HDv 300/100

The Heeresdienstvorschrift 300/100: Operation verbundener Kräfte (Operation of Combined Forces) is an Arcaenian Army field operations manual which contains the basic military doctrine for the Arcaenian land forces (Heer) in the conduct of combined arms operations. HDv 300/100 is issued to virtually every officer and NCO in the Arcaenian Heer and covers such topics as order of battle and task organization, troop command, reconnaissance operations, offensive operations, defensive operations, panzer operations, communications, electronic warfare, air defense operations, and NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) warfare.

I. Introduction

The Arcaenian Heer believes that only offensive actions, particularly those combined with the element of surprise, can achieve decisive success on the battlefield. Key to the success of offensive operations is initiative, speed of movement, and extremely aggressive command at the tactical, operational, and strategic level of war. Initiative of subordinates is heavily emphasized and encouraged. A strenuously selected highly trained officer and NCO corps and a thoroughly disciplined army are the necessary elements to implement this aggressive philosophy. Officers must be highly knowledgeable of military tactics and strategy and must have supreme trust that their subordinates are capable of understanding the intent of their commands and executing them as they see fit. Arcaenians believe that doctrine, tactics, and unit organizations should be as flexible as possible and that subordinates should have broad independence to interpret tactical situations and execute actions that fulfill their superior's intent, deviating from their superior's orders without permission or warning as necessary in order to accomplish the higher commander’s intent.

II. Reconnaissance Operations

Aggressive reconnaissance is required in all phases of military operations. Reconnaissance is divided into operational reconnaissance (operative aufklarung), tactical reconnaissance (taktische aufklarung), and combat reconnaissance (Gefechtsaufklarung) operations. It is paramount to fight to obtain superiority in the area to be reconnoitered and strive for continuous observation of the enemy during all phases of battle. As a rule reconnaissance units should be employed in force and expected to fight to obtain the desired information. Key to combined arms reconnaissance operations are the panzer reconnaissance units of the Arcaenian army which combine main battle tanks, heavy infantry fighting vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and organic self propelled artillery and which are intended to conduct ground-based combat reconnaissance operations, engage and destroy enemy reconnaissance forces, conduct probing attacks and delaying operations in front of advancing mechanized forces, and to screen open flanks and to delay enemy forces which attack along said open flanks. Each Arcaenian panzer and panzergrenadier brigade includes an organic panzer reconnaissance battalion with three panzer reconnaissance companies which are equipped to operate independently of the battalion. Each panzer reconnaissance company contains two panzer platoons of main battle tanks, two reconnaissance platoons of heavy infantry fighting vehicles, a flakpanzzer (self propelled anti-aircraft gun) section, and a self-propelled mortar section. During reconnaissance one or more panzer reconnaissance companies will be deployed ahead of the brigade to assure superiority in the area to be reconnoitered. The other panzer reconnaissance companies of the battalion will be kept in reserves to be committed when the reconnaissance must be intensified, when the original force meets strong enemy opposition, or when the direction and area to be reconnoitered are changed. Aggressive action of reconnaissance forces is heavily encouraged and panzer reconnaissance units should attempt to engage and destroy any enemy reconnaissance or security forces they encounter. Should a superior enemy force be encountered the panzer reconnaissance units should fight a delaying action while the main body of the panzer or panzergrenader unit attempts to flank and envelop the enemy force.

Operational Reconnaissance (Operative Aufklarung)

Operational reconnaissance involves reconnaissance units penetrating over a large area in great depth and gain information on the composition of enemy forces in the entire depth of the combat area, provides the basis for strategic planning and action. Operational reconnaissance is intended primarily to determine the location, status, and activities of enemy forces, the locations of enemy command and logistic centers, the forward or rearward dispositions of enemy personnel, the locations of field or permanent fortifications, the locations of hostile air force, and the locations of hostile artillery and missile systems. Operational reconnaissance is carried out primarily with aircraft including unmanned aerial vehicles and by satellites and other strategic intelligence assets including communications and electronic reconnaissance systems.

Tactical Reconnaissance (Taktische Aufklarung)

Tactical reconnaissance is carried out in the operational area and is used to gain immediate knowledge about the presence, disposition and strength of enemy forces at the forward edge of the battle area, determination of enemy reinforcement capabilities, and terrain reconnaissance of advanced sectors. Tactical reconnaissance is conducted by dismounted scouting teams, mechanized panzer reconnaissance battalions organic to panzer and panzergrenadier brigades, and by unmanned aerial vehicles. During ground reconnaissance operations a reconnaissance sector will usually be assigned to each panzer reconnaissance company in the panzer reconnaissance battalion with boundary lines separating adjacent sectors. Alternatively the companies in the battalion may be assigned only reconnaissance objectives with no defined sectors or assigned to the boundary of an open flank. Orders assigned to tactical reconnaissance units will usually include a line and time of departure, the disposition and sectors of adjacent reconnaissance units, reconnaissance sector boundaries or the direction of reconnaissance operations, reconnaissance objectives, and instructions for the transmission of reconnaissance and contact reports. The commander of a panzer reconnaissance battalion will typically send out patrols who advanced by bounds, the distance of which are shortened as the proximity to the enemy force increases. The distance of bounds varies by terrain but will typically be 40-60 kilometers ahead of the battalion, the panzer reconnaissance battalion itself positioned 20-30 kilometers ahead of its assigned panzer or panzergrenadier brigade.

Combat Reconnaissance (Gefechtsaufklärung)

Combat reconnaissance is the reconnaissance which is carried out by all combat forces including panzer, panzergrenadier, panzer reconnaissance, and panzer pioneer units during combat operations. Combat reconnaissance is not typically intended to penetrate into enemy rear areas but rather is intended to obtain information on the disposition of enemy forces at the forward line of enemy troops (FLET) which can be immediately exploited during the conduct of battle. Combat reconnaissance is conducted during all types of operations including attack , defense and delaying actions and is the constant task of all combat units involved in combat operations. The goals of combat reconnaissance include the location of enemy troops, open enemy flanks or gaps in enemy defensive positions, the presence of terrain obstacles, the firing positions of enemy heavy weapons and artillery, the locations of field fortifications and engineering obstacles such as mines and barriers, location of enemy reserves, and the direction of possible enemy counter attacks. The depth of combat reconnaissance actions will vary as a function of force disposition and terrain but is generally less than 5 km behind the FLET.

Combat reconnaissance will typically be conducted by observation posts, mounted patrols, or dismounted patrols. Mounted patrols with armored vehicles enables reconnaissance in force and is the primary responsibility of panzer reconnaissance units. Mounted patrols enable greater depths of penetration into enemy territory and typically consist of three heavy infantry fighting vehicles from one of the scout platoons in a panzer reconnaissance company. An artillery forward observer will usually accompany the patrol in one of the infantry fighting vehicles so that if necessary artillery fire can be rapidly brought down on enemy forces detected by the patrol. If enemy resistance is expected or more main battle tanks from the panzer platoons in the panzer reconnaissance company will also typically be attached to the patrol. Panzer pioneer vehicles from the brigade panzer pioneer battalion will also typically be attached to the patrol in order to deal with road blocks, obstacles, and mine fields. Tasks of mounted combat patrols include testing the strength of enemy positions and forward outposts, engaging of enemy patrols, ambushing enemy supply columns, and reconnoitering approaches to fortified areas, defiles, rivers, or other terrain obstacles. Patrols will typically last 1-2 days at a distance of up to 60 kilometers from the panzer reconnaissance battalion. Patrols are as a rule never split up and the distance between patrol vehicles will typically be several hundred meters in open terrain. Artillery support given to patrols is usually harassing fire put down just before the patrol reaches its objective with the artillery also firing into adjacent sectors to confuse the enemy as to the actual area to be reconnoitered.

III. Marches

The premise of the march should be that the main body of the force should arrive at its destination with the minimum possible transit time and the maximum possible secrecy. to enable this thorough training and practice of march operations, the extensive reconnaissance of routes and the issue of detailed march orders must be stressed. Orders for movement are issued to the formations of combat troops by the operations group of a unit headquarters. A traffic control service consisting of members of the military police which is under the orders of the operations group is used to direct traffic. Each front-line brigade will usually be assigned its own road or sector of advance which is marked by advance parties. Other troops directed simultaneously on the same roads will be subordinated to the brigade for the duration of the move.

For all marches the march column is divided into an advance guard, a main body, a rear guard, and one or more flank guards. When contact with the enemy is imminent the march formation should allow for a rapid deployment into combat formations. With the prevalence of air and satellite reconnaissance marches should be conducted at night or in poor weather and without lights wherever possible. Wherever possible units should be marched in multiple columns to afford better protection against air and artillery attacks and allows the columns to be more rapid massed and deployed into combat formations. The mechanized panzer, panzergrenadier, and panzer reconnaissance elements of the brigade, unless employed on reconnaissance or security missions, are to be organized into one or more echelons which follow the march column on its open flank by bounds, typically along a separate road. The echelonment of mechanized panzer elements also enables envelopment of enemy flanks should an enemy force be encountered ahead of the column. The location and strength of the echeloned forces is determined as a function of the location and strength of the enemy and the local terrain. Should the location or strength of enemy forces be vague then several weak columns should attempt to make contact with the enemy where the mass of the force can then follow. As a rule the spacing of columns should not be so large that the mass of the force can can not be concentrated when enemy contact is made. To maintain proper spacing between columns clear zones of advance and boundaries between columns are to be determine before marches.

Protection against air, artillery, and missile attacks, particularly at river crossings, crossroads, and defiles, is to be heavily emphasized during all march operations. Anti-aircraft missile and artillery units are to advance in bounds along the flanks of columns are are to be given priority on all roads. When under threat from air, artillery, and missile attack the depth and breadth of all columns are increased and troops and vehicles spread out as far as possible given the terrain. Long columns will also be broken up into several shorter columns spaced several kilometers from each other.

IV. Offensive Operations

The fundamental purpose of offensive operations is the encirclement and annihilation of the enemy. Combined arms in the attack involves mechanized forces including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, dismounted infantry, and artillery who attack with sufficient firepower and shock effect to decisively break through enemy defensive positions. Concentration of forces and of fire, speed of movement, and the element of surprise all play vital roles in the success of offensive operations. Coordination between combined arms under unified command is a requirement for the execution of all successful combined arms operations. When conducting offensive operations a main effort (Schwerpunkt) for a breakthrough must be identified where the bulk of forces are to be committed along narrow sectors of attack. Secondary sectors of the front are to be engaged by weaker diversionary forces in order to deceive the enemy as to the point of the breakthrough and to prevent him from massing forces in response. In selecting the point for the main offensive effort the enemy's defensive position and fortifications, suitability of the terrain for tanks and other armored vehicles, possible approach routes, and possibilities for supporting fire by artillery and tactical aircraft must be considered. During the attack plans for shifting the main effort should be made if unexpected success is met elsewhere. To allow such shifts sufficient reserve forces and a strong, unified command are required. To successfully attack on a narrow front to achieve a breakthrough it is necessary to commit enough forces to widen the initial widen the initial breakthrough while maintaining the momentum of attacking forces and to protect the flanks of the breakthrough from flank attacks. Once a successful breakthrough it must then drive straight to its objective, regardless of opposition.

Forms of Attack

Frontal attack (Frontalangriff): The frontal attack is an attack across a broad front at the forward positions of an enemy force. A frontal attack is the most costly form of attack as it strikes the enemy at his strongest point and thus usually requires overwhelming superiority of force and fire at the point of attack to be successful. However as the simplest and most direct form of attack frontal attacks can be useful against weaker or disorganized forces, during meeting engagements where speed of engagement is paramount, or at points where the attacking force can break through into favorable terrain in the depth of the enemy position. Frontal attacks may also be employed by subordinate elements of a larger formation conducting an envelopment or encirclement as a method of fixing a defending force in place.

Flank attack (Flankenangriff): A flank attack is an attack directed at the flank of an enemy force. A flank attack is designed to avoid the enemy's forward oriented combat power and strike at his more vulnerable flanks. A flank attack is similar in concept to an envelopment but is usually conducted on a more shallow axis and does not intended to strike deep into his rear areas. A flank attack requires an assailable flank which can be a gap or weak point in the enemy's defense although in counterattacks or meeting engagements it may be the actual flank of the enemy force. The flank to be attacked may be created and exploited by the attacker through the use of fires or by a successful penetration. As opposed to envelopments which are conducted by brigades or divisions a flank attack will generally be conducted by smaller tactical maneuver units such as maneuver battalions, companies, and platoons. As a general rule wide flank attacks executed from a distance are generally more successful than close-in flank attacks unless there is unusually favorable terrain permitting a close in flank attack. A successful flank attack requires surprise, concentration of forces at the point of attack, and availability of mobile reserves. Caution must be exercised during flank attacks as the deeper the flank goes into the enemy position the greater the danger that the attacker will himself become enveloped.

Envelopment (Umfassungsangriff): An envelopment is an attack in which the attacking force seeks to avoid the enemy's defenses by striking at his flanks and rear, allowing the targeted enemy force to be enveloped in their current positions. A envelopment is generally the most effective type of attack and if aggressively employed along the enemy flanks and rear can result in decisive victory and even the complete annihilation of the enveloped enemy. An envelopment combines a frontal attack by diversionary forces in order to fix a defender in place with one or more deep flank attacks by the main attacking force which maneuver around the enemy's defenses to strike at his rear. Envelopments can either be a single envelopment targeted against only one flank of the defending forces or a double envelopment with attack attack both flanks. A double envelopment is generally only to be attempted when the attacking force is clearly superior. Envelopments, single or double, are generally to be conducted by brigades and divisions as opposed to smaller tactical units. As with a flank attack a successful envelopment requires the discovery or creation of an assailable flank. An assailable flank is usually gap or weak point in the enemy's defense although in counterattacks or meeting engagements it may be the actual flank of the enemy force. A successful envelopment requires extremely high mobility and deception on the part of the attacking force as it requires the attacker to penetrate into the enemy's vulnerable rear area before he can shift his forces and fires to react.

Encirclement (Einkreisung): An encirclement (sometimes also referred to as a turning movement) is a variant of the envelopment in which the attacking force either completely avoids the enemy's defensive positions or attacks them only by light forces while passing entirely around them, seizing terrain objectives behind the enemy's current position and forcing him to maneuver out of his current positions or divert major forces to meet the threat behind them. An encirclement is more difficult to execute than a flank attack or an envelopment and requires extremely high mobility and deception on the part of the attacking force.

Penetration (Einbruch):A penetration is not a separate form of attack but rather the result of a successful attack on the enemy's front or flank. A penetration results in the rupture of enemy defenses on a narrow front which in turn destroys the continuity of the enemy front line. A penetration will create both assailable flanks and access to the enemy's rear areas. A penetration will generally develop in three phases; the initial rupturing of the enemy defensive line, the roll-up of the enemy flanks on either side of the penetration and repulsion of enemy flank attacks, and the exploitation of the penetration to drive into the enemy rear. Strong mobile reserves are necessary during a penetration to repulse enemy counterattacks against the flanks of the penetration and to widen the penetration by rolling up the enemy line on either shoulder. Fire support during a penetration must first concentrate on suppressing enemy defenses before shifting to protect the flanks of the attacking force. After a penetration the attacker should seek to penetrate as deeply as possible, reducing individual enemy positions by encircling and isolating them along the way. A penetration becomes a breakthrough (Durchbruch) when it has successful overcome the enemy's artillery positions. When possible it is desirable to create as many penetrations in the enemy line as possible, dispersing the enemy's fire and preventing him from massing his reserves.

Organization of the Attack

Attack order (Angriffsbefehl): An attack order will contain the objectives of the attack, the disposition of the attacking forces, attacking unit sectors and boundaries, disposition and fire missions of supporting artillery, location of reserves, the line of departure, and the time of attack. Attack orders should not be overly detailed and thus restrict initiative. A typical attack order will generally include:

1. The disposition of friendly attacking and enemy defending forces.
2. Objectives of the attacking force.
3. Assembly areas and sector boundaries for the attacking units.
4. Instructions for the continuation of combat reconnaissance.
5. Instructions to the artillery for fire preparation and coordination.
6. Instructions to rear services including medical and logistical units.
7. Assembly areas for the reserve forces.
8. line of departure
9. Time of attack.

Attack sectors: The width of a sector assigned to an attacking unit in the attack depends on the unit's mission, on the unit's composition and strength, on terrain conditions, on available fire support assets, and on the probable strength of enemy resistance. For panzer and panzergrenadier units advancing in open terrain the typical attack sectors will be 5 to 8 kilometers for a battalion, and 15 to 25 kilometers for a brigade. Assigned attack widths in the attack sector will typically be 250 to 500 meters for a platoon, 500 to 1,000 meters for a company, 2 to 3 kilometers for a battalion, and 5 to 8 kilometers for a brigade. The depth of of immediate attack objectives in the attack sector will typically be 500 meters for a company, 2-3 kilometers for a battalion, 20-25 kilometers for a brigade. For large units such as brigades and division the sectors will be determined primarily with maps while smaller tactical units like battalions, companies, and platoons will have their sectors determined by analysis of the terrain. When creating sectors strongpoints and potential terrain obstacles should be located within a units sector and not on the boundary between sectors. The sectors are extended deep enough into hostile territory to preclude mixing of units and to maintain direction for the duration of the operation. Objectives for the attack should always be located in units' sectors unless the objective is to be attacked by several units. As a general rule although all sectors along a front should be designated it is usually not necessary to occupy the whole width of a sector with troops.

Fire plan (Feuerplan): To achieve fire superiority during an attack is necessary to have effective coordination of infantry, armor, and artillery weapons. A fire plan will thus be created to regulate the commitment of all weapons involved in the attack. A typical fire plan will include the following:

1. Distribution of targets that are confirmed by reconnaissance and surveillance assets.
2. Designation of target observation and sensor-to-shooter communication links.
3. Orders for the use of preparation and deception fires to shape the enemy’s defense.
4. Designation of high-value targets to be destroyed by air support before shifting to reinforcing enemy units, artillery assets, and command and control centers.
5. Orders for the suppression of enemy air-defense systems.
6. Orders for preparation fires that shift just as the attacking forces arrives on the objective.
7. Orders for the suppression and obscuration fire plan to support pioneer breaching operations.
8. Instructions for the positioning of ammunition stocks.
9. Instructions for the integration of electronic warfare effects.
10. Designation of fire support coordination measures to allow attacking forces to get as close as possible to the objective before lifting fires.
11. Signals for lifting and shifting fires on the objective primarily by combat radio and by visual signals as a backup.

Preparation of the Attack

Preparation for an attack initially involves the concentration of attacking forces and their associated equipment into assembly areas. Although attacks are best organized and coordinated in assembly areas near the front a commander may decide that rapid action is essential and opt to to use an assembly area in which case significant advance planning and competence in communications and battle drills are required. Preparation for an attack may also include the conduct of diversionary actions and delivery of preparatory fires. Before the attack the attacking units will move into assembly areas with as much secrecy as possible, usually at night and along routes that prevent or limit the enemy’s ability to observe or detect the movement. To avoid congestion units should occupy assembly areas for the minimum possible time. While in the assembly area each unit will be responsible for its own protection including local ground security. While subordinate units move to and occupy assembly areas the unit commander will complete the process of planning and coordinating the attack. Preparations undertaken by attacking units in assembly areas will include task organization, sector reconnaissance, refining of orders, briefing of troops, conducting of rehearsals, moving of logistics and medical support units forward, and positioning of the attacking force for the subsequent offensive action. As part of the preparatory effort commanders at all levels should conduct personal reconnaissance of the terrain assuming this will not compromise operational security or result in excessive risk to the unit commander. Modern reconnaissance systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles can permit commanders to conduct a virtual reconnaissance when physical reconnaissance impractical. If a limited-visibility attack is planned commanders should also reconnoiter the terrain at night or during limited-visibility conditions.

Before an attack it is necessary that thorough reconnaissance of the objective, the terrain, and enemy positions in the area be conducted. Commander's should exploit all available reconnaissance assets for this purpose including requesting imagery from higher level reconnaissance surveillance assets such as reconnaissance aircraft and satellites. Reconnaissance forces organic to the attacking units should infiltrate through the enemy front to conduct an area reconnaissance of their attack sector, potentially employing precision munitions and artillery fires to destroy detected enemy outposts while remaining undetected. Reconnaissance forces should also attempt to locate and infiltrate the enemy’s main defensive positions in order to confirm enemy unit dispositions. Reconnaissance units may also be given a mission to conduct covert breaches in the enemy defensive obstacle complexes to facilitate the rapid movement of the subsequent attacking force. During the reconnaissance phase brigade commanders should position their artillery target-acquisition radars to provide support throughout the area of operations. Brigade and higher division headquarters will establish quick-fire channels between sensors, such as counterbattery radars and reconnaissance drones, and firing units assigned to counterfire missions in order to rapidly silence enemy artillery systems. Before the attack commences commanders should review the anticipated battle sequence with subordinate leaders to ensure all subordinate unit leaders understand their objectives, the fire plan and the coordination between fire and maneuver elements, and the synchronization of critical events. Critical events to be synchronized include the moving from the assembly area to the line of deployment, breaching or gap crossing operations, assaulting of the objective, exploiting of successful breakthroughs and pursuing of withdrawing enemy forces, and the commitment of reserve forces. Before the start of the operation units should conduct rehearsals under as many types of adverse conditions as reasonably possible given time and security constraints. Lower tactical units should rehearse battle drills such as grossing gaps, clearing obstacles, and creating lanes through minefields. Just prior to the commencement of the attack units are to move rapidly into their attack positions. This movement to attack positions must be thoroughly planned and coordinated to avoid confusion and delays in the attack. The movement and concentration of the attacking force should take place as rapidly as possible and should make maximum use of concealment, radio communication discipline, and deception on order to avoid alert the enemy to the coming attack.

Conduct of the Attack

To be effective an attack must be extremely violent and rapid in order to shock and disrupt the enemy and prevent his effective recovery until his defensive positions have been penetrated and destroyed. During the attack the attacking force must minimize its exposure to enemy fires, avoid or breach obstacles, and remain organized as it advanced towards its objective. For attacks by mechanized combined arms forces to be effective there must be concentrated employment of all arms at the decisive place and time. The tanks and infantry fighting vehicles constitute the striking force of the mechanized combined arms force and will always advance as the first echelon of the attack with the objective to break through enemy defensive positions and into the enemy rear. The mission of the other arms including pioneers and artillery will be to assist the tanks and infantry fighting vehicles in their advance, particularly by clearing obstacles and eliminating enemy antitank and artillery weapons.

Combat Formations : The basic formation for panzer and panzergrenadier platoons, companies, and battalions are the column , double column, wedge, and blunt wedge. Which formations are used will depend on terrain characteristics, visibility, and the strength of the enemy opposition.

• Column: In a column formation all elements are placed one behind another in a single column. A column formation will be used when the commander does not anticipate early contact, the objective is distant, and speed and control over all column elements are critical. The location of artillery and air defense units within the column will reflects the length of the column and the range fans of those systems. The lead element of the column will typically advance traveling overwatch technique with the following units. The primary advantages of the column formation is that it is the best formation to move forces quickly on roads and through terrain with limited visibility, makes enemy contact with only the lead element of the column, and allows for the easy transition to other combat formations. The disadvantage of the column formation are that the majority of the column’s firepower can only be immediately employed on the column’s flanks, The long length of the column impacts movement, and the unit’s flanks are exposed to enemy flank attacks.

• Double Column: The double column formation, also referred to a staggered column formation, is a formation with subordinate elements arranged into two columns with one column leading and one column trailing behind to provide overwatch. The staggered column is generally used as a platoon level formation and affords good all-round observation and fields of fire. The double column allows the unit to change directions and shift to other formations rapidly and is generally used for rapid movement across open terrain when the direction of the enemy is not precisely known. The disadvantages of the double column formation are that it requires four subordinate maneuver elements and generally requires sufficient space for dispersion laterally and in depth.

• Wedge: In a wedge formation the unit is arranged in a V-shaped wedge pointed at the enemy. The wedge formation provides excellent firepower to the front and good firepower to the flanks is generally used when contact is expected but the enemy’s location and disposition are not known. The wedge is also typically the formation of choice for units with three subordinate maneuver units as it allows contact to be initiated with one unit with the other two uncommitted subordinate units positioned to maneuver as the situation develops. As with the double column formation the wedge formation is suited for rapid crossing of open terrain and allows the unit to change directions and shift to other formations rapidly. The disadvantages of the wedge formation are that it requires sufficient space for dispersion laterally and in depth and is difficult to employ in close terrain or in poor visibility conditions.

• Blunt Wedge: In a blunt wedge or invented wedge formation two maneuver elements are positioned abreast ahead with one or more units trailing. This formation is essentially a revered wedge formation and provides maximum firepower to the front and good firepower to the flanks and is generally used when a unit is advancing against a known enemy threat to the front. The blunt wedge is generally the best offensive formation when expecting enemy contact and when the enemy’s location and disposition are known. The blunt wedge formation also allows the unit to change quickly to a column or wedge formation. The disadvantages of the blunt wedge formation are that it is more diffivult to turn or reorient than a wedge formation, that it requires sufficient space for dispersion laterally and in depth, and that it is difficult to employ in close terrain or in poor visibility conditions.

Attack by Mechanized Forces: When attacking with combined arms panzer and panzergrenadier formations emphasis must be placed on rapid and concentrated employment at the decisive place and time of the entire combined command of panzer, panzergrenadier, and other forces (less necessary mobile reserves). Advancing forces must first be dispersed to stretch the enemy's defenses and to avoid presenting east targets for enemy artillery and missile weapons, then concentrating rapidly along converging axes to overwhelm enemy forces at the point of attack, then disperse once again to exploit initial success and attack the enemy's in depth. Units making the attack at the schwerpunkt (main effort) must be allocated enough organic support including artillery, pioneers, and reconnaissance units to be capable of dealing with changing battle circumstances without time consuming and potentially confusing unit reorganizations. Commanders must give their subordinates broad flexibility to adjust to changing battle circumstances while at the same time exerting enough to control to be capable of shifting the main effort to a attack along a secondary sector if the latter appears more promising. At every level, but especially at brigade and higher, special emphasis must be devoted to concealing the concentration of force until it is too late for the enemy to react to it effectively. Units must avoid or mask patterns of movement and preparatory activity which might reveal the location, direction, or timing of attack. Logistical build-ups, reconnaissance activities, communications, and artillery fires must be monitored to preclude any visible changes in the attacking force's operating pattern. Speed, security, and deception are essential to successful concentration for an attack.

During the attack it is best to outflank or encircle the main area of the enemy defenses with mechanized formations and to have the dismounted infantry roll up the defenses from the rear, or alternatively to beak frontally through the enemy defenses with massed mechanized forces and then roll up the enemy line on either side with infantry. Tanks charging by themselves at hostile concentrations of antitank defenses is a futile effort and thus effort must be placed on the coordination and combination of other arms including panzergrenadiers and artillery in order to effectively achieve a breakthrough.

Coordination between panzer/panzergrenadier units and artillery assets are vital at every stage of the attack. During the attack a unified brigade-level command will control the artillery fire as long as the panzer and panzergenadier units are fighting on the same line. When the panzer and panzergenadiers break through the enemy forward defensive lines the panzer artillery battalion designated for the support of the tank unit is then placed under the command of the panzer or panzergenadier unit commander. Emphasis must be placed on the fact that artillery fire must not slow the momentum of an attack and thus the heaviest artillery fire must fall well ahead of the attacking panzer and panzergenadiers or outside of their sector. Before the attack the artillery has the mission of counter-battery fire on enemy artillery located in a position to be able of firing on the terrain over which the attack is to be made, fires on concentrations of enemy forces in assembly areas, delivery of minefields to disrupt the movement of enemy forces, and harassing fire on all areas in which enemy antitank units are located or suspected of being located. Adjustment fire by forward observers is also made on probable enemy observation posts commanding the sector to be attacked who are then blinded with smoke as soon as the attack begins. During the attack the mission of the artillery is screening of flanks with smoke munitions, blinding and destroying enemy observation posts, counter-battery fire on all enemy artillery which attempts to fire on the attacking forces, destruction of enemy antitank weapons, engaging of successive lines of defense as the attack progresses, and delaying the movement and deployment of enemy reserves through harrowing fire and through the use of artillery delivered mines. Coordination between the artillery and panzer and panzergenadiers during the attack is established by artillery forward observers who move with the first wave in armored artillery observation vehicles. Each panzergenadier platoon will also typically take along a forward observer in one of its infantry fighting vehicles.

As with artillery coordination between panzer/panzergrenadier units and tactical air support assets are vital at every stage of the attack. Air support missions for combined arms operations includes offensive and defensive counter-air efforts to protect ground force concentrations from detection and attack by enemy aircraft, reconnaissance and interdiction missions to detect and then delay, disrupt, and destroy enemy reserves, and close air support missions to augment artillery fires and sustain the momentum of the attack.