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.