Section VI. MECHANIZED AID TO MOVEMENT

a. General. So far as small units and individuals are concerned, vehicles of the track-laying type are the best aid to movement in northern regions. Deep snow and extreme cold impose special problems of operations and maintenance (app. F). Mandatory characteristics of any vehicle to be used in support of small units and individuals in the Far North during all seasons are mobility over muskeg and tundra, through brush and light timber, and the ability to break trail in deep snow. A complete discussion of these problems is beyond the scope of this manual. This manual is limited to a brief discussion of the general capabilities and employment of vehicles which are capable of tactical cross-country movement during all seasons. In order to conserve the energy of troops, mechanized transportation of heavy weapons, ammunition, tentage, sleeping equipment, rations, and individual packs must be utilized to the maximum. Troops burdened with carrying or pulling these items soon become exhausted and lose their mobility and fighting capacity. Wheeled vehicles are generally restricted to road movements and have little use in cross-country operations of small units. The series of pictures contained in figures 5-6 through 5-12 illustrate construction problems entailed in negotiating winter trails with track-laying vehicles.

b. Tractor Trains. The purpose of tractor trains is to furnish oversnow movement of supplies and equipment. Tractor trains will be utilized normally from a railhead, truckhead, or airhead to the division or brigade support area. The tractor train is a means of moving large quantities of supplies cross-country. The trains are composed of cargo sleds drawn by construction type tractors and normally, due to their size and slow rate of march, are not used forward of the brigade support area. The tractor train in no way takes the place of wheeled cargo carriers that may be able to operate on roads or trails.

The full track cross-country carriers are considered to be the best vehicles for use by combat troops in the North. The armored and unarmored carriers are capable of transporting a complete rifle squad together with its equipment and impedimenta. In an emergency these vehicles can furnish limited heat, shelter, and sleeping accommodations. The design of these carriers permits their functioning as cargo and weapons carriers, as command posts, or for evacuation of litter patients. While the armored carrier is capable of reconnaissance, mounts armament, and has armor protection from small arms fire, the unarmored carrier provides better mobility and greater range on less fuel. The inclosed watertight hulls provide an amphibious capability and some protection against radioactive fallout.

Tanks are designed for cross-country mobility to include traveling in deep snow. In addition to their normal tactical missions they may be employed to transport personnel in an approach march and, in an emergency, to tow skiers. Windchill factors must be taken into consideration prior to moving troops on tanks for any appreciable distance to insure against frostbite. Tanks may also be used to pull cargo sleds; however, damage can be caused to sled tongues by the fast, jerky starting which is characteristic of tanks. Tank tracks may provide routes of advance for troops, especially in the assault phase of the attack.