artillery for counterbatterywhen the battle position has been organized. Its mobility overdifficult terrain is appreciably less than that of truck-drawnlight artillery . 4. CHARACTERISTICSFHEAVYARTILLERY.-Heavy artillery hasa relatively low rate of fire, great power, and long range. It exe-cutes all types of fire deep within the enemy lines and can intensifyand extend the neutralizing fires of light and medium artillery.It requires appreciably more time for emplacement than doeHlight and medium artillery. Both medium and heavy artillery aremore vulnerable to mechanized attack than is light artillery.

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III

PRINCIPLESOF THE EMPLOYMENTOF ARTILLERY 5-7 5. PROJECTILESANDFUZEs.-Shells employed by the field ar-tilery are: High explosive (HE), antitank (HE-AT), and a chem-ical smoke. Fuzes are combination superquick-delay and a combi-nation time-superquick.a. HE shell.-HE shell with fuze set at superquick is effectiveagainst personnel. HE shell with fuze set at delay and a largeangle of impact has a depth effect in breaking through cover. HEshell with fuze set at delay, and a small angle of impact and hardground will produce ricochets which, detonating after reboundinginto the air, have great effect against personnel, even those intrenches and foxholes. HE shell with the time fuze produces airbursts that are especially effective against personnel, even thosein trenches and foxholes. Shells that fail to explode in air explodeon impact with superquick action. Time fire is especially suitablefor transfers of fire.b. Antitank shell.-Antitank shell (HE-AT) is designed foruse against tanks with direct laying.c. Smoke shell.-Bmoke shell is effective in the blinding of en-emy observation and screening movements of the supported troops.

SECTIONIIORGANIZATION

ParagraphWar Department. reserve artillery 6Corpsarti IIery =:::::... 7Groll pment . 8organiza tion for combat 9 6. WAR DEPARTMENTRESERVEARTILLERY.-War Departmentreserve artillery is normally organized into groups, each consist-ing of a group headquarters and headquarters battery and fourseparate battalions. The battalions are of equal mobility. It in-cludes all artillery under the commander of the field forces thatis not organic to the several corps and divisions. It amounts toan artillery pool and is, in effect, the commander's artillery re-serve.' " 7. CORPSARTILLERY.-There is no organic corps artillery firepower. Artillery allocated to a corps, may be attached to thedivision of the corps, retained under corps control, or part may

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7-10 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOFFIELDARTILLERYbe attached to the divisions and part retained under corps control.Employment of corps artillery is treated in Instruction Memoran-dum T-5. 8. GROUPMENT.-A groupment is a temporary tactical unit madeup of two or more artillery battalions (or larger units). The pur-pose of forming a groupment is to coordinate fire, observation, .and liaison; administration is not pertinent except for ammuni-tion supply. The guiding principle in forming a' groupment isthat all units of it have a common mission, regardless of caliber orother characteristics. If the artillery organization for combat in-cludes the forming of agroupment, the artillery commander's orderspecifies the commander of the groupment, the units that are tocompose it, and its mission. If a groupment in excess of two bat-talions is to be formed, an additional headquarters and head-quarters battery is desirable for its command . 9. ORGANIZATIONFOR COMBAT.-In the divison, organizationfor combat should provide artillery in general support, artilleryin direct support. and-when necessary-attached artillery. Inthe corps, it should provide groupments for counterbattery, forlong-range fire, and for reinforcing the fires of division artillery.

SECTIONIIITYPES OF EMPLOYMENT

Paragraph!lrtillery with reinforcing mission ..__ .__ . .---------.---14A ttached artillery ._. . . . ._. . . ... .. ...-.--.--- 15~~m~ry~nn;e;di ne~_=~=~~~~~~~~=:==~~~~==:-_-_--_.:~_~-_~_-_._-:_.Artillery remaining when infantry is withdrawn .. .._. . ...___. .. . 18

10. TYPESOF EMPLOYMENT,GENERAL.-Artillery may be em-ployed in general support, in direct support of units of other arms,as attached artillery, or as roving guns. A unit employed in gen-eral support may be given a secondary mission of reinforcing thefires of another artillery unit.

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PRINCIPLES OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF ARTILLERY 11-12 11. GENERAL-SUPPORT ARTILLERY.--a. General.-General-sup-port artillery supports the command as a whole, such as the di-vision. It may reinforce the fires of direct-support artillery. Itis held under the. control of the next higher artillery commander;for example, if the division medium battalion is in general sup-port, it is held under the control of the division artillery com-mander. With all of his artillery under centralized control, theartillery commander's ability to mass fires is at a maximum. Inbrief, the mission of general support is an order to the artillery:

(1) To be prepared to fire anywhere in the zone of action orsector of the supported force, or in so much of that zone or sectoras is prescribed by higher headquarters.

(2) To observe in its normal zone.b. Divison artillery.-The division medium artillery is usually

in general support. In addition, it usually has a reinforcing mis-sion.c. Corpsartillery.-Corps artillery is normally in general sup-port during coordinated operations and executes three general

missions: Counterbattery, long-range interdiction, and reinforc-ing the fires of the artillery with the divisions . 12. DIRECT-SUPPORT ARTILLERY.--a. General. Placing artil-lery in direct support of an infantry (cavalry) (armored) unitpermits closer cooperation between the artillery and the infantry(cavalry) (armored) and insures greater promptness in answer-ing calls for artillery support in a rapidly changing situation. Theprimary function of direct-support artillery is the delivery of firefor the supported unit. The majority of its missions come direct-ly from the commander of the supported unit. However, it re-mains under the control of the division artillery officer and mayat any time be assigned missions, in its zone of fire, outside thezone of action of the supported unit. In turn it may request rein-forcement of its fire. \Vhen communication between a direct-support battalion and the next higher artillery headquarters fails,the direct-support battalion functions as though it were attachedartillery. In brief, the mission of direct support is an order tothe artillery: .

(1) To be prepared to fire in the zone of action or sector of thesupported unit.

(2) To observe in its normal zone.- 5-

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12- 15 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERY(3) To respond directly to calls for fire from the supportedunit.(4) To maintain liaison with the headquarters of the supportedunit and with its front-line battalions.b. Allocation.-Tables of Organization for infantry divisionsprovide light artillery in the proportion of one battalion of lightartillery to a regiment of infantry. 'Vhenever practicable, a par-ticular artillery unit is always placed in direct support of thesame infantry unit .

13. REINFORCINGARTILLERY.-The artillery organically as-signed to a division is the minimum with which the divison canoperate. For any attack, except against weak forces, or for astrong defense, additional artillery is necessary . 14. ARTILLERYWITHREINFORCINGMISSION.-In brief, the mis-sion of reinforcing the fires of another artillery unit is an orderto the artillery:a. To be prepared to fire in the zone of fire of the unit whosefires it is to reinforce, or in so much of that zone as higher author-ity designates.b. To answer calls for fire from the reinforced unit, whenanswering such calls will not interfere with its primary mission(usually general support).c. To maintain liaison with the unit whose fires it is to rein-

force . 15. ATTACHEDARTILLERY.-a. GeneTal.-An artillery unit maybe attached to a unit of another arm or it may be attached toanother artillery unit. An attached unit is under the direct tac-tical and administrative control of the commander of the unitto which it is attached. An artillery unit is attached only whenthe next higher artillery commander cannot effectively exercisecommand over it.b. Division artillery.-vVhenever the situation permits, the divi-sion artillery is retained under centralized control, so that thedivision commander can most effectively employ its fire poweras a reserve to influence the combat. However, he frequently can-not control the fire of all of his artillery efficiently because of thecharacter of the operations, unusual extension of frontages, diffi-culties of terrain, lack of suitable observation, or insufficiency

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PRINCIPLESOF THE EMPLOYMENTOF ARTILLERY 15-19of signal communication. Urider such conditions the division ar-tillery officer should recommend the attachment of a part or allof the division artillery to infantry (cavalry) (armored) units.If battalions are attached, the division artiliery officer maintainscontact with them, prepares plans of reestablishing centralizedcontrol, and at the appropriate time!.recommends to the divisioncommander that it be reestablished . 16. ROVINGGUNs.-Roving guns may be used by any artilleryunit to deceive the enemy as to the strength or position of theartillery, particularly during registration. They may be used formissions which cannot be executed from the regular positions, orto avoid enemy counterbattery fire. 17. ARTILLERYIN READINESS.- The term artillery in readinessdesignates a unit that is held out of action, but that is prepared tooccupy without delay previously reconnoitered and surveyed posi-tions. An artillery unit may be held in readiness (usually in adefensive situation) when the situation is obscure and the definiteneed for the artillery fire power in a particular sector cannot beforeseen . 18. ARTILLERYREMAININGWHEN INFANTRY IS WITHDRAWN.When the infantry of one division of a corps is withdrawn to restor reorganize, the artillery of that divison may be required toremain in position to support other divisions. \Vhen the infantryre-enters battle, the artillery rejoins it.

SECTION IV--ZONES OF FIRE

ParagraphZones of fire, general -------------------19Norm a1 zones ----- 20Zones in depth -;- ---.----------21

19. ZONESOF FIRE, GENERAL.-The zone within which an ar-tillery unit is to be prepared to deliver fire is called its zone of fire.That portion of the zone of fire within which the unit has primaryresponsibility for observation and ordinarily delivers fire on itsown initiative is called its normal zone. The other portions of itszone of fire are called ccntingent zones; the unit delivers fire inits contingent zones on order of higher artillery headquarters. An- 7-

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19- 21 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOFFIELDARTILLERYartillery unit has but one normal zone; it may have several con-tingent zones. Whenever practicable, the limits of zones of fireshould coincide with prominent terrain features and should bepointed out on the ground. The normal zones of the various eche-lons (par. 20, below) are designated by the lines showing thezones of action of the various corps and divisions. The exteriorlimits of the contingent zones, and consequently of the zones offire, of the various units are designated by lines labeled to showthe fire power-usually expressed in battalions,. calibers, andtypes-with which the units must reach the exterior limits. Thusthe exterior limit of the left contingent zone of the 4th DivisionArtillery may be shown by a line labeled "4th Div Arty reach w/1bn (105-mm) 1bn (155-mm)." 20. NORMAL ZONES.-a. Battery.-The normal zone of eachbattery of a battalion is the normal zone of the battalion.b. Division artillery.-The normal zone of a division artilleryunit in direct support coincides laterally with the zone of actionor sector of the supported unit; thus a battalion (groupment) oflight artillery in direct support of an infantry regiment has anormal zone coinciding with the zone of action or sector of theinfantry regiment. The normal zone of division artillery in gen-eral support usually coincides with the zone of action or sectorof the division.c. COrJ J sartillery.-The normal zone of the corps artillery coin-cides laterally with the zone of action or sector of the corps, butthe normal zones of the various groups, groupments, and bat-talions of the corps artillery mayor may not coincide with thezones of action or sectors of the front-line divisions of the corps . 21. ZONESIN DEPTH.-In the operation of a corps or largerunit, zones delimited in depth may be assigned to the several ar-tillery echelons to coordinate, in depth, primary responsibilityfor observation and fire. The coordinating line between the divi-sion artillery and the corps artillery is called the XX-line. If thecorps artillery zone is further divided in depth between the me-dium howitzers and the heavy guns, that coordinating line is calledthe .YY-line. As a general guide in delimiting zones in depth itmay be considered that the initial targets of the division artilleryin direct support are at ranges of from 2000 to 4500 yards, andthat the targets of the corps artillery are at ranges of from 2500to 7000 yards.

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PRINCIPLESOF THE EMPLOYMENTOF ARTILLERY 22-23SECTIONV

DISPLACEMENTSParagraphDisplacements, general . 22Displacement of direct-support artillery 23Displacement of general-support artillery.!:----------------- 24

22. DISPLACEMENTS,GENERAL.-a. Purpose. Artillery dis-places during combat in order to fire at effective ranges and tomaintain continuous communication with liaison officers and for-ward observers.b. Method.-The method of displacement is such that some firesupport is furnished at all times ; for example, in a battalion twobatteries may displace while one remains in position.c. Reassignment of 'mssions.-The artillery commander tem-porarily reassigns the essential missions of the displacing unitsto units that are in position. This reassignment of missions mustbe foreseen at the time that reinfocing missions and contingentzones are assigned to the several units.d. Length of displacements.-The time that batteries are out ofaction while displacing should be reduced to a minimum. As ageneral rule, the distance of displacement should be at least one-half the maximum effective range of the displacing pieces; how-ever, the maintenance of communication with liaison officers andforward observers may require shorter and more frequent dis-placements.e. Coordination 'Withmovements 'Of'other units.-When two ormore artillery units must displace over the. same route, the next,higher artillery commander coordinates the movements. Whenartillery must displace over a route used by units of other arms,the force commander coordinates the movements . 23. DISPLACEMENTOF DIRECT-SUPPORTARTILLERY.-The dis-placement of direct-support artillery is coordinated with phasesof the engagement. The artillery commander plans his displace-ment in conference with the supported unit commander, sipce thesupported unit's plan influences the time of .displacement, themethod of displacement, and the selection of the new positionarea. The commander of the direct-support artillery displaces hisunit on his own initiative, in accordance with the plan arranged

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23- 24 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYwith the supported unit commander. When practicable, he noti-fies the division artillery officer'before displacing . 24. DISPLACEMENTOFGENERAL-SUPPORT-RTILLERY.-The dis-placement of general-support artillery is coordinated with the ac-tion of the command as a whole. The unit displaces on orders ofthe next higher artillery commander; for example, the divisionartillery in general support displaces on order of the division ar-tillery officer.

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CHAPTER 2TYPES OF ARTILLERY FIRE

ParagraphNeutral ization fire ----------------------------------------------------25Destru cti0n f ire --,---------------------------------------6g~~~~~a~ nt.e~~~~ ~

~~ires on targets of opportunity, general ---------------------------------------------------------2Interdicti 0n ------------------------------.---.-------------3Haras sing fire -----------------.---.-----------.-.------~---4 25. NEUTRALIZATIONFIRE.-Neutralization fire is fire de-livered to cause severe losses, interrupt movement or action, andin general destroy the combat efficiency of enemy personnel,.animals, vehicles, and weapons. Neutralization is established bydelivering surprise fire in intense masses. It is maintained byintermittent bursts of fire in lesser amounts, reinforced at ir-regular intervals with the initial intense masses. Observation isdesirable. A transfer of fire is required for surprise (see FM6-40) .. 26. DESTRUCTIONFIRE.-Destruction fire is fire delivered forthe sole purpose of destroying material objects. It is usually pre-cision fire. It requires a great deal.!2! ammunition and time. Ob-servation is essential. For the destruction of most targets, mediumand heavy artillery are better suited than light artillery . 27. CONCENTRATIONS,GENERAL.-A concentration is a volumeof fire placed on an area within a limited time. The term is ap-plied regardless of the tactical purpose of the fire or the natureof the tactical operation. Thus, nearly all artillery fires are con-centrations. Missions requiring registration or destruction, andcertain kinds of harassing and interdiction fires, are exceptions . 28. CHEMICALCONCENTRATIONS.--a. Restrictions on use.-Seeparagraph 66.b. Persistent gas.-Persistent gas is used in counterbattery,interdiction, denying hostile troops the use of areas, and as acasualty agent. It is most effective when well distributed on vege-

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28-30 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOFFIELDARTILLERYtation, materiel, and the ground. To obtain this effect the lightweapon is preferable to the medium. or heavy. The frequencywith which concentrations of persistent gas should be repeateddepends upon the terrain and weather (FM 21-40). As the temp-erature decreases below 58 F., the effect of mustard gas isdimished;below 50 F. mustard is fired only in anticipation oflater effect when the temperature rises.c. Nonpersistent gas.'-N onpersistent gas is used jn harassing

fire and as a casualty agent. A concentration should be built upwithin two minutes. Transfers are made when possible. For fir--ing concentrations of nonpersistent gas, the 155-mm howitzer isthe most suitable weapon. Phosgene is ineffective at tempera-tures below 110 F.d. Smoke.-Smoke is used primarily to blind enemy observa-

tion and to screen the movements of friendly troops; white phos-phorus also produces casualties and has some incendiary effect.Smoke is useful in identifying rounds to observers and as pre-arranged messages to the infantry. Transfers for unobservedfire may be made, but observed fires are best. To establish ascreen with a light weapon requires a relatively high rate of fire;heavy artillery is used to lay down white phosphorus smoke. 29. BARRAGES.-a. Normal barrage.-A normal barrage is aconcentration place on an area, close to the front lines, that can-'not be effectively covered by the weapons of the supported troops.It is a prearranged fire employed ordinarily as a defensive meas-ure. A battery has one normal barrage .. The front that can becovered by the normal barrage of the 105-mm howitzer batteryis 200 yards. The normal barrage is fired on call and has firstpriority among the battery's direct-support missions. At nightthe battery is generally kept laid on its normal barrage when notfiring other missions.b. A group of concentrations can be used to enclose two ormore sides of an enemy area. It is used to isolate the area during

a raid by friendly troops. . 30. SAFETYLIMITSIN COMBAT.-If friendly troops are to con-form to the movement of artillery fire, they will follow the fireat whatever distance safety and the tactical situation permit. Ifartillery fire is to conform to the movement of friendly troops,or is to be placed in front of entrenched troops, an estimate of

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TYPESOFARTILLERYFIRES 30- 34the minimum distance in front of them that the fire may be safelyplaced is based on: The accuracy of the data, the observation,'the cover afforded friendly troops, the terrain in the impact area,the calibration of the pieces, the effective .radius of large frag-ments of projectiles, and dispersion ..!. 31. PREARRANGEDIRES, GENERAL.-Fires are said to be pre-arranged when they are planned, and data are prepared for them,well in advance. They may be prearranged as to location andtime of firing-for example, as part of a preparation; or theymay be prearranged as to location only and then fired on call-forexample, as'a normal barrage . 32. FIRES ON TARGETSOF OPPORTUNITY,GENERAL.-Targetsfor which fires are not prearranged are known as targets of op-portunity. If an observer reports such a target while the unit isfiring a prearranged mission, the artillery commander who re-ceives the report decides whether to continue the current firingor to attack the new target. He is governed by his knowledge ofthe situation and by the plans and orders that are currently inforce. In general, a mechanized force, unless widely dispersed,is always taken under fire . 33. INTERDICTIoN.-Interdiction is fire delivered on points orareas to prevent the enemy from using them. Characteristictargets are roads used for moving supplies or reserves, cross-roads, assembly areas, routes of approach, railroads stations, de-.training points, defiles, bridges, and fords. Zone fire at irregularintervals throughout an extended period of time gives satisfactoryresults. All echelons of artillery may fire interdiction; however,interdiction is generally assigned to corps artillery . 34. HARASSINGFIRE.-Harassing fire is fire delivered duringa relatively quiet period to interfere with the enemy and to keephis troops alerted unnecessarily. Fire may be by a single piece,platoon, or battery; the fire is intermittent. All echelons of ar-tillery may fire harassing fire. Division artillery, generally usingroving guns, fires in the hostile forward areas; corps artilleryfires on areas at the more distant ranges.

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CHAPTER 3ARTILLERY ON THE MARCH AND AT HALTS

ParagraphsSECTION I. Artillery on the march, general .. 35-37II. Artillery with advance, rear, and flank guards 38-52III. Artillery with the main body 53-56IV. Artillery at march halts and in bivouac ~_________________7-58

SECTIONIARTILLERY ON THE MARCH, GENERAL

ParagraphCeneral .----------------35Marches in the presence of the enemy ---------3GNight marches . -- 37

35. GENERAL.-A command may march in one column or inmultiple columns. \Vhen the command marches in multiple col-umns each column usually includes some artillery. The artilleryis attached to the march group until centralized control is orderedby a higher headquarters. Marches may be classified accordingto the imminence of contact, and according to whether the marchis made during daylight or at night. For antiaircraft and anti-mechanized defense on the march, see chapter 12. For marchesnot in the presence of the enemy, see FM 25-10. 36. :MARCHESIN THE PRESENCE OF THE ENEMY.- When thecolumn is marching in the presence of the enemy, tactical con-siderations, time and space factors, the road net, and the condi-tion of the roads determine the disposition of artillery units inthe column. Except when emplaced to support the advance, truck-drawn artillery, because of its speed and mobility, marches bybounds at the tail of the main body. If that disposition will pre-vent its moving forward and going into action promptly, itmarches elsewhere . 37. NIGHT :MARCHEs.-Artillery is of little combat value duringa night march. Consequently, at night it usually marches at thetail of the main body during an advance and at the head of themain body during a retrograde movement. If the night march

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ARTILLERYONTHE MARCHANDAT HALTS 37- 39is to extend beyond daybreak, location of the artillery during thenight is such as will facilitate its possible action after daybreak.

SECTIONIIARTILLERY \VITH ADVANCE, REAR, AND FLANKGUARDS

ParagraphStrength of advance-guard artillery ------------------------------------ 38Location of advance-guard artillery in column ------------- 39Location of advance-guard artillery commander ------- 40Advance-guard artillery reconnaissance and liaison 41Air observation with advance-guard artillery ----------- 42Advance-guard artillery, combat imminent ---------------- 43Strength of rear-guard artillery -------------.--------------- 44Location of rear-guard artillery in column ----------------- 45Location of rear-guard artillery commander ---------- 46Rear-guard artillery reconnaissance and liaison . 47Air oLservation with the rear-guard artillery ---------- 48Rear-guard artillery in combat 49Flank-guard artillery, general -------------------------- 50Location of flank-guard artillery --------------------- 51Flank-guard artillery reconnaissance and liaison 52

38. STRENGTHOFADVANCE-GUARDRTILLERY.-If the advanceguard is basically an infantry battalion, usually no artillery isattached; when the advance guard deploys, artillery with themain body occupies position to support the advance guard onorders of the column commander. However, if the supported unitis of equal mobility with the artillery'" or if the enemy is strongin mechanized units or if the artillery from the main body wouldhave to move up over poor or congested roads, light artillery,usually a battery, should be attached. For larger advance guards,light artillery, usually a battalion, is attached. \Vhen a single bat-tery is attached, it may have attached to it additional liaison andcommunication personnel and equipment, and a section of theammunition train. l\iedium artillery is attached to the advanceguard artillery if its early employment is foreseen . 39. LOCATIONOFADVANCE-GUARDRTILLERYIN COLUMN.-Theartillery of the advance guard should be so located that it can-enteraction promptly and the advance-guard infantry can protect itfrom enemy surprise attacks. Usually the ammunition train ofthe advance-guard artillery accompanies it; the train may march

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39- 45 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYelsewhere as long as it is readily available. Truck-drawn lightartillery of the advance guard usually moves by bounds in thespace between the advance guard and the main body. Mediumartillery usually follows the light artillery . 40. LoCATION OF ADVANCE-GUARDARTILLERY COMMANDER.The commander of the advance-guard artillery normally marches'with the commander of the advance guard. He is ac.companiedby such members of his detail as are necessary for the promptissuance of orders for the support of the advan'ce guard (FM100-5) . 41. ADVANCE-GUARDRTILLERYRECONNAISSANCEANDLIAISON.Reconnaissance details of advance-guard artillery accompany theleading elements of the advance guard or the cavalry precedingthe advance guard. Liaison officers (ch. 11) of the advance-guard artillery accompany commanders of appropriate infantryunits. Reconnaissance officers and liaison officers maintain com-munication with their artillery commanders by radio and mes-, senger . 42. AIR OBSERVATIONWITH ADVANCE-GUARDARTILLERY.-Airobservation should be made available to the advance-guarJ artil.lery whenever practicable. Hostile march columns, assemblyareas, and artillery in defiladed positions are always importanttargets. To place effective fire on such targets during the initialphases of an advance-guard action will nearly always require airobservation using high-performance (Air Force) planes . 43. ADVANC&-GUARDARTILLERY, COMBAT IMMINENT.-Whencombat is imminent, the advance guard deploys on a wide front.Any artillery attached to the advance guard occupies position atonce to cover the deployment. For employment of artillery in ad.vance-guard action, see paragraph 69. 44. STRENGTHOF REAR-GUARDARTILLERY.-The rear guardshould be especially strong in artillery. Seldom less than a bat-talion of light artillery is attached to the rear guard of a division;some medium artillery should be included in the rear guard artil-lery . 45. LOCATIONOF REAR-GUARDARTILLERY IN COLUMN. a.'l'ruck-drawn artillery.-Truck-drawn artillery of the rear guard

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ARTILLERY ON THE MARCH AND AT HALTS 45- 49usually marches by bounds in the interval between the rear guar3and the main' body.b. Ammunition trains.-The ammunition train of the rear-guard artillery marches at the head of the reserve. When therear-guard artillery is in action, the ammunition train may es-tablish small ammunition dumps along the route of withdrawaland near the position areas that the artillery plans to occupyduring its withdrawal. However, the maximum reserve of ammu-nition must be kept mobile; dumped ammunition that cannot besalvaged must be destroyed .

46. LoCATION OF REAR-GUARD ARTILLERY COMMANDER.-Thecommander of the rear-guard artillery marches with the com-mander of the rear guard. He is accompanied by such membersof his detail as are necessary for the prompt issuance of orders . 47. REAR-GUARD ARTILLERY RECONNAISSANCE AND LIAISON.After one position has been selected, reconnaissance details im-mediately reconnoiter for new artillery positions in rear. If anartillery commander employs two reconnaissance parties, onereconnoiters the first position to be occupied, marks the route,and remains in the area until the artillery is established; the sec-ond party reconnoiters for the second position, marks the route,ar..d remains in the second area until the artillery is established.The first reconnaissance party, after the first position is occu-pied; leapfrogs the second party and reconnoiters for the thirdartillery position. Liaiso'n officers (ch. 11) of rear-guard artil-lery accompany appropriate supporteacommanders. Forward ob-servers remain with the units in contact . 48. AIR OBSERVATION WITH THE REAR-GUARD ARTILLERY.-Airobservation, employing high-performance planes, should be madeavailable to the rear-guard artillery whenever practicable. Long-range fire is particularly important in rear-guard action . 49. REAR-GUARD ARTILLERY IN COMBAT.--a. Deployment.When in contact with the enemy, the rear guard deploys on awide front, occupying the stronger tactical positions and coveringthe intervals with fire.b. Artillery positions.-The rear-guard artillery occupies posi-tions well forward to p~rmit distant interdiction and early de-livery of fire on hostile advancing columns. Whenever practicable,

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49- 53 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYthe positions are near suitable observation and covered routes forwithdrawal.c. Artillery support.-Artillery support of the rear guard isas prescribed for artillery support in withdrawals (pars. 96-98)and in delaying actions (pars. 99-100) . 50. FLANK-GUARDARTILLERY,GENERAL.-Artillery is usuallyattached to a flank guard when the need for it is anticipated. Theamount of artillery required is dependent upon the mission, andthe dispositions required to accomplish it. The employment ofthis artillery is similar to the employment of rear-guard artillery.When no artillery is attached, the artillery of the main body isdisposed in column so as to facilitate its prompt support of theflank guard . 51. LOCATIONOF FLANK-GUARDARTILLERY.-The flank guardmakes arrangements for its own security on the march. The ar-tillery attached to the flank guard marches on parallel roads be-tween the flank guard and the main body when the road net isfavorable and when the artillery so disposed can support theflank guard without delay. When the artillery cannot march onan interior road, it marches in column with the flank guard. Theammunition train of the flank-guard artillery marches wIth itsartillery. The commander of the flank-guard artillery marche ..;;with the commander of the flank guard . 52. FLANK-GUARDARTILLERY RECONNAISSANCEANDLIAISON.Reconnaissance and liaison personnel of flank-guard artillery op-erate as .prescribed for reconnaissance and liaison personnel ofadvance-guard and rear-guard artillery (pars. 41 and 47).

SECTIONI IIARTILLERY \VITH THE MAIN BODY

ParagraphLocation of artillery with the main body in an advance 5:lLocation of the artillery with the main body in a retirement ---------------------4Location of the artillery commander with the main body 5;'Reconnaissance by artillery with the main body --------------------------------------------(j

53. LoCATIONOFARTILLERYWITH THE MAIN BODYIN AN AD-VANCE.-a. Truck-drawn artillery.-When the division or smallerunit is advancing in multiple columns, the truck-drawn artillery- 18-


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.ARTILLERYONTHE MARCHANDATHALTS 53- 56of each column usually follows the foot and animal elements ofthe main body. When the force is advancing in one column, someof the artillery may be placed farther forward in the column sothat it may go into action promptly (FM 100-5).b. Artillery for flank guards.-When no artillery is attachedto the flank guard, the artillery is disposed in column so as tofacilitate its prompt support of the flank guard.c. Corps artillery.-Corps artillery attached to a division usu-ally follows the division truck-drawn artillery, at the tail of themain body of each column.d. Ammunition trains.-Battalion ammunition trains of themain body are usually combined and march in rear of the lastcombat unit of the main body. Should the ammunition train ofthe advance guard be marching in rear of the main body, it pre-cedes the trains of the main body. If corps artillery is attachedto the main body, its ammunition train marches according to the

relative position in column of its parent organization . 54. LOCATIONOFTHEARTILLERYWITHTHEMAINBODYINA RE-TIREMENT.-If the enemy is aggressive, the bulk of the artillerywith the main body is so disposed in the column as best to protectthe main body or support the rear and flank guards. If aggressiveaction by the enemy is not anticipated, the bulk of the artillery mayprecede the main body . 55. LOCATIONOFTHE ARTILLERYCOMMANDERWITH THE IVlAINBODy.-The artillery commander m~ches with the column com-mander, generally near the head of the main body in an advanceand generally near the tail of the main body in a retrograde move-ment. He is accompanied by such members of his detail as arenecessary for the prompt issuance of orders . 56. RECONNAISSANCEBYARTILLERYWITH THE l\iAIN BODY.--a.In an advance.-Reconnaissance elements from the artillery withthe main body accompany the advance guard. They reconnoiter forpositions from which the artillery of the main body can supportthe advance-guard artillery and cover the deployment of the mainbody. These reconnaissance elements should maintain contact withthe reconnaissance officers of the advance-guard artillery to learnthe location of positions which will be occupied by the advance-guard artillery.

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56-58 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYb. Inaretirement.-Reconnaissance elements continually recon-, noiter for positions from which the artillery of the main body can

reinforce the artillery of the rear or flank guarus, and for posi-tions from which the artillery can support the main body shouldthe column commander be forced into a defensive position with.his entire force.

SECTIONIVARTILLERY AT MARCH HALTS AND IN BIVOUAC

ParagraphArtillery during march halts -----------------57Artillery when troops bivouac -. 58

57. ARTILLERY DURINGMARCHHALTS.- When the commandmakes a long halt during amarch in the presence of the enemy, theadvance or rear guard establishes a march outpost. Units of thesupport occupy critical terrain features, establish outguards, andsend out patrols. Antiaircraft and antimechanized defense isstressed. The artillery of the r.dvance, rear, and flank guards andof the main body occupy positions to cover probabl~ routes of ap-proach of enemy mechanized units. Usually the positions are fordirect laying; if so, reconnaissance is made for alternate indirect-laying positions. Whenever the artillery halts for more than afew minutes it digs in. 58. ARTILLERY WHEN TROOPSBIVOUAC.-a. General.-Whenthe command bivouacs in the presence of the enemy, an outpost isorganized, usually by the advance or rear guard. It is divided fromrear to front into a reserve, supports, outguards, and-when cav-alry is attached-outpost cavalry. It is assigned an outpost line ofresistance to hold in case of hostile attack (FM 100-5). The columncommander assigns bivouac areas to artillery units of his column.The force commander plans a complete all-round defense.b. Artillery positions.-Artillery positions are selected primar-ily to permit support of the outpost line of resistance. The posi-tions should permit fire on the probable routes of approach andon critical areas that cannot be covered by infantry weapons.c. Artillery procedure.-The artillery attached to the outpostoccupies position or is held in readiness. The commander of theartillery establishes his command post near that of the outpostcommander. Defensive fires are prearranged; liaison, observa-tion, and communication are established.

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CHAPTER 4ARTILLERY IN OFFENSIVE COMBAT

Paragraphs.SECTION1. General --------------- 59-67II. Artillery in the attack in a meeting engagement ---------------68-70III. Artiller~ during .operations prior to attack oforganIzed posItIOn .___________________________1-73

IV. Artillery in attack of organized position 74-75V. Artillery in the pursuit . . 76-77

SECTION IGENERAL

ParagraphArtillery positions in offensive com~at 59Artillery fires in support of offensIve combat, general GOFires prior to the artillery preparation 61Artillery preparation, general . -----------------2Missiong during preparation .. . , ._----- 63Supporting fires during attack . -------- 64Registration .. . ..-------------------.--------------------------------------5Tactical restrictions on employment of chemicals 66Artillery when supported unit is relieved . . .67

59. ARTILLERY POSITIONS IN OFFENSIVE COMBAT.--a. General.Artillery positions in offensive combat are well forward in orderthat the range of the weapons may be exploited and displacementsmay be reduced to the minimum necessary to maintain communi-cation with forward observers and'-liaison officers. The pro-tection of positions is covered in chapters 12 to 14, following.b. Division artillery.-A battalion in direct support usuallyoccupies position in the zone of action of the unit it supports. Abattalion in general support usually occupies position in the zoneof action of the division.c. Corps artillery.-Though corps artillery should be well for-ward to furnish support during displacement to the divisionartillery, the overcrowding of forward areas must be avoided.Artillery that has been attached to a corps or division and thatwill revert to a senior command upon reaching the limit of"'itsrange from initial positions is usually emplaced farthest forwaru.A corps will frequently make advance reservations of position

areas for its artillery.- 21-


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60- 62 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERY 60. ARTILLERYFIRES IN SUPPORTOFOFFENSIVECOMBAT,GEN-ERAL.-Artillery fires in support of offensive combat are dividedinto three phases: Fires prior to the artillery prepartion, thepreparation, and supporting fires during the attack. These divi-sions are tactical. Actually much of the artillery, especiallycorps artillery, will have the same missions throughout the threephases.II 61. FIRES PRIORTOTHE ARTILLERYPREPARATION.-Fires priorto the artillery preparation comprise, as appropriate, fires in sup-port of an advance-guard action, including the development anddeployment of the main body; and fires in support of preliminarycombat to drive in enemy covering forces and develop the hostilemain position. They may include long-range interdiction,counterbattery, neutralization of defensive and assembly areas,and harassing fire . 62. ARTILLERY PREPARATION,GENERAL.--a. Definition.-Anartillery preparation is a system of intensive fires delivered dur-ing the period immediately b3fore the infantry crosses the lineof departure. It is designed to secure domination over hostileartillery and infantry. It may be divided into two or morephases to obtain concentration of effect.b. Prearrangement.-Fires prearranged as to location and timeare limited to known targets whose locations are determined fromthe latest intelligence obtained. When sufficient ammunitionis available, fire may be delivered on areas that are stronglysuspected of containing remunerative targets. Certain unitsare assigned additional missions of attacking important targetsof opportunity that are discovered too late to be included in theprearranged fires. Artillery units that have to use borrowedcorrections should not be required to execute unobserved firesclose to friendly troops (par. 65c).c. Decision to fire preparation.-The force commander decideswhether a preparation is to be fired. He considers that:(1) The probable effect of the preparation must justify theattendant loss of tactical surprise.(2) A sufficient number of remunerative targets must be ac-curately located in time for preparing the fires.(3) The status of ammunition supply must warrant the ex-

penditure.- 22-


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ARTILLERYIN OFFENSIVECOMBAT 62- 64d. Duration.-The force commander also decides the duratioil

of the preparation. In general, a preparation should be longenough to accomplish the effect sought, but not so long as topermit the enemy to change his major tactical dispositions intime to meet the attack. The duration may be governed also bythe ammunition supply.e. Coordination of preparation.-All of the artillery partici-pates in the preparation. The force commander, through his

artillery officer, coordinates the echelons by prescribing theduration, the time of each phase, and the missions that are to re-ceive priority during each phase . 63. MISSIONSDURINGPREPARATION.-The number of phases,length of phases, and missions are varied to fit the particularsituation. In a three-phase preparation the mission might be asfollows:a. First phase.-During the first phase the corps artillery, re-inforced as necessary by division artillery, to gain ascendencyover the hostile artillery; units not required for counterbattery toneutralize enemy systems of command, communication, and ob-

servation.b. Second phase.-(l) Corps artillery.-To maintain neutrali-zation of artillery neutralized during the first phase; execute

counterbattery of enemy artillery located after the preparationstarts. ______(2) Division artillery.-To neutralize enemy systems of com-mand, communication, and observation; neutralize defensiveareas, reserves, and assembled mechanized units; destroy minefields and obstacles.c. Third phaBe.-(l) Corps artillery.-To continue counter-battery. The missions of corps artillery units not required forcounterbattery are to reinforce division artillery in neutralizingenemy defensive areas; smoke enemy observation.(2) Division artillery.-To deliver massed fires successivelyon defensive areas in the forward portion of the enemy position,with priority to known defensive elements that most seriouslythreaten the success of the attack . 64. SUPPORTINGFIRES DURINGATTACK.-Supporting fires ar~concentrated on the front where the attacking echelon is making'

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64- 65 TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT OF FIELD ARTILLERYthe greatest progress. The supporting fires during the attackhave as their objective:a. Assisting the advance of the infantry by attacking defensiveareas, wire entanglements, and emplaced weapons.b. Assisting the infantry in gaining fire superiority for eachsuccessive objective at the proper place and time so that the lead..ing echelons can close to assaulting distance.c. Protecting the supported units during periods of reorgani-zation.d. Assisting in breaking up counterattacks; this requires thatconcentrations on likely areas and routes for counterattacks beprearranged so as to mass artillery on the counterattack beforeit gets under way.e. Continuing the neutralization of hostile observation.f. Preventing or harassing, as the situation permits, any effortof the enemy to disengage his forces.g. In the event that the attack does not attain its objectivp.,assisting the supported units in holding the ground gained .

65. REGISTRATION.--a. Advantages and disadvantages.-By in-creasing the accuracy of subsequent fires, registration furthersthe delivery of surprise fire, permits placing unobserved firescloser to friendly troops than would otherwise be justifiable, andsaves ammunition. On the other hand, unrestricted registrationdiscloses the artillery positions and thereby reveals the deploy-ment of the force, indicates the commander's intentions, and in-vites untimely neutralization of the artillery. The disadvantageousresults of registration can be minimized by using special registra-tion positions (FM 6-40), by keeping the number of registeringbatteries to the effective minimum, and by registering as late aspracticable. The enemy is unlikely to benefit from information re-vealed by registration conducted immediately before the artillerypreparation (launching of the attack). Likewise, when two forceshave been in contact during daylight, the enemy will not gain in-formation if. a single weapon per battalion is sent forward justprior to dusk for the purpose of registration. This action permitsthe delivery of accurate defensive fires during the night.b. Decwion as to registration.-The force commander makesthe decision whether registration will be restricted or prohibited,and in the case of restricted registration the time it may be begun

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ARTILLERY IN OFFENSIVE COMBAT 65-67or the time by which it is to be completed. The artillery com-manders prescribe the number of pieces each unit may register.Artillery advisers should always be sure that the advantages ofregistration are' duly presented.c. Procedure.-The technique of registration is covered in F:J\i6-40. Night registration, by high-burst and center-of-impactadjustments, is often feasible. A unit that occupies position toolate to register should be furnished the latest corrections (for thesame type and caliber of weapon and the different powder lotsavailable) that have been secured by registration from nearbypositions. The enemy will probably avoid localities that havebeen registered upon; the selection of check points should be gov-erned accordingly. Coordination with the infantry is necessary,especially in defensive combat, to prevent registration fires fromendangering friendly covering forces.d. Registration during action.-Units that have not been ableto fire prior to becoming actively engaged should register at thefirst opportunity that presents itself during the action . 66. TACTICAL RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT OF CHEMICALS.a. General.-Instructions covering the use of chemical agents areusually included in the field orders of the higher headquarters.,b. Nonpersistent gas.-The only restriction on the employmentof nonpersistent gas is that a concentration must be at such dis-tance from friendly troops that they will not be required to mask.c. Persistent 'gas.-:-Persistent gas concentration must beat suchdistance from friendly troops that they will not be endangered,and must be restricted to areas which friendly troops will nothave occasion to enter.d. Smoke.-Plans for the use of smoke should be sufficientlyflexible to allow for changes in wind direction . 67. ARTILLERY WHEN SUPPORTED UNIT Is RELIEVED.-When asupported unit is relieved during. an attack (FM 100-5), theartillery of the unit usually remains in action and continues tosupport the attack.

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68- 70 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYSECTIONII

ARTILLERY IN THE ATTACK IN A MEETINGENGAGEMENTParagraphMeeting engagement, general . _._ __ .. . . . ._________8Employment of artillery in advance-guard action ___..... _.__ ..._. 69Support of attack in meeting engagement _._. .__ _. . ._... . 70

68. MEETING ENGAGEMENT, GENEltAL.-A meetin-g engage-rnent is a collision between two opposing forces, neither of whichis fully developed for battle . 69. EMPLOYMENTOF ARTILLERY IN ADVANCE-GUARDACTION.a. Occupation of positions.-When the advance guard deploys,any artillery attached to it occupies position at once to coverthe deployment. If the division is marching in multiple columns,usually no artillery is attached to the advance guard; when theadvance guard of one of the columns deploys, all of the artillery ofthe column occupies positbn immediately to furnish support.The artillery moving to positions is given priority on roads.b. Afissions.-The artillery missions in the advance-guard ac-tion include interdiction of routes and assembly areas, counter-battery, fires on enemy forward elements, and the attack of othertransient targets. Air observation is of primary importance.The early employment of the reconnaissance and survey elementsof the observation battalion is usually desirable.c. Control.-\Vhen control remains decentralized to the columncommanders, the division commander may reinforce one or morecolumns with additional artillery from columns not engaged.When control of the advance-guard actions is centralized, controlof the' division artillery is centralized as soon as practicable .

70. SUPPORTOF ATTACK IN MEETINGENGAGEMENT.-a. Poxi-tion.-Artillery positions are well forward. Units that have oc-cupied positions during the advance-guard action may have todisplace early in order to be in suitable positions to support theattack by the time it jumps off.b. Afissions.-The scarcity of definitely located targets usuallyprecludes a preparation, or requires that it be very short. Pre-arranged fires in support of the attack are generally limited toconcentrations covering the initial advance from the line of de-

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ARTILLERYIN OFFENSIVECOMBAT 70- 72parture. Subsequent fires in support of the attack are calledfor by air observers, observers at observation posts, forward ob-servers, and liaison officers. Detachments from the observationbattalion (pars. 69a and 93c) execute flash ranging and soundranging for the division artillery.

SECTIONIIIARTILLERY DURING OPERATIONS PRIOR TO ATTACK

OF ORGANIZED POSITIONParagraphOrganized positions, general : ------- 71

Artillery during development of main p~sition --:--~---------------------------------.2Preparations for the attack of an orgamzed posItion, general ------------------73

71. ORGANIZEDPOSITIONS,GENERAL.-Organized positions varyfrom hastily constructed defensive works disposed in little depthto elaborate systems of successive positions and strongly fortifiedlocalities disposed in great depth. The attack of a fortified lo-cality is a special operation, and is covered in section VII, chap-ter 7. 72. ARTILLERYDURINGDEVELOPMENTOF MAIN POSITION--a.Supporting jires.-\Vhen the leading troops gain contact with theenemy covering forces, the bulk-often all-of the division artil-lery is committed. Corps artillery is employed if available. Con-trol is centralized to the greatest ex~nt practicable. Special at-tention is paid to protecting the leading troops from counter.attack, both while the covering forces are being driven in andafter the leading troops have established themselves on criticalpoints. If a minor breakthrough operation is necessary to drivein the covering forces, artillery is usually a part of the task forceassigned that mission; other artillery supports the operation,with particular attention to the flanks of the breakthrough. Ar-tillery moving up after the covering forces are driven in is usuallykept silent to. maintain secrecy.b. Observation and reconnaissa.nce.-During the developmentof the hostile main position, the artillery ground observation' isextended and pushed well forward. The artillery employs airobservation, sound ranging, and flash ranging to supplement

other observation. It extends survey. It reconnoiters in antici-- 27-


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72- 74 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYpation of its missions in support of the attack proper, the recon-naissance covering observation, positions, and routes for the or-ganic artillery and for the reinforcing artillery whose employ-ment can be foreseen.II 73. PREPARATIONSFORTHE ATTACKOFANORGANIZEDPOSITION,GENERAL.-Preparations that the command makes before theoccupation of final assembly positions include the systematicorganization of ground observation to insure continuity of ob-served fires, the completion of the signal communication system,organization of the command for combat, organization of the anl-munition supply, assembling supplies and equipment in forwardareas, the movement of the artillery into position, and the coor-dination of the supporting fires of all arms. Engineer units clearobstacles and assist in the movement of tanks, artillery, and heavytransport. Operations that might reveal the attacker's planmust be carried out secretly or deferred as long as practicable.

RECTIONIVARTILLERY IN ATTACK OF ORGANIZED POSITION

ParagraphArtillery in envelopmen t 74Artill ery in penetra ti on 75

74. ARTILLERYIN ENVELOPMENT.-a. Positions.-The bulk ofthe artillery supports the main attack and in general occupiespositions behind it. If the main and secondary attacks are suf-ficiently close together, the positions should permit the bulk ofthe artillery to support the secondary attack also. Artillery inposition during the operations preceding the attack may have todisplace laterally to occupy positions for the support of the mainattack. The gun units of the corps artillery have a wide choiceof position areas.b. Artillery preparation.-By interpretation of air photos, bysound ranging and flash ranging, and through other intelligenceagencies, usually enough profitable targets will have been locatedto justify an artillery preparation. If the secondary attack is tobe launched prior to the main attack, the preparation on thefront of the secondary attack precedes that on the front of themain attack; it is participated in only by artillery whose positions

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ARTILLERY IN OFFENSIVE COMBAT 74- 75are such that firing from them will not disclose the location ofthe main attack.c. Control.-\Vhen the distance between the main and secondaryattacks is such that the force commander cannot effectively con-trol both, he retains personal command of one force and delegatescommand of the other. In this case;!:part of the' artillery is at-tached to the force that is to operate under delegated command;the remainder of the artillery is under centralized control.d. Coordination to insure artillery does not fire on own troop.~

Because the main and secondary attacks are launched in con-verging directions, careful coordination of the artillery, particu-larly as the troops near the objective, is necessary to insure thatthe artillery supporting one attack does not fire on troops makingthe other. One means of effecting coordination is to establishcoordinating lines, laterally and in depth, beyond which units areforbidden to fire after acertain hour or after receipt and acknowl-edgement of a prearranged message or signal.e. Flexibility.-An attack seldom proceeds exactly as planned;for example, the secondary attack may make unexpected progressand become in effect the main attack. To meet such contingen-cies as this and. counterattacks, artillery plans must be flexible .

75. ARTILLERY IN PENETRATION.-a. Reinforcing artiller1J .The need for reinforcing artillery is particularly great in a pene-tration. For estimates of artillery requirements, see InstructionMemorandum T-16.b. Positions.-The bulk of the artnlery supporting the mainattack in general occupies positions in the zone of action of themain-attack force.c. Artille1'y prelJ aration.-The artillery preparation precedinga penetration is in general long-cr and more violent than that pre-eeding an envelopment. The bulk of the preparation fires areplaced on the front and flanks of the intended penetration, withspecial attention to known or suspected assemblies of hostiletanks. In its final phase the preparation maintains ascendencyover hostile artillery in order to minimize any counterprepara-tion.d. Fire.~ ngainst counternttncks.-Fires to break up counter-attacks launched against the flanks of the penetration are of par-ticular importance as are artillery observation and liaison.

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ARTILLERY IN OFFENSIVE COMBAT 77making the m~st progress. Long~range artillery remaing undercentralized control. Its missions include interdiction of routesof retreat and counterbattery of the enemy's rear-guard artillery.It requires air observation.b. Encircling /orce.-The artillery in support of an encirclingforce is nearly always attached to it.~: In general, considerationsof fire power, mobility, and ammunition supply make the l05-mmhowitzer the most suitable weapon; medium weapons may beused. Other considerations permitting, the units that are least

actively engaged are selected. Shortages of materiel and. per-sonnel in those units should be replaced before the attachment.Forward ammunition dumps and fuel dumps are established tothe practicable maximum. Artillery reconnaissance officers andliaison officers with the leading elements make their reports byradio or by messages left at prearranged points. Almost entirelyby means of air observation and reliable radio communications,the artillery. keeps track of the movements of friendly troops.Pioneer troops, decontamination troopg, and additional securityfor the artillery are important. In overcoming enemy resistance,the emplacement of more artillery than the immediate missionrequires is likely to cause delay in supporting subsequent actions.

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ARTILLERY IN DEFENSIVE COMBAT 79- 80All light artillery and all medium howitzers must be able to firein close support of the main line of resistance. The bulk of thelight artillery must be able to fire in close support of the regi-mental reserve line. The positions of forward units are usuallyjust in rear of the regimental reserve line to facilitate counter-battery, interdiction, and harassing fire. The positions of otherunits are echeloned in depth to provide flexibility of fire and topermit continuity of support in case artillery in forward positionsis forced back by local successes of the enemy. Gun units aregiven priority in choice of positions. Natural tank obstacles areconsidered particularly in the assignment of positions to heavyartillery.b. Occu:pation amI organization.-In addition fo the usualmeasures taken upon occupying position, lateral circuits are usu-ally laid to provide alternate communication; principal circuitsare buried when practicable; and alternate command posts are

prepared. Positions are occupied with maximum secrecy.c. Preparations for units not in position.-Preparations for theartillery initially attached to covering forces (par. 98) and forthe reinforcing artillery coming in later are made by units alreadyin position or by advance parties from the attached reinforcingunits. The preparations are those given in paragraph )00.d. Alternate and temporary position.~-In order to remain

in action in the face of hostile superiority the artillery must ex-ploit its mobility. Alternate positions must be prepared towhich batteries move when there ar?-indications that the oc-cupied positions have. been discovered. Temporary positionsmay be used for counterbattery and harassing fire in quietperiods, and are habitually used for registration. Positions forthe support of units protecting exposed flanks are prepared asdescribed in paragraph 47. 80. ARTILLERY OBSERVATION IN DEFENSIVE COMBAT. a.Ground obsenmtion.-Artillery observation is so organized agto prov~de continuity of observation throughout the enemy'sapproach and attack. In addition to the observers of the artil-lery with the mobile advanced covering forces and outposts',.forward observers of the artillery behind the battle position areinitially in the vicinity of the outpost line of resistance. Ob-servation posts are selected throughout the depth of the battle

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80- 82 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYposition and for the support of units protecting exposed flanks.Survey and reconnaissance elements of the observation battalionoperate on the outpost line of resistance or in front of it. Sound-ranging and flash-ranging bases are installed in the battle posi-tion.b. Air observation.-Air observation is employed to the max-imum practicable. 'However, since the offensive usually implieslocal air superiority, the defender's air observation is usuallysubject to enemy interference.c. Air photos.-Recent air photos of the attacker's zone ofaction are particularly valuable in the preparation of counter-battery fires .

81. ARTILLERYFIRES IN SUPPORTOFDEFENSIVECOMBAT,GEN-ERAL.-Artillery fires in support of defensive combat are usuallydivided into four phases:a., Fires delivered before the enemy forms for attack.b. The counterpreparati~n.c. Fires to break up the attack after it is launched, final de-fensive fires, and fires to continue neutralization of the attack-

ing force.d. Fires to support counterattacks .

82. FIRES DELIVEREDBEFOREENEMY FORMSFORATTACK.-a.Time of openingfire.-The time at which various artillery units,other than those supporting the outpost, are to open fire is de-cided by the force commander. The governing considerationis that by premature firing the artillery iRexposed to neutraliza-tion-and the scheme of defense may be revealed-unduly early.In general, the bulk of the artillery remains silent until dangerousor highly remunerative targets are discovered.b. Positions.-Units required to fire prior to the counterprep-

aration should do so from positions other than those from whichthey are to deliver counterpreparation fires.c. Registration.-Registration is highly important; tactical con-siderations of registration are covered in paragraph 65.d. }'fir;sionsof echelons.-Within the restrictions on openingfire, the missions of the various echelons are, in general:(1) Corps artillery.-Counterbattery, with special attention

to enemy artillery not yet in position; support of advanced cover-- 34-


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ARTILLERYIN DEFENSIVECOMBAT 82- 84ing forces and the outpost; neutralization of hostile reserves;interdiction; harassing fires.(2) Division artillery.-Support of the outpost; harassingfires; counterbattery; neutralization of hostile reserves; neutrali-zation of targets of opportunity. .~

83. COUNTERPREPARATION.--a.De[inition.-A counterprepara-tion is a system of intensive prearranged fire delivered when theimminence of the enemy attack is discovered. It is designed tobreak up enemy attack formations; disorganize the enemy's. sys-tems of command, communication, and observation; decrease theeffectiveness of his artillery preparation; and impair his offen-sive spirit. The minimum range line of a counterpreparation isthe line held by the enemy forward elements.b. General counterpreparation.-A general counterpreparatiollis one that is planned to meet a general attack. It involves theentire front; all of the artillery participates. Since the enemy

may launch his main attack from any of several areas, the plan-ning of more than one general counterpreparation may be neces-sary; in this case each is given a specific designation. The gen-eral counterpreparation of a field army is planned under thesupervision of the army commander, who fixes its duration,.an-nounces the part to be played by the army artillery, and coordi-nates the general counterpreparation plans of the several corps.The corps commanders similarly supervise and coordinate thegeneral counterpreparation plans of their divisions.c. Local counterpreparation.-A local counterpreparation in-volyes only that part of the front that is threatened by a local at-tack. In the field army (corps) the term local applies to a coun-terpreparation fired by one or more, but not by all, of the front-line corps (divisions); a division is the smallest unit to executea counterpreparation. If a corps or division must plan severallocal counterpreparations, it gives each a specific designation. Adivision or corps may be required to reinforce the local counter-preparation of an adjacent unit . 84. AUTHORITYTO FIRE COUNTERPREPARATION.-Theattackermay be expected to use every artifice to induce the defender tofire his counterpreparation prematurely. Such premature firingfurnishes the enemy with counterbattery data for his artillerypreparation, indicates to the enemy what areas are to be avoided

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84- 86 TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT OF FIELD ARTILLERYin forming for the attack, and expends ammunition that may notbe replaceable by the time the actual attack is launched. On theother hand, the counterpreparation must be fired in time to meetthe attack. For these reasons, the order to fire a counterprep-aration requires a command decision of great moment; the mili-tary intelligence upon which the decision is based must be reliableand prompt. If the force commander delegates to the com-manders of lower echelons the authority to fire local counter-preparations, he usually imposes strict conditions under whichthe delegated authority is to be exercised . 85. l\iISSIONS IN COUNTERPREPARATION.-a. General.-EsRen-tial to the success of the counterpreparation are counterbattery,the disruption of the enemy's systems of command and communi-cation, and the neutralization of assemblies of tanks. Air ob-servation and air support contribute greatly to its success.b. 1vfissions of echelons.-The counterpreparation missions of

the various echelons are, in general:(1) Corps artillery.-Primarily counterbattery, with certainunits having the additional mission of attacking enemy batteriesdiscovered too late to be included in the prearranged fires. Othercorps artillery missions are neutralization of tank assemblies and

the enemy system of command; reinforcing the fires of divisionartillery.(2) Division artillery.-Neutralization of known or suspected

routes and assembly positions of troops forming for the attack;enemy systems of communication, observation, and command;hostile forward elements; known or suspected assemblies of t~nksand reserves. Division medium howitzers may reinforce thecorps artillery counterbattery . 86. FIRES TO BREAK UP ATTACK AFTER IT IS LAUNCIIED.-a.General.-Upon completing counterpreparation fires, an artilleryunit must know which of its defensive fires is to be immediatelyexecuted. Should the enemy succeed in launching his attack,the artillery delivers intensive massed fires against the main at-tack at the critical times. It keeps the enemy under fire by de-fensive concentrations on his attack echelons and his reserves;these concentrations are delivered on call of the supported unitor in accordance with reports of air and ground observers.Counterbattery is continued. Profitable targets of opportunity

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ARTILLERYN DEFENSIVECOMBAT 86- 89are attacked; special attention is paid to enemy mechanized ele-ments. As the enemy approaches the main line of resistance ofthe supported unit, normal barrages (par. 29a) and other finaldefensive concentrations are fired on call. Should the, enemysucceed in penetrating the position, concentrations are fired todisorganize his forces and stop their progress; these fires areobserved and, as far as practicable, are prearranged.b. l'rfissions of echelons.-In breaking up the attack after it islaunched, the missions of the various echelons are, in general:(1) Corps artillery.-Counterbattery; neutralization of hostilemechanized elements and reserves; reinforcing the fires of thedivision artillery.(2) Division artillery.-Defensive concentrations on advanc-ing hostile elements; barrages and other final defensive concen-trations; fires within the battle position to limit hostile penetra-

tions . 87. FIRES IN SUPPORTOFCOUNTERATTACKS.--a.Local counter-attaclc.~-Concentrations in support of local counterattacks areprearranged to the greatest extent practicable. Liaison, air ob-servation, and ground ob~ervation are highly important.b. General counterattacks.-A general counterattack is givenmaximum artillery support, which usually includes an artillery,preparation. Secrecy is paramount. '

88. USE OFCHEMICALSN DEFENSIVECOMBAT.-Persistent gasis especially. effective in counterbatt~y, fires on tank assemblies,and interdiction, since it forces the enemy to decontaminate hismateriel and to avoid contaminated areas. Smoke is effective inscreening counterattacks and in blinding the enemy observationposts. For restrictions on the employment of chemicals seeparagraph 66. 89. COORDINATIONOFARTILLERYFIRES IN DEFENSE.--a. Gen-eral.-As fully as time permits, fires are prearranged to the max-imum and are coordinated both laterally and in depth throughoutthe defensive sector. Except for initial attachments to coveringforces (par. 98), the artillery is held under centralized control inthe defense so that fires can be massed on critical areas at criticaltimes.b. lVith 1:nfantry.-Coordination of artillery with. infantry inthe defense is in general as described in paragraph 79a. The

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89- 92 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYplanning is influenced by the requirement that all light artilleryand all medium howitzers must be able to fire in close support ofthe main line of resistance, and the requirement that the bulkof the light artillery must be able to fire in close support of theregimental reserve line. The plans must be flexible, in order tomeet contingencies in the defense. There should be a clear under-standing that, because barrages and other final defensive concen-trations require great expenditures of ammunition, they shouldbe called for only when the emergency warrants ..c. Coordination with other arms.-Artillery support is coor-dinated as necessary with that of combat aviation, antitank units,and antiaircraft units that have antitank missions . 90. ARTILLERYSUPPORTOFCOVERINGFORCEs.-Strong artillerysupport is attached to the advanced mobile covering forces; suit-ably mobile weapons with the longest range should be included.If the general outpost is beyond the effective supporting rangeof direct-support artillery emplaced in the battle position, artil-lery from the main force is attached. Upon withdrawal, artil-lery attached to the advanced covering force or to the outpost isreleased from attachment when it crosses the main line of re-sistance . 91. ARTILLERYSUPPORTFORPROTECTIONOF FLANKs.-The ar-tillery plan must provide for the rapid movement of designatedunits to positions from which they can support infantry sent toprotect an exposed flank. When the situation is obscure, andparticularly when both flanks are exposed, a part of the artillerymay be held in readiness. Complete preparations for artillerysupport are made in advance. Observation posts are selected,battery positions prepared, wire lines laid, survey established,and firing data computed . 92. ARTILLERYSUPPORTOF REARPOSITION-In preparing thedefense, the force commander may designate a rear position towhich the force will move in case a withdrawal from the battleposition becomes necessary. The rear position is at such distancefrom the battle position that the enemy must regroup his forcesand displace his artillery before resuming the attack. When arear position is 'designated, the artillery reconnoiters, and pre-pares to the extent practicable, positions and observation for itssupport.

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94- 95 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYmay be emplaced in concealed positions and required to remainsilent during the defense . 95. THE COUNTEROFFENSIVE.-The artillery is employed as inoffensive action (ch. 4, above). Essential to the effectiveness ofits employment are:a. A thorough knowledge of the counteroffensive plan.b. Complete preparations, to include observation, positions,routes, survey, prearrangement of fires, and coordination of fire~with those of other arms.c. A careful computation of time and space factors, with appro-priate margins of safety.d. Secrecy of execution.

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CHAPTER 6ARTILLERY IN RETROGRADE 1\10VEMENTS

Paragraph~SECTION 1. Withdrawals from action -------------- 96- 98. I::: N:li:e~~n:ct~~~~ 1~=I~gSECTIONI

\VITHDRA \VALS FROl\l ACTIONParagoraph

Wi thd rawal~ g"cncral -------------------------------------------------- . .. 96Nigh t wi thd rawal ----------~----------------.--.-.------.-----.------------_. .________________________7na~Iight wi thdra wal -_.----.---------------.-----------------.---------- .________________________8 D6. WITHDRAWALS,GENERAL.-A withdrawal from action isthe operation of breaking off combat with a hostile force (F1\1100-5). Itmay be the initial phase of a retirement; it habituallyis a part of a delaying action . D7. NIGHT \VITHDRAWAL.-a. Element.~ left in contact.-In anight withdrawal weak outpost elements, well supplied with auto-matic weapons and formed from troops nearest the enemy, areleft in immediate contact with the hostile force to screen the with-drawal. Artillery sufficient to keep up the appearance of nor-mal activity is left in position in direct support of the outpost ele-ments. When only organic artillery has been present, one batteryper battalion is appropriate support. \Vhen reinforcing artilleryhas been present, the amount of artillery left in position is in-creased. Single batteries remaining in position should haveheadquarters battery personnel attached to them so that parts ofthe liaison and observation systems remain in operation. Unitsremaining must b.ewell supplied with ammunition; either ammu-nition sections are attached to them, or ammunition is dumped atthe positions.b. Fires of artillery left in position.-The fires of the artilleryleft in position are as nearly as practicable the same in quantityand type as those previously executed by the artillery of the force.c. lVithdruwal.of artille1'y left in position.-The artillery that

is left in position withdraws just before the outpost elements.-41-

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97- 99 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOF FIELDARTILLERYHowever, it must be prepared for all-round defense, and it sacri-fices itself if necessary to insure the withdrawal of the force.d. lVithdrawal of artillery not left in. position.-The artillerythat is not to remain in position is usually withdrawn shortly afterdark, moving to assembly points where march columns are formedor to positions from which it will support a new defensive posi-tion. All of this artillery may. move at one time when the roadnet permits; otherwise, priority is usually given to the heaviercalibers. .

98. DAYLIGHTWITHDRAWAL.-a. General.-A daylight with-drawal is an emergency measure. Because it often is forced onthe commander without much warning, it usually is hastily plan-ned. Local infantry commanders designate local covering forcesto assist their firing lines in breaking off the engagement. Theforce commander designates a general covering force, mobile andstrong in fire power.b. Artillery of general covering force.-Some artillery is at-tached to the general mobile covering force. 'At least a battalionis desirable; it is the smallest unit capable of delivering massedfires, and it can furnish continuous support while displacing byechelon.c. Artillery of main force.-Normally, the artillery of the mainforce displaces by echelon and furnishes continuous support asthe main force withdraws. The artillery in direct support re-mains in action to the last possible moment and may be orderedto sacrifice itself. All available units support counterattacks;the plans must be prearranged. In exceptional cases artillerymay be attached to local covering forces. The corps artillery ismoved to the rear early so as to clear the routes of withdrawal,unless the demand for fire power prohibits this action.

SECTIONIIDELAYING ACTIONSParagraphDelayi ng actions, general ---------.----.-----------....9Artillery in delaying action, successive positions . . .. .. 100

99. DELAYINGACTIONS,GENERAL (FM 100-5) .-The purposeof a delaying action is to gain time while avoiding decisive action,- 42-


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, ARTILLERY IN RETROGRADE MOVEMENTS 99- 100by defensive action in one position, by delaying action in succes-sive positions, or by any combination of these methods. Offen-sive action, and defensive action in one position, are covered inpreceding chapters . 100. ARTILLERY IN DELAYING ACTION, SUCCESSIVE POSITIONS.a. Missions.-The artillery begins the defense of the position byexecuting counterbattery and by interdicting routes of hostile ap-proach. Later it fires on enemy rear assembly areas and coversthe withdrawal of elements of the outpost. As the enemy de-velops his columns prior to deployment for attack, the artilleryexecutes counterpreparation fires, paying special attention toenemy forward assembly areas. Interdiction of hostile move-ments toward the flanks and rear is important.b. Artillery positions.-In general, the artillery. is placed wellforward behind the firs~ main position to permit long-range fire;ordinarily close support of a delaying position need not be pro-

vided for. If a daylight withdrawal is anticipated, the artilleryis disposed in depth, with some of it in rear of the next position.Thus continuity of support during a withdrawal from the ad-vanced position is insured.c. Displacement.-\Vhen all of the artillery is emplaced wellforward behind the first delaying position, some of it must bewithdrawn early to cover the displacement of the remainder.d. Reconnaissance for rearu:ar;d posilionB.-Artillery recon-naiRsance for positions to be occupied after displacement to therear must be initiated as soon as a forward position is occupied.This reconnaissance is necessary if the rearward displacement isto be made at the most opportune time.c. Obse'rvation.-Each delaying position should be so locatedas to provide adequate ground observation for the artillery. Airobservation is of special importance during all stages of delaying

action.f. Control.-\Vhen practicable, control of the artillery in rear.of each position is centralized to permit the massing of all artil-lery fire on critical points at critical times. Control is decentra-lized when the width of front, the terrain between main elementsof the command, or the rapidity or uncertainty of the action sorequires.

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101-102 TACTICALEMPLOYMENTOFFIELDARTILLERYSECTIONIII

RETIREMENTSParagraphReti remen ts, general 101Artillery in a retirement . ._.. 102

II 101. RETIREMENTS, GENERAL.-A retirement is a retrogrademovement in which a force seeks to gain freedom of action, themovement being part of a well-defined plan which has for itspurpose the refusal of decisive combat under the existing situa-tion (FM 100-5). It may be made in one stage or in severalstages, depending upon the distance involved. A retirement isinitiated, whenever practicable, by a night withdrawal. All-round

tactical employment of field artillery1943

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