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may be emp!oyed.
*
Wt. a. Logical airborne objectives md possibk dron
a
aml kmc?ir,g
zones ih?t~r~.i~le
the disposition of defense units. Ai rkwnc f orccs
t
arc most vulnerable cluring tlwir periocl of reorganization imn~c-
)
diately after the drop. The defender, therefore, should direct his
initial effort against the enemy in the drop and landing zones.
W’here troops are limited, minimum ckfense measures should
include an cficient warning system, planned o.nd rdwwsed local
defense measures by service troops, and a mobik ~esewe pre-
pared to move on short notice to previously reconnoitered positions
to launch a counterattack.
b. Where an airborne threat is probab!e and s~ifici~rit mmx arc
avaikMe, the plan for the disposition of troops should pwvick ta
system of wa~*ning and combat detachments wxw all probable
landing areas with provision for supplementary motorized pntrols
a
and Iocal resenw for countcrattccks.
In addition, plans should
insure a centrally locatecl mobik WXWW, strong in armor and
fire power, to attac?[ the airborne units ‘More they can be rein-
forced with heavier suppmtinx WCJ.POW.
(13mcn!k;: orfgnmiz:ltio]l
~ should bc characterized by flexibility
to
J wntwe
a
of speed and initiative.
615. Defense p!ans against f~irbome assault must stYcss
secwity
Enemy air reconnaissance missions my be expected.
E2posd
or poorly camouflaged installations wil[ be cmnmwkccl for
nwtrali-
“ zation during the bombmhncnt phase.
The bon~kwdn~e~~t will
normally be extremely heavy.
Defense troops should be well
entrenched with overhead cover. Movements in and about t!m
landing tircas will be quicldy cletected and may be heavily at-
tacked. Mobile reserves moving towards the Iancli:lg area should
seek covered routes. Where this is impr~ctical the moving column
should employ an open formation in or&l* to present a less YQ-
mW’16i”~tiVeair target.
6?6. ct. The
defense should be condyctcd to
o
phases
ofan
a!”rborne attack Passive defense
149
