1942 US Army WWII Trains Train HQ Co. Armored Div. 32p.

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    FM 17-55WAR I)EPARTMENT

    ARMORED FOR.TE FIELDMANUAL'.4

    TRAINS ANDTRAINS tIEAI)QUARTERSCOMPANY

    ARMIOREI) DIVISIONecptcmlb)e 29. 1942

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    FM 17-55ARMORED FORCE FIELDMANUAL

    TRAINS ANDTRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY

    ARMORED DIVISION

    UNITED STATESGOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

    WASHINGTON: 1942

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    WAR DEPARTMENT,WASHINGTON, September 29, 1942.

    PM 17-55, Armored Force Field Manual, Trains and TrainsHeadquarters Company, Armored Division, is published forthe information and guidance of all concerned.

    [A . G. 062.11 (8-28-42).]BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:G. C. MARSHALL,

    Chief of Staff.OFFICIAL:J. A. ULIO,Major General,The Adjutant General.

    DISTRIBUTION:D 17 (10); Bn and H 17 (5).(For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6.)

    TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTION I. General. Paragraph PageScope--------------------------- 1 1Definitions ----------------------- 2 1Organization - _--_----________ 3 1Trains headquarters and headquar-

    ters company ------------------ 4 3Duties of train commander ----- ___ 5 3II. Training.General ___---- ------------------- 6 6Tactical exercises ___------ _------- 7 7III. Control, communication, liaison, andorders.Control -------------------------- 8 8Communication ----------------- 9 9Liaison__------------------------- 10 9Orders --------------------------- 11 11IV. Maintenance and evacuation.Maintenance --------------------- 12 11Evacuation --.-------------------- 13 11V. Reconnaissance.Means --------------------------- 14 12Route reconnaissance ---- __------ 15 12VI. Marches, bivouacs, security.Marches ------------------------- 16 12Bivouacs_ _---------------------- 17 19Security ________-. ___------------ 18 18

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    FM 17-551-3

    ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUALTRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY

    ARMORED DIVISIONSECTION I

    GENERAL 1. ScoPE.-This manual covers the organization and tacti-cal employment of the armored division trains as a whole.For tactical employment of the component parts of the divi-sion trains see FM 17-57, 17-58, and 17-80.* 2. DEFINITIONS.-a. Division trains.-The armored divisiontrains are the service elements of the division and consist oftrains headquarters and headquarters company, mainte-nance battalion, supply battalion, and medical battalion. Theterm "division trains" applies to those units listed above andany elements that may be attached, such as the division rearechelon and service company and unit trains.

    b. Unit trains.-Unit trains are trains of the componentunits of the division. They are divided into echelon A andechelon B, composition of the echelons depending upon thesupply and tactical situation.

    (1) Echelon A trains.-These trains consist of the vehiclesthat accompany the unit and usually march at the rear ofthat unit. Normally they will consist of maintenance, es-sential fuel and lubricant,. ammunition vehicles, and unitmedical detachments. Equipment vehicles and kitchens maybe part of this echelon.(2) Echelon B trains.-These trains consist of vehicles ofunit trains that normally march with higher unit trains.Unit personnel sections are in these trains. Some fuel andlubricants and ammunition vehicles may be in echelon B.Equipment vehicles, kitchen and ration trucks will usuallyjoin these trains after a unit moves from bivouac or assemblyposition to the attack. 3. 'ORGANxZATION.-Figure 1 shows graphically the organiza-tion of armored division trains.

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    ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 4-5* 4. TRAINS HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY.-a.Trains headquarters.-Trainsheadquarters is organized fortactical operation of the trains. The train commander doesnot exercise administrative control over subordinate units ex-cept the headquarters company. The staff provides for twocolumn commanders and operations and intelligence sections.(See fig. 2.)

    b. Headquarterscompany.--The trains headquarters com-pany is composed of a company headquarters, communicationplatoon, reconnaissance platoon, and tank command. (Seefig. 3.)(1) Company headquarters consists of a headquarters sec-tion, a maintenance section, and an administrative-supply-mess section. The maintenance section services the vehiclesof headquarters company only. The administrative-supply-mess section contains mess equipment and personnel for theheadquarters and headquarters company.(2) The communication platoon has six medium powerradio sets for attachment to the columns, to lower units, andfor use of the train commander and staff officers as required.(3) The reconnaissance platoon is used for route andbivouac reconnaissance primarily. It may be divided intotwo groups, one for each column commander.(4) The tank command is organized to control tank pla-toons of maintenance companies of the armored regimentsshould any of these platoons be attached to the trains.* 5. DUTIES OF TRAIN COMMANDER.-a. During training.-During the time the division is training for combat, dutiesof the train commander are:

    (1) Preparation of training programs for the divisiontrains in accordance with division training directives.(2) Approval of training schedules for component unitsof the division trains.(3) Supervision of tactical training, including driving in-struction, marksmanship, marches, bivouacs, security, anddefensive combat, but excluding technical training pertinent

    only to a particular unit.(4) Conduct of inspections and tests to determine fitnessof units to perform tactical functions in the field.

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    ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 5

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    5L__6 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL

    (5) Preparation and conduct of command post and fieldexercises for the division trains. Unit trains should partici-pate in some of these exercises.

    b. In the fleld.-Duties of the train commander in the fieldare:(1) Tactical command of the division trains. This doesnot include direction or execution of supply, maintenance;and evacuation functions.(2) Security of the division trains (less detachments) andof attached unit trains to include defense of division installa-tions within the bivouac area and such installations outsidethat area as the division commander may direct.(3) Control and security of unit and division trains fromthe bivouac forward to the point of release to units.(4) Movement of division trains as directed by the divisioncommander.(5) Selection of bivouacs when exact location is not desig-nated by the division commander.

    (6) Division of bivouac area into unit areas.(7) Reconnaissance of routes for the division trains.(8) Maintenance of close liaison with G-4, G-3, and G-2with respect to tactical movements, dispositions, and security

    of trains.(9) Maintenance of close liaison with the division provostmarshal.(10) At the CP, keeps a situation map, a map showing allsupply installations, and the traffic circulation map.(11) Calls upon the division commander for attachmentof combat units when additional protection for the trainsis necessary, and controls the actions of those units when soattached.

    SECTION IITRAINING

    * 6. GENERAL.--- . The subject of training generally is cov-ered in FM 21-5. The train commander is responsible forthe tactical but not the technical training of units composingthe trains. (See par. 5.) The train commander conductshis tactical training to conform to division directives and thedivision administrative standing operating procedure. G-4

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 6-7is responsible for preparation of this standing operating pro-cedure, and in conjunction with G-3 prepares for approvalof the division commander that part of division trainingdirectives pertaining to the trains. The train commandermust keep in close touch with both G-3 and G-4 on trainingmatters.b. Tactical training of the division trains should stressmarches and march discipline, use of cover and concealmentin bivouac and at halts, security on the march, and securityin bivouac. Units composing the trains and elements of unittrains that may be attached have individual weapons, ma-chine guns, and antitank guns to be used in defense on themarch and in bivouac. Frequent exercises must' be held inorder that a thoroughly coordinated defense may be estab-lished. Emphasis must be placed on night marches.N 7. TACTICAL EXERCISES.--a. During unit training phases thetrain commander, by directives, by supervision, and by in-spection, assures himself that each unit is being properlytrained in marches and security. He must inspect and makecorrections as necessary. He uses his column commanders toassist in these inspections.

    b. During unit training phases the train commander mustbe careful that he does not interfere with the technical train-ing of units. He must balance purely tactical trainingagainst the needs for technical training. The primary func-tions of elements of the division trains are technical, there-fore a preponderance of time must be spent on that training.c. Frequent tactical exercises are held after conclusion ofthe company training phase. These exercises must simulatecombat conditions as closely as practicable. Problems aredrawn with a view to giving the maximum of instruction inmarches and security. Do not initially try to cover all tac-tical operations in one problem. Emphasize one particularphase, later another phase, and finally execute a completeproblem that covers all phases. Require units to carry outtechnical functions under combat conditions. Trainingshould cover-(1) Marches.(2) Selection and occupation of bivouacs.

    483917-42---2 7

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    7-8 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL(3) Security on the march and in bivouac.(4) Execution by units of normal activities in conjunctionwith the above training.d. The following procedure is recommended:,(1) Select the particular phase of training to be empha-sized.(2) From the map select the area for the problem.(3) Reconnoiter the area.(4) Draft the problem and with the column commandersand staff play it on the map. Make changes as necessary.(5) Issue the situation and warning order to the units.(6) Make sure that units will have personnel and equip-ment as complete as possible.(7) Move out from parks under simulated combat condi-tions.(8) Execute the problem.(9) Hold a critique.e. A problem that is a mere road march or occupation ofbivouac will become uninteresting and will contribute little

    to training. After the technique of marching, occupationof bivouacs, and security has been practiced, test units byhaving columns attacked by airplanes and by ground troops.Test security measures in bivouac. Test camouflage dis-cipline by having aerial photographs made of bivouac areas.Examine these photographs for errors in camouflage andbreaches of camouflage discipline. Bring errors to the atten-tion not only of unit commanders but of the men by causingsuch photographs, properly marked to show errors, to beposted where men can see and examine them. Avoid ridiculein a critique. On the aerial photographs it is not necessaryto name the unit at fault, as men will quickly find the locationof their unit.SECTION III

    CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, LIAISON, AND ORDERS* 8. CONTROL.-a. Control of the trains presents a difficultand complex problem. Elements are being attached and de-tached constantly; columns move to railheads or supplypoints and then to units; medical and maintenance detach-ments are sent to support combat commands; and unit trains

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 8-10are attached and detached. This causes a constant fluctua-tion in the strength and composition of the trains, and re-quires careful planning and careful records. The operationsofficer must keep a complete and detailed record of the unitswith trains showing number of vehicles, attachments, de-tachments, and locations. The train commander must knowat all times the location of his units.

    b. The train commander exercises control through his col-umn commanders, unit commanders, and commander ofattached trains. He uses his column commanders to com-mand marching columns during an advance or withdrawal.These commanders may be used to control columns movingback to supply points or forward to combat units.

    c. By giving explicit orders as to routes, phase lines, andrates of march, the commander controls the columns. Hegives instruction to column or unit commanders orally, byradio, or by messenger. The use of radio may be restricted,therefore it is essential that definite plans be made andclear instructions issued.* 9. COMMUNICATION.-a. For communication the train com-mander has at his disposal motorcycle messengers and radio.The radio sets of the communication platoon are distributedas necessary by the train commander. Each column com-mander should have one of these sets when he is separatedfrom the main body of the trains. One is used for com-munication by the train headquarters. S-2 should keep oneset on the division reconnaissance net. One set should beon the air-warning net if such a net is established. Figure 4shows the radio net for the trains.b. The use of radio will be restricted. It must not be usedin bivouac. When radio messages are to be sent frombivouac, place the radio set at least 5 miles from the area.Strict radio discipline must be maintained.

    c. When voice radio is used, commanders habitually useit themselves. For restrictions on use of radio in the clear,see FM 24-5.* 10. LIAISON..--a. The train commander habitually keeps aliaison officer at the forward echelon of division headquar-ters. In addition he or one of his staff officers should visit

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    10 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY. 10-13

    the forward echelon of division headquarters at least onceeach day.b. Lower units habitually maintain a liaison agent at thetrains command post, both on the march and in bivouac.For qualifications of liaison officers, see FM 101-5. 11. ORDERS.---a. The train commander normally receiveshis orders through G-4 and must therefore have close con-tact with that officer.b. For form for orders see FM 101-5. The train com-mander's orders are usually oral and frequently fragmentary.They may be supplemented by overlays, marked maps,sketches, or marked aerial photographs.c. The train commander must coordinate his tactical planwith the administrative plan of the division in order thatthe trains may be adequately protected and that the divisionmay at the same time receive adequate logistical support.

    SECTION IVMAINTENANCE AND EVACUATION

    * 12. MAINTENANCE.-a. FM 17-50 covers generally main-tenance and evacuation in units of the armored force. Eachunit has its own maintenance sections for maintenance ofits own vehicles. Attached trains usually will not havemaintenance personnel accompanying them and it will benecessary for the maintenance battalion to take care of theirmaintenance needs.

    b. The maintenance battalion performs third echelonmaintenance for the trains. On the march, detachmentsof the maintenance .battalion follow each column. The sup-ply battalion furnishes its own maintenance personnel andequipment for its column. However, when large columnsmove back to railheads or other supply points and forwardto combat units, detachments from the maintenance battalionshould accompany them.* 13. EVACUATION.-For employment of the medical battalionsee FM 17-80. Each unit has its own medical detachment.Medical needs of attached units not having attached medicalpersonnel are a responsibility of the medical battalion. On

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    13-16 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUALthe march a detachment from the medical battalion followseach column.

    SECTION VRECONNAISSANCE

    * 14. MEANS.-The trains headquarters company has a smallreconnaissance platoon (see par. 4b) that may be used forroute and bivouac reconnaissance. It is not strong enough,however, for extensive reconnaissance missions. Availablehalf-track vehicles, /4-ton trucks, and motorcycles may beused to supplement the reconnaissance platoon. Observa-tion airplanes warn the trains, when practicable, of the ap-proach of any large body of hostile troops.* 15. ROUTE RECONNAISSANCE.-a. It is essential that thetrain commander know the condition of all routes from sup-ply points to train bivouac and from train bivouac to combatunits. Although G-4 is responsible for traffic circulation,and such circulation in the rear areas is controlled by theprovost marshal, the train commander must secure accurateinformation on routes.

    b. Reconnaissance information of routes from the bivouacto the forward areas is received from the forward echelonof division headquarters. It is the duty of the train liaisonofficer to.secure this information and transmit it, preferablyby marked map, to the train commander. The train com-mander makes such additional reconnaissance as is necessaryand causes column commanders, unit commanders, and thereconnaissance platoon to make reconnaissance. Columncommanders and others who will have to take convoys overroutes at night will, if practicable, reconnoiter the road dur-ing the day. Particularly, distances will be measured byodometer and landmarks noted. (See fig. 5.) The traincommander should have a complete record of odometerreadings on all routes the trains may use.

    SECTION VIMARCHES, BIVOUACS, SECURITY

    * 16. MARCHES.-Marches are conducted according to thefundamentals and methods prescribed in FM 17-50 and12

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 16

    STREAM, STEELBRIDGE - .4WOODS ON RIGHT-.4

    .4 ROAD BEND,LEFT-.5

    HOUSE ON RIGHT,ROAD FORK-.6GO STRAIGHT

    ;.6 R J TURN RIGHT -. 4

    _4 b y WOODS ON RIGHT-.4ROAD BENDLEFT-.5

    .5

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    1.2

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    BIVOUAC

    FIGURE 5.--Route reconnaissance. (Note odometer reading of land-marks.)13

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    16 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL25-10. Much of the marching will be at night; the order ofmarch frequently changes; the composition of columns varies;units are constantly being attached or detached. Each unitmust therefore develop march technique to a high degree ofperfection. March discipline must be strict.

    a. Formations.-(1) The division trains, depending uponthe road net and traffic circulation as prescribed by G-4, willmarch in two or more columns. Each column is divided intomarch units of 20 to 25 vehicles, unit organization beingpreserved as far as practicable. Each column details ad-vance, flank, and rear guards. (See par. 18.)(2) Attached unit trains of each combat command aregrouped together and are placed in the column that followstheir parent organization. Organic units of the train areso placed in column as best to facilitate their entry intobivouac and the performance of their service functions. Fig-ure 6 shows a two-column formation for division trains, andfigure 7 shows a three-column formation.

    b. Routes.--(1) Control.-Traffic control in rear areasmust be strict, particularly when the number of good roadsis small. For this reason the division commander normallyprescribes routes for the division trains. Movement on theseroutes must be closely coordinated to prevent interferencewith supply and evacuation functions.

    (2) Selection.-In selecting routes the following must beconsidered:(a) Condition of road.

    (b) Capacity.(c) Strength and clearance of bridges; clearance of under-passes.(d) Length of route.

    (e) Security. Is it near a flank and subject to interrup-tion? Are there defiles? Can vehicles move off the roadand disperse?(I) Suitability for night movement.(g) Weather.

    (3) Condition.-Tanks, half-track vehicles, and heavytrucks will seriously damage dirt roads. Bridges may bebroken, and swampy or muddy stretches made impassable.The effect of the passage of combat units must, therefore, be

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 16

    I ADVANCE GUARD ADVANCE GUARDCLM COMDR CLM COMDRINIT TRAINS l DIV REAR ECH ANDSERV COMAINT BNLESS DETSN REAR ECH SIG COESS DETS

    MED BNlLMEESDSDNETS l UNIT TRAINS

    INGR BR CO SUPPLY BNLESS DETSMAINT DET MED DET

    MAINT DET

    FIGURE 6.-Two-column formation for division trains.15

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    16 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL

    oADVD ADV GD ADV GD

    CLM COMDR IITN COMDR CLM COMDR

    [rI IO K COMDI'-- LESS 2 PLATSl

    UNIT TNS TN HQO UNIT TNSI LESS DE"SERV COENGRBRCO DIVRR ECH a * MED DET

    I MED DET MAINT BN MAINT DETSU P BNMAI'NT DET SS DETESS DE7S

    MED BNLESS DETS

    MAINT DET

    FIGURxE 7.-Three-columnn formation for division trains.16

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 16

    considered by the division commander, and the best of thedirt roads selected if hard surface roads are not available.(4) Capacity.-Considerwhether the road is one-lane ortwo-lane. Many country roads will be one-lane, and stalledvehicles may delay or block a column.(5) Strength and clearance of bridges.-Know the weightand height of vehicles in the column. The capacity of allbridges must be determined. This information is obtainedby the engineers and relayed to the train commander by theliaison officer at the forward echelon of the division com-mand post. Although the division engineers are responsiblefor strengthening bridges, it is the duty of the train com-mander to assure himself that this is done. He must leavenothing to chance. Check clearance of underpasses andbridges with overhead structure. Do not take the chance ofbeing blocked because a vehicle will not clear. Send suchvehicles in another column.(6) Length.-The route should be as short as practicableconsistent with security and condition of the road. A goodlong route may be shorter in time than a bad route which isshorter in miles. Movements, particularly on dark nights,require short routes, as speed will be reduced to 10 miles orless per hour when moving without lights.(7) Security.-When there is a choice of routes, trainsshould move as far as practicable from the exposed flank.Defiles, such as passes, bridges, and stretches of road withsteep embankment, are dangerous for a column because ofair attack and are avoided if practicable. If they must betraversed, special precautions must be taken. Narrow roadswith overhanging trees afford maximum concealment. Suchroads are particuarly favorable for protection against air at-tack if vehicles are able to move off the road. Such roads areunfavorable for night movement because of poor visibility.

    (8) Night movement.-A road with well-defined edges andfree from steep embankments is preferable for night move-ment. Concrete roads are best because the light textureof the road materially aids the driver's vision. Black-toproads, particularly on rainy nights, are hard to follow.(9) Weather.-Rain may make dirt roads impassable and

    black-top roads slippery. It impairs vision so much that the17

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    16 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL

    rate of march will be lowered appreciably except on good con-crete roads in open country.c. Preparation for the march.-(1) In preparing for the

    march the following must be done:(a) Issue warning orders.(b) Select routes if they have not been prescribed.(c) Get all available data on the routes. Make additional

    reconnaissance as necessary. Arrange for improvement ofroutes where needed.

    (d) Measure routes.(e) Select phase lines.(f) Contact provost marshal to find out where militarypolice will be posted. Arrange for other guides as necessary.

    (g) Have new bivouac reconnoitered if practicable. Ar-range for billeting parties.

    (h) After considering composition of the combat com-mands and the division reserve, assign units to columns androutes.

    (i) Select IP's and time for head of column to pass.(j) Make final plans and issue orders preferably showingroutes, composition of columns, IP, time heads of columnspass IP, phase lines, and new bivouac, on an overlay or markedmap.(2) Much of the detail for marches and march techniquemay be contained in standing operating procedure. Units notnormally attached to the division trains will not know thestanding operating procedure, and orders to them must begiven in detail.

    d. Control.-March control is obtained by designation ofroutes, rates of march, and phase lines. Radio may be usedfor control at times, but radio will often be silent. Motormessengers or liaison airplanes must then be used. Althoughradio is silent, receivers must be turned on to receive emer-gency messages such as air attack warnings.

    e. Night marches.-Night marches will be normal for thetrains. For technique of night marches see FM 17-50 and25-10.I. Rate of march.-The rate of march depends upon therate of the slowest vehicle, medium tanks, time of day, con-dition of roads, and the weather. In a column containing

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 16-17

    medium tanks the rate will not ordinarily exceed 17 miles perhour. When no medium tanks are present, a higher ratemay be maintained.* 17. BIvoUAcs.-a. General.-(1) The general area forbivouacs is designated by the division commander. The traincommander reconnoiters this area and divides it into unitareas.(2) In the advance the trains bivouac will be close behindthe division reserve, a distance of not more than 10 milesdepending upon the road net and condition.of roads. Thisis necessary both for protection and for rapid delivery ofsupplies to the division.(3) In the defense the trains bivouac may be as much as35 miles behind the combat units, depending on condition ofthe roads. It must be close enough so the unit trains maymake a round trip between their units and the train bivouacunder cover of darkness.(4) In retrograde movements, trains are moved rapidly tothe rear and bivouac at such points as do not interfere withrearward movement of combat units.

    b. Characteristics.-The ollowing characteristics should besought in selecting bivouac areas:(1) Concealment from air observation.(2) Ample space for parking vehicles at least 50 yardsapart.(3) Protection from mechanized attack by natural obsta-cles such as swamps, mountains, dense woods, stumpy or.rocky ground.(4) Numerous exits, so units will not be blocked and pre-

    vented from moving from the bivouac either by an enemyforce or by destruction of bridges.(5) Good all-weather standings for vehicles.(6) Good fields of fire for defense weapons.

    c. Allotment of areas.-(1) In the allotment of bivouacareas, consideration must be given to the size of the unit,its function, cover within the area, and its means of defense.The size of units, because of attachments and detachments,will vary greatly. The size of unit trains attached to the divi-sion trains will vary between wide limits. In order to allotareas properly the trains commander must keep an accurate

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    17 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUALaccount of attachments and detachments and must plan forunits joining or leaving the bivouac.(2) The following considerations govern the location ofunits in bivouac:(a) The division rear echelon and service company shouldbe located so that it will receive protection from other units.

    (b) The train command post should be near the divisionrear echelon.(c) The medical battalion, having no weapons for pro-tection, should be located so as to be protected by other units.It should have good access to roads and be near the roadsused for evacuation.

    (d) The maintenance battalion must be located so that itcan set up its maintenance facilities without undue delay andalso be near the roads used for evacuation of vehicles. A townhaving shop facilities should be used whenever possible.(e) The supply battalion will have trucks moving in andout at frequent intervals. It must be close to the main roadsor have good access to roads.(I) Unit trains will vary in size and must be located so theycan move to their respective units without confusion. Thesetrains are grouped so that those of a particular combat com-mand and those of the division reserve are together.(g) The rear echelon of the signal company should benear the division rear echelon.

    (h) The engineer bridge company, if attached, may be lo-cated anywhere it will have access to good roads.(3) Minimum bivouac areas, allowing 50 yards between ve-hicles, are as follows:

    Unit Area in yardsTrains headquarters and headquarters company__ 200 x 200Division rear echelon and service company (rearechelon signal company attached) -__________ 350 x 350

    Maintenance battalion -_______________________ 700 x 800Headquarters and headquarters company____ 300 x 300Maintenance company_____________________ 250 x 300Medical battalion-_____________________________ 450 x 500Headquarters and headquarters company____ 200 x 200Medical company__________________________ 250 x 250

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 17Unit Area in yards

    Supply battalion__-__________________-________ 750 x 750Headquarters and headquarters company____ 200 x 250Truck company ___________________________ 450 x 500Total trains _________________________-_____ 1,300 x 1,300

    Engineer bridge company______________________ 300 x 300Unit trains__-_______._________________:________ Variable(4) Each unit furnishes a billeting party to accompanya representative of the trains commander to the new biv-

    ouac area. This representative assigns the areas to unitsin accordance with the desires of the trains commander.Each unit then subdivides its area as necessary and postsguides to lead units to their positions.d. Movement into bivouac.-(1) Good planning and clear,definite orders will do much to prevent closing of columnsand halting at bivouac entrances. Arrange to move unitsinto bivouac so that columns will not be crossed. Assign-ment of bivouac areas from front to rear in order of marchwill tend to prevent confusion. Make sure guides are postedand that each unit guide has a marker with him that canbe easily distinguished at some distance. At night the useof luminous markers will aid considerably.(2) During the training period, emphasis should be placedupon orderly movement into bivouac.

    e. Movement out of bivouac.-(1) Form column by havingindividual vehicles move into their places in the column andkeep moving. Do not let vehicles move onto the road andhalt.

    (2) Set a time for the head of each unit to reach the IP.Each unit commander must determine the distance fromhis bivouac to the IP. He leaves his bivouac so as to reachthe IP at the proper time. He must not halt at the IP butmust reach it and pass it at the proper time while travelingat the prescribed rate. Reaching the IP early will cause thecolumn, to halt and will probably result in vehicles closingup. Reaching the IP late not only results in losing contactwith the preceding unit but causes all following units to belate. It may cause following units to halt on the road.(3) If interior roads of the bivouac are to be used by morethan one unit, the trains commander must specify the priorityof movement. 21

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    17 ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL

    1 1TO COMBAT COMD B TO DIV RESERVE aCOMBAT COMD A,\1\ ( )IL

    MAINT

    TK COMD:

    s+/zz SUP[&Itcomo

    II

    FIGURE 8.-Division trains bivouac.

    222

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    TRAINS AND TRAINS HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 17

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