Amphibious forces are platoon to regiment size. They operate alone to create diversions and inflict
damage, rejoin targets of naval significance, or team with ground forces and naval units to destroy the
enemy. Operational landing targets are naval bases, major islands, and important coastal objectives.
Tactical landing targets are airfields, ports, and other objectives.
Probable weapons and equipment that an amphibious force would carry are:
o Assault rifles, heavy/light machine guns, ATGLs, ATGMs, SAls, mortars, wheeled scout recon
vehicles.
o Amphibious armored personnel carriers, light and medium tanks, MRLs (SP), antiaircraft guns
(SP), recoilless guns, and tactical air support.
o Air-cushioned amphibious vehicles and landing ships.
Ground Forces Deliberate Operations
The OPFOR have returned to their earlier concept of an operational maneuver group (OMG). This
could be used to exploit a specific breakthrough in the close-in battle. This unit may range in size from
a reinforced regiment to a reinforced division or Army. This unit is a great threat to the rear area.
Airborne or heliborne forces will often support this operation.
Infiltration operations. North Korean forces have used infiltration to move battalion-sized and larger
units into the enemy rear area. These will infiltrate as small elements. Once through the main battle
area, they will assemble at a key terrain feature at a designated time. This will provide the unit with an
element of surprise. This may create great problems for the rear area.
Supporting Threat Forces and Techniques
Tactical Air Force. The OPFOR Air Force will provide ground forces with air support against enemy
units, command and control headquarters, or reserves and logistics.
Facilities. This air support will include attack helicopters (see Figure 1-16, 1-17, 1-18), attack aircraft,
and fighter bombers (see Figure 1-19). The same aircraft will support airmobile and amphibious
operations to secure landing zones. The OPFOR recognize four stages of air support:
o
Support for movement forward.
o
Air preparation.
o
Air support.
o
Air accompaniment.
Helicopter assets perform the primary ground attack, close air support, armed reconnaissance, troop
transport, and anti-insurgent missions. Helicopters are frequently used as platforms for forward
observers and have been noted firing illumination rounds in support of ground operations.
MP2010
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