Section 6

PRINCIPLES OF EMPLOYMENT

601. INFLUENCES OF EMPLOYMENT

a. The employment of Ontos is influenced by its capabilities and limitations.

Employment is primarily defensive in nature.
b. The mobility of Ontos permits it to engage enemy armor forward of the main
battle position and, subsequently, to move rapidly from position to position.
c. The firepower of the Ontos enables it to engage successfully any known armored
vehicle.
d. The vulnerability of the Ontos and requirement for exposure of the loader favor
targets being engaged from well concealed, covered positions. Preselected
alternate positions, accessible over covered and concealed routes should be
available. When an Ontos fires, it must be ready to execute a rapid displacement
to new firing positions. Alternate positions, previously prepared and supplied,
afford the Ontos an excellent opportunity to rearm and refuel from pre-positioned
supplies.
e. Thorough reconnaissance is one of the most important factors in employment.
f. When practicable, Ontos should be employed by sections in order to provide
mutual support.
g. The employment of the Ontos should be integrated with other anti-mechanized
means such as tanks, antitank barriers, naval gunfire support, air, and artillery, as
well as with the organic antitank means of infantry elements.

602. RECONNAISSANCE

a. Purpose. The success of antitank tactics depends largely on preparation for

action. Time permitting, extensive and detailed reconnaissance, including
reconnaissance by air, is carried out by the antitank battalion, company,
and platoon commanders.
b. Actions during reconnaissance.
(1) The AT commander studies and evaluates the ground, noting
possible avenues of hostile mechanized approach and potential
firing positions. Bridges are noted; fords are selected, if possible,
to be used in the event bridges are demolished later. He contacts
friendly troops adjacent to, or within, the area to learn their
disposition and plans coordinate fires, and to exploit terrain.
(2) Time and other conditions permitting, the commander reconnoiters
the ground over which enemy tanks might advance, looking for
possible tank and infantry approach routes and studying the area
from the enemy point of view.
(3) Sites suitable for friendly observation are sought.
603. POSITIONS

Reconnaissance results in the selection of primary, supplementary, and alternate

positions.
a. Positions should be chosen prior to contemplated action so that they may be
properly prepared.
b. Unit positions should provide defense laterally and in depth along all possible
avenues of armored approach.
c. Positions are established to provide mutual support. This need for mutual support
can be met on many occasions by echeloning vehicles in depth. Depth of position
and mutual support are particularly important during displacement to alternate
positions when it is essential that one vehicle cover another.
d. Individual vehicle and unit positions must afford maximum cover and
concealment. A properly covered and concealed unit can, through timely attack by
fire, kill, disable, and disorganize the attackers. This ambush tactic may create
unacceptable losses or a shock effect, which may cause enemy forces to withdraw,
or may contain the enemy and make them vulnerable to attack by friendly forces
before their own attack is launched.
e. The effects of cover and concealment are greatly enhanced when positions afford
the opportunity of flanking fire. Tanks are vulnerable—and present a larger---
target when attacked from the side. Their frontal armor is strong while the side
armor and exposed suspension system are weaker and more vulnerable. Concealed
flanking guns are also difficult to locate and maneuver against.
f. The position should afford a backblast area free of troops and obstructions.
g. As in the selection of positions for any weapons, consideration must be given to
fields of fire and observation.
h. In a defensive situation, consideration is given to the overall organization of the
terrain and plan for supporting fires when selecting positions. Positions selected
for Ontos emplacement must complement the plan for supporting fires and
reinforce natural and man-made obstacles

MASS

Since tanks may attack in mass, it is necessary that they be met with massed fires.
Accordingly, Ontos should be employed in a manner which will permit the weight of the
defensive effort to be placed in the path of the approaching attacks. This ability to
achieve mass is influenced largely by the quality and timeliness of intelligence upon
which a decision can be made to move sufficient Ontos units to positions of advantage.

SECURITY

a. Local security

Battalion or company sized AT units are capable of maintaining their own local
security. However individual Ontos crews are incapable of providing the required
degree of local security against infiltrating enemy infantry. Other units in the area
 should assist in maintaining local security. Assistance is critical when AT units
occupy positions on the flanks or forward of the advancing troops or forward of the
battle position of defending troops when they are in a defensive position. When so
deployed, extensive illumination and preplanned protective fires may be required.

b. General security measures

An AT unit must exercise the same security measures, such as camouflage, use of
obstacles, and observation of hostile ground and air attack, as other tactical units.
Ontos must at all times be prepared to take evasive action and passive defense
measures if attacked by air.

c. Protection against nuclear weapons

An Ontos provides some protection to its crew against the effects of a nuclear
explosion. The Ontos is a relatively hard target, but it may be dismantled, thrown, or
rolled along the ground by severe blast effects from a nuclear explosion. There should be
no loose material or equipment in the vehicle which might fly around and cause injuries.
Buttoned up, the Ontos gives protection against thermal radiation. However, combustible
material should be removed from the outside of the vehicle to prevent external fires. The
Ontos also affords a small degree of protection against prompt nuclear radiation.

SALVO FIRE

The probability of achieving a first round hit is slightly greater when firing a two-round
salvo as compared to firing a single round. This gain in first round hit probability must be
considered against rapid expenditure of loaded rounds and the more frequent requirement
for reloading. Salvo firing of more than two rounds will not materially increase the hit
probability. In two-round firing, the order set forth in subparagraph 301a(2) is
recommended to maintain turret balance. As a general rule, single round firing is used
against stationary targets. Two-round salvos are desirable at the longer ranges against
moving targets.

ATTACKING ARMOR

a. The disparity between the armor and armament of a tank and that of an Ontos is
an important factor influencing Ontos tactics in attacking armor. This factor
emphasizes the importance of taking maximum advantage of cover, concealment,
alternate firing positions, and the elements of surprise and mass. Exchange of fire
with tanks from exposed positions should be avoided when practicable.

b. Ontos distribute their fire among the attacking tank units, destroying or
immobilizing as many as possible. The primary objective is to stop a large
number of tanks, not to demolish a few. Once stopped, tanks can be dealt with at
any time by a wide choice of weapons. Ontos are positioned and employed to stop
tanks as far forward of friendly positions as possible.
 c. Immobilization of a tank is usually easier to accomplish than total destruction.
Total destruction frequently depends on penetration of heavy armor while
immobilization can be achieved by attacking the highly vulnerable suspension
system.

ENGAGEMENT OF POINT TARGETS

When engaging point targets such as bunkers and pillboxes, Ontos should fire from
concealed, hull-defiladed positions when possible. The Ontos should not accompany
the infantry in closing with the enemy. It delivers supporting fires on vital targets
from positions to the rear or flanks of the infantry.

Section 7

COMBAT EMPLOYMENT

SUPPORT OF OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS

During offensive operations Ontos are employed primarily as antitank weapons.

However, other capabilities of the weapon may be exploited.

a. Antitank missions

Attacking infantry are followed by antitank units prepared to counter enemy armored
attacks. Routes of advance and firing positions are selected prior to the attack and are
reconnoitered and occupied as soon as possible after they are uncovered by the infantry.

1) Positions should by improved and camouflaged immediately upon being

occupied.
2) Every effort is made to obtain flanking fire, provide depth to antitank
defenses and facilitate mutual support.
3) Selection and occupation of these defenses is carefully coordinated with
the infantry to provide mutual support, local security, and ensure optimum
defense.

b. Fire support

The Ontos can be used in the assault gun role and is capable of rendering fire support
against pillboxes and bunkers. When Ontos are so employed, maximum advantage
should be taken of concealment, hull defilade, and alternate positions. Concurrently,
Ontos must be available, as necessary, for the antitank mission. If enemy armor appears
while Ontos are engaged in fire support, they are released immediately for their primary
mission.

SUPPORT OF DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS

When employed in support of defensive operations, the antitank units are disposed in
width and depth, Positions extend from locations well forward to those in the rear. From
these positions Ontos may move into any area to oppose enemy armor.

a. Position defense

1) Security forces

When the enemy possesses armor, and the situation permits, antitank units are assigned to
the security forces. Ontos employed from ambush can effectively delay enemy armor and
assist the disengagement of other security forces. Antitank units supplement the tanks in
the antitank role.

2) Battle position

Positions cover avenues of tank approach into, and within, the battle position. Some
antitank units may be initially assigned forward positions, while the bulk of the units are
held to the flanks and rear, ready to move into prepared positions to fire on enemy
armored penetrations. Because of its light armor and backblast, it may be necessary for an
Ontos to displace to alternate positions after firing.

3) General support

Antitank units may be assigned in general support to provide antitank protection for the
division as a whole and increase the flexibility of employment of antitank means. In this
case, Ontos are centrally controlled. They may be held in assembly areas, deployed
laterally and in depth, and prepared to occupy previously organized positions.

b. B. Mobile defense

1) Security echelon

If used with the security echelon, Ontos employment is the same as with security forces
in position defense. The Ontos, with its firepower and great mobility, lends itself ideally
to use with the mobile defense. Normally, the optimum employment of antitank units is
in the forward defensive area or with the striking force.

2) Forward defensive area

Antitank units supporting forces in the forward defensive positions assist in canalizing
the movement of enemy armor into predetermined killing zones. There the enemy is
attacked by the striking force. This is accomplished by normal defensive employment of
antitank units in coordination with other supporting arms, and the fire and maneuver of
infantry units.

3) Striking force

The employment of antitank units in support of the striking force is similar to that of
other offensive operations. Antitank units provide antitank protection of the striking force
elements while in assembly areas and while moving to contact.

703. AMBUSH

The Ontos is an effective ambush weapon to attack and decisively defeat tanks from
covered and concealed positions. In an ambush the requirement to hold a position or a
piece of terrain is not present.

a. Vehicle ambushes are most effective when set in defiles where the
surrounding ground affords cover and concealment. The most suitable
defiles are those easily blocked at both ends. The sides of the defile should
be sufficiently impassable to prevent the enemy from escaping the killing
zone or mounting an attack against the ambush site.
b. The commander of the ambush unit must have excellent observation of the
killing zone and the approaches to it. He must be able to determine the
most appropriate time to issue orders such as, commence fire, cease fire or
withdraw.
c. C .For an ambush to be successful, surprise must be complete. This
demands strict camouflage and fire discipline.
d. D. The need for fire discipline demands firm control measures. The first
element is radio discipline that permits clear transmission of fire
commands and orders to withdraw. Prearranged signals, such as
pyrotechnics and hand and arm signals must be planned for use in the
event of radio failure. Preplanned and reconnoitered routes of egress to
rendezvous points and alternate positions further aid control during
displacement from primary ambush positions.
e. E. Security is maintained throughout the entire ambush operation, and
particularly during displacement. Security, coupled with the proper use of
barriers, must be utilized to prohibit enemy entry into the ambush site at
any point other than those leading into the killing zone. Supported infantry
may have to provide local security for ambushes established beyond the
battle area of the supported unit. During displacement, units will provide
their own route security. This is done by leapfrogging vehicles, and units,
from one covering position to another.
f. F. Naval gunfire, artillery, and close air support employed in conjunction
with antitank weapons enhance the effectiveness of the ambush. Support
 air has the best capability of intercepting enemy reinforcements and
preventing their interference. Supporting arms may also provide fires
covering the withdrawal from the ambush.
g.
704 Roadblocks

Ontos are effective against enemy tanks attacking roadblocks.

a. Roadblocks are in many ways similar to ambushes. The main
difference is the determination to hold the position. In the ambush
there is seldom an intention to hold the ground. The roadblock is a
position which is to be held for the purpose of denying ground or
routes to the enemy for brief or extended periods.
b. The roadblock should include mines, abitis, tetrahedrons, or similar
devices. This barrier should be covered by both small arms and
antitank fire.
c. C. The critical area immediately in front of the roadblock should be
covered by available naval gunfire, artillery, and air in conjunction
with other available antitank means.

704. RETROGRADE

a. During withdrawals and retirements, antitank units may be deployed to

cover tank approaches that threaten lines of communication to the rear.
Some Ontos may be integrated with tank or infantry elements and used in
the security forces, detachments left in contact, or rear guard.
b. B A delaying action seeks to trade space for time and inflict maximum
damage on the enemy without becoming so heavily engaged that freedom
of action is lost. This tactic demands maximum fire power in support of
units in contact with the enemy. It also dictates that units in contact be
highly mobile so that they may disengage. Ontos are best employed in
forward elements maintaining contact with the enemy where they will
cause the enemy to deploy early, creating maximum delay.

705. MECHANIZED TASK FORCE

Composition of mechanized task forces varies with specific operations

according to mission, terrain, enemy situation and units available. When considerations
favor employment of Ontos, units of the antitank battalion may be assigned to the task
force. During marches, Ontos move with the main body. When the task force deploys,
antitank units seek positions from which they can protect against enemy armor
envelopments. When the task force is static, Ontos are deployed to add depth and breadth
to the antitank defense.

707 MECHANIZED PATROLS

 a. The battlefield of the future will be porous, creating extensive need for
reconnaissance and counterreconnaissance. Units assigned to active
reconnaissance or counterreconnaissance missions should be mobile and strong in
fire power, since they will be exposed to many meeting engagements. Ontos
should not normally be used in offensive patrolling if tanks are available.
However, there may be instances when a reconnaissance in force is carried out by
a mechanized task force. If the patrolling unit is sufficiently large and strong in
tanks, the Ontos may be assigned to toe patrol to lend additional antimechanized
strength.
b. The Ontos is well suited to the counterreconnaissance mission. By use of ambush
tactics it can engage enemy forces infiltrating the friendly battle area. When
performing counterreconnaissance and screening missions it is necessary to
integrate the Ontos with infantry, engineers, and—where possible—tanks. This
integrated force should have on-call air support—for both destruction and
observation missions—and artillery and naval gunfire when available.

708. NIGHT OPERATIONS

The basic fundamentals involved in offense and defense at night are the same as those
that prevail for daylight. However, at night the problem of control and coordination is
greater, infantry and other units are positioned closer together, and movement is slower.
Target acquisition and hit probability are drastically diminished. All of these difficulties
can be overcome –to a degree – by skillful employment of illumination. If no
illumination is available the Ontos should attack only those known or suspected point
targets on which the weapons have been previously registered or laid. If an armored
threat exists, illumination should be available on-call for Ontos units covering the most
likely avenues of tank approach.

709. COMBAT IN BUILT-UP AREAS

Antitank units may assist the entry of rifle elements into built-up areas. They occupy
positions to fire overhead or through gaps in friendly lines. During fighting within built-
up areas, antitank units occupy positions outside of the city to assist in isolating the area.
They prevent enemy armored vehicles from entering or leaving the city. If the far edge of
the town cannot be covered by fire from positions outside the town, Ontos may be moved
through town to support the attack. They are not normally used within built-up areas
without close covering support by the infantry unit with which they are operating.

710. RIVER CROSSINGS

In attack of a river line, elements of the division antitank battalion are usually attached to,
or in direct support of, regiments making the crossing. Platoons may be further attached,
or used in direct support of, assault battalions. Antitank weapons support an assault
crossing by firing on enemy targets on the opposite bank. Priority of fire is given to
enemy armor and crew-served weapons. Specific target areas are assigned each weapon.
Following the crossing of friendly armor, high priority is given to the crossing of antitank
units. Once antitank units are on the far shore and the initial objective is seized, these
units are employed the same as for any other attack.

711. ATTACK OF A FORTIFIED POSITION

a. The situation may permit employment of Ontos in the attack of a fortified

position. Ontos should be employed from covered and concealed positions as the
base of fore element to support tactical maneuvers.
b. When the possibility of enemy armored activity is present, antitank units are
deployed so as to react readily to enemy tank attack. Where obvious sally ports
exist through which the enemy may mount armored counterattacks, Ontos should
be positioned astride the most likely route of enemy advance. They may also be
used to seal off exposed flanks of attacking units.

712. DISMOUNTED EMPLOYMENT

a. A crew of 7 men is desirable for a ground-mounted 106mm rifle – 3 men to carry

the weapon, 2 to carry the mount, and 2 ammunition carriers. A 3-man crew is
adequate when the ¼ -ton truck or similar vehicle is available to transport the rifle
and its ammunition. The antitank battalion is not provided with sufficient
personnel for complete gun crews when all ground-mounted weapons are
employed. Consequently, when such employment is contemplated, the training of
personnel from other units for this purpose is necessary. The number of men the
antitank battalion can furnish for each crew will vary with the situation. Three
situations, in this respect, are possible in combat:

1) The Ontos are employed, with no ground-mounted rifles involved.

2) The Ontos are employed concurrently with grounde-mounted rifles.
3) Ground-mounted rifles only are employed

b. Either the antitank unit commander or the supported unit commander may
recommend or request the employment of ground-mounted rifles. Approval for
such requests rests with the division commander, or, with the supported unit if the
antitank unit is attached. Concurrence in the recommendation for such
employment by the antitank unit commander is therefore a desirable prior to
c. Authorization.
d. Employment of Ontos rifles as ground-mounted weapons should be authorized
only when:
e. 10 An Ontos is immobilized.
f. Antitank positions are available, but inaccessible to the Ontos.
g. 3) Extensive areas of operation require more widely deployed antitank protection
than can be attained by employment of Ontos.
h. D. Employment of ground-mounted rifles results in reduced effectiveness and has
he following disadvantages:

1) Reduction of Ontos firepower.

 2) 2) Reduced mobility of weapons.
3) Inability of the antitank battalion to provide all personnel required for
ground-mounted weapons’ creqs.4) Reduced target acquisition ability and
hit probability.

713. EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT

In emergency situations when tank support for friendly troops is not available, Ontos may
fulfill, to a limited degree, the landing force’s requirement for mobile firepower and
shock action.
a. This emergency use, however must be adopted only after careful consideration of
the situation. In the face of enemy armor the employment of Ontos, in other than
from hull defilade position, is undesirable. Likewise, the Ontos could not be
expected to carry out offensive missions against direct fire, major caliber
weapons. However, Ontos could be effective against such weapons if employed
from covered and concealed positions, particularly from the flanks, wherein
surprise is utilized to the maximum.
b. B. In exceptional circumstances, the enemy may consist of poorly trained and
equipped troops. In this event, the Ontos may be used as a psychological weapon
in a tank-like role.
c. /The Ontos has the capability of being air-dropped or air-landed. This capability
may be exploited in support of isolated units operating at some distance from a
larger parent unit.