WITHDRAWAL

LT COL PR PATHIRAVITHANA psc

INTRODUCTION

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The aim of this lecture is to make you understand about one of the four phases of war, withdrawal

AIM

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SEQUENCE Explanation of Terms Principles Control Measures Physical Measures Planning the Withdrawal

Anti-Armour Defence Fire Plan Surveillance Plan Patrol Policy Engr Plan

Cont..

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Conduct of the withdrawal

Logistics

Conclusion

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A withdrawal may have to be carried out for any of the following reasons:

To disengage from an unsuccessful battle To draw the enemy into an unfavorable

position To gain time without fighting To conform with movements of flank formations To allow the use of part of the force elsewhere To avoid battle under unfavorable conditions To regain tactical control over a confused situation

Cont..6

A withdrawal may have to be conducted in the face of the following enemy threats The over-running of withdrawing troops inan attempt to turn the operation into a rout An air attack, particularly by day. The more sophisticated the enemy and the more open the country, the more severe, and effective, these attacks will be An envelopment and encircling operation by ground, airborne and/or heliborne troops, including the seizure of defiles on the withdrawal route The use of chemical agents to cause casualties, to slow down movement by forcing the wearing of NBC clothing and respirators or to lower morale

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EXPLANATION OF TERMS The following terms are used: Present Defensive Position : The present defensive position is the position currently occupied and which is to be abandoned New Main Position: A new main position is the next permanent defensive position to which the force is to withdraw and occupy Intermediate Position: An intermediate position is a position between the present defensive position and a new main position which is held as a temporary measure to gain time for the preparation of the new main position Cont..8

Covering Troops : Covering troops are mobile troops of all arms formed into a force whose task is to provide security for the intermediate and new main position by carrying out screen or guard tasks  Preliminary Demolitions : Preliminary Demolitions are those which can be fired, as soon after preparation as is convenient, on the orders of the officer responsible for them Reserved Demolitions : Reserved Demolitions are Demolitions which are controlled because they play a vital part in the tactical plan. They are selected by the commander and must be guarded, until the demolition is successfully exploded by a force know as the demolition guard. Authority to fire such a demolition is retained by the commander or is delegated by him to a nominated officer

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PRINCIPLES Flexibility

Simplicity

Offensive action

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IMPORTANT FACTORS

Acquisition of information

Maintenance of morale Control

Security

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CONTROL MEASURESTIMINGS

Denial Time

No Rearward Movement Thinning Out

Final Abandonment Clear of a Line

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Report Lines

RVs

PHYSICAL MEASURES

Check Points Embussing Point Helicopter LZ

Security

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SECURITY During Planning Stage

During Execution

Communications

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PLANNINGPREPARATION OF THE NEXT POSITION Rear Reconnaissance Party :

BG - 2 IC Support Coy Comd

Armour Sqn Rep Recce Pl Sgt Mortar Rep Anti Tank Pl Rep Rifles Pl Reps Engr Rep.

CT - 2 IC

Cont …15

Tk Tp Guide

RSO

Army Aviation Rep RP

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ANTI ARMOUR DEFENCE Tanks by Day and Night

Anti Tank Wpns on Likely Approaches

Anti Tank Helicopters

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FIRE PLAN DF on Call from FEBA to the embussing point Smoke cover to degrade enemy surveillance Harassing Fire

Covering Fire for any Counter attack

Note: Fire Plan can be activated by Arty/Mortar or Heavy/Medium MGs

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Reconnaissance and improvement of withdrawal routes

Closing minefield gaps and patrol lanes

Booby trapping

Blocking likely enemy routes

SURVEILLANCE PLAN, PATROL POLICY, ENGINEERING PLAN

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CONDUCT OF THE WITHDRAWAL There are essential major differences between a withdrawal by night and day

Sequence of event can achieve success either by day or night

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Present Defensive Position

Intermediate Position

Next Main Position

1a 1b

2b

2a

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PlatoonRV

.....

.

Combat Team

RV

Combat Team

RV

Combat TeamRV

Combat Team check Point

Platoon Check Point

. Battle Group Check Point (RSM)

Battle Group RVProtected by depth Combat Team

Battle Group Embussing

PointF Echelon WaitingArea

Armoured Squadron

RV

Next Position

Troop RV

......

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LOGISTICS

Must Prevent useful material falling in to enemy hands. Followings to be considered:

Fully replenished before the withdrawal Essentials to be sent early Planning for destruction of equipments / Stocks.

Sound CASVAC system

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CONCLUSION

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