1st Corps CTZ

[FJ_MD]

1st corps geomorphic regions

Dry season going

Wet season going





General view of the 1st corps tactical zone:


The area of competence of the 1st corp is 17% of the total land of RVN (11.000 square miles). It is divided in 5 provinces with 15% of the population of RVN (2 million people).Most of them live in the coastal lowlands, that is a narrow plain that finish at the foothills of the mountains.Here you will find sandy beaches and large areas of ricefields.Rains start in september with a peek in october and november.Hue area is the most afflicted by the rainfalls that may last into february.The dry season is from february to august. The biggest part of the area is the highland region that is formed by a chain of rugged mountains (north-south direction), with steep rocky slopes, sharp crests and deep narrow valleys. Here you will find the most dense vegetation in all RVN (tropical evergreen forests)




1st corp area: trafficability



Tanks


Dry season: In the coastal lowlands, the majority of the ground (89%) is firm and can support free tank movement across all but small, isolated marshy areas and some rice fields near rivers. Average speed for tanks is 8-10 KM per hour. Rivers and streams may reduce the speed so rafts, bridges or armored vehicle launched bridges are required at crossing sites.The other 11% of the terrain consist of isolated peaks with steep slopes and sharp ridges, filled with dense vergreen forests.
In the highland, mountains(70%) are the most severe restriction to tanks. these mountains have slopes from 40 to 60%, and some cliffs. these factors in combinations with dense vegetation, limit tank movement to roads,trails,stream valleys. Engeneering support is needed to improve the terrain if the above are not present.Average speed is 1km per hour.



Wet season: In the coastal lowlands, the soft-soil and inundated areas restrict tank movement to roads, sandy beaches or higher elevations. During this period of restricted movement tanks may be moved along the coast by LST. Wide sandy beaches are fully suitable for amphibious landings so tanks may be deployed along the entire coast.The average speed is reduced to 4-5 KM per hour.Tank movement is not possible in the mountains.

[FJ_MD]

APCs (m113,m551)

Dry season: Movement for APCs is basically the same as for tanks, no more no less. Average speed is 10-12 KM per hour in the coastal lowlands and 1-2 KM per hour in the mountain region.

Wet season: movement is nearly the same as in the dry season. The low ground pressure of these vehicles and the fact that they can swim enable them to crossmost of the coastal lowlands region with an average speed of 4-5 KM per hour. In the highland mountains region, movement is nearly impossible.




Infantry

Dry season: Movement is unrestricted durimg this season in the coastal lowlands. The combination of rock covered slopes and dense vegetation in the highlands, restrict movement generally to trails and stream valleys. Average speed in the highlands is .2-.5 KM per hour and 2-3 KM per hour in the lowlands.

Wet season: Movement during this season is difficult in the lowlands due to soft soil and inundated area, so the average speed is reduced to 1-2 KM per hour. In the highland the average speed is less than .2 KM per hour.




Air movement

The steep mountanious terrain and the limited road net in the 1st corp area, make air movement a must for conducting military operations. Helicopters are the most effective means of movement in the highland mountain region throughout the year especially during wet season when valleys and passes become inundated. They are very useful during the rainy season specially after the early morning fog and after low cloud cover has dissipated. In the coastal lowlands are present many flat areas free of vegetation, providing perfect landing site throughout the year. Air movement in this region is not as vital as in the highlands because this area is also good for tanks and APCs.