Counteroffensive operation is a basic type of campaign of Vietnam People’s Army. In the event of a national defense war, a counteroffensive operation may unfold right from the beginning, in the developed posture of people’s war, with high volatility. For a successful counteroffensive operation, along with other factors, the shift of combat posture needs to be studied and developed both theoretically and practically.

The art of shifting combat posture of a counteroffensive operation, in essence, is all the methods and measures that the Party’s Executive Commission and High Command of the operation, together with  staff and units apply to adjust and supplement the usage, arrangement of forces and equipment of the operation; to closely collaborate with local defense zones to actively upset the enemy combat disposition, creating a new and most favourable one to ensure our initiative, bringing about synergy to defeat the enemy, fulfilling the assigned task. 

Shifting combat posture of a counteroffensive campaign requires, first and foremost, firm maintenance of general combat posture of the campaign; at the same time, creation of a diversion to the enemy, compelling them to passively respond to the intention of the campaign, which, in essence, is our organized combat posture, creating a new and most favourable position and opportunity to annihilate the enemy.

In terms of contents, shifting combat posture of a counteroffensive operation consists of adjusting and supplementing the determination of the operation which has been projected since peacetime, and applying it to certain areas when a counteroffensive operation is staged. This process is executed regularly and continuously both in the organization and implementation phases of the operation. In preparation stage of the operation, shifting of combat posture mainly focuses on correcting employment and disposition of forces in accordance with practical enemy forecast in the theater to adjust the battle plan in conformity with reality. As far as execution stage of the operation is concerned, due to high volatility of enemy, shift of combat posture takes place promptly, continually and fiercely, and is manifested in several fundamental aspects as follows:

1. To shift combat posture in terms of position creation, diversion and force deployment of the campaign. Shifting combat posture as the pre-determined plan depends heavily on the outcome of maneuver of forces participating in the operation, and can be conducted under two conditions. Firstly, the operation has been prepared right in the defensive warfare. Accordingly, forces participating in a operation have been already deployed in assembly areas in nominated directions, suitable for maneuvering according to a designated counteroffensive plan. Secondly, in urgent situations, units of regular force can be transferred directly to assembly areas or forward areas in order to form disposition in conformity with the rectified counteroffensive plan.

2. To actively shift operation posture, gaining victory from the first battle. The core requirement for opening an operation is to have measures to shift combat posture, to gain initiative from the enemy, to break part of their attacking intent, to force the enemy to temporarily cease their attack or to considerably reduce tempo of attack, and to pave the way for launching the operation and conducting following battles. Based on specific conditions, the counteroffensive operation can be started with one or several battles with appropriate scopes and formats. In certain cases, the key and decisive battle of the operation is conducted right from the opening stage.

3. To shift combat posture in a flexible, skillful and firm manner to win the key and decisive battles of the operation. Despite any states of fighting, in order to launch a successful campaign, it is necessary to be well aware of the enemy in each direction, to anticipate possible situations, and to seize opportunities to shift combat posture timely, flexibly and creatively, aimed at overwhelming the enemy. To meet those requirements, it is important to thoroughly perceive the situations, especially of the enemy and terrain; to oppotunely adjust, supplement and perfect combat plans; to properly deploy forces and military equipment, ensuring that the regular forces of the campaign, especially infantry, tank, artillery, and air force (if any) maneuver to form up combat formations which are capable of bringing into play the synergy, launching counteroffensive at the most advantageous opportunity. Shifting tactical formations of units fighting key battles also needs to be flexible and creative; to move from maneuver attack to defense, from firmly maintaining spring-boards to infiltration, ambush or force consolidation to wait for the right moment to timely commit reserve forces into action; to safely and opportunely displace headquarters; to maintain close coordination and fulfil all tasks, creating overwhelming position and forces, successfully fighting key battles of the operation.

Major General Nguyen Duc Hai

Deputy Director of the National Defense Academy