To secure victory in decisive battles in a counteroffensive campaign, campaign commanders, their staffs, and participating forces must address numerous tasks concerning preparing and executing operations. Of note, the coordination of operations between the mobile force and local force is a critical issue that needs further studying and improving to suit conditions of modern warfare in a war to defend the Fatherland, should it occur.

In the war to protect the Fatherland, should it occur, counteroffensive campaigns may be launched at the outset or during the course of the war, with various scopes and scales. To achieve victory requires a comprehensive approach to operational activities, of which winning decisive/strategically decisive battles holds paramount importance.

Facing an adversary with superiority in firepower, advanced reconnaissance capabilities, high mobility, extensive electronic and cyber warfare, and rapid, flexible responses, operations are expected to be intense, with many unexpected and complex scenarios. Therefore, close coordination between the mobile force, i.e. divisions, regiments, and brigades of the main force and local force, including units of the militia, self-defence, and local soldiers in campaign-level operations in general and decisive battles in particular to establish posture and generate combat strength to defeat all enemy operational methods and combat tactics is a matter of principle and an objective requirement.

In the future, whether launched at the beginning or during defensive operations, counteroffensive campaigns will be conducted on the basis of military regions’ defensive operations posture and the local defence posture, partially prepared in peacetime and adjusted once the war begins. This provides favourable conditions for establishing the operational posture and force build-up. Of note, the coordination between the mobile main force of the campaign and on-site force aims to generate comprehensive power for successfully conducting decisive campaign battles.

Troops of Division 320 assault the enemy in Operation Route 9 - Southern Laos 1971

Depending on the campaign’s scale, the enemy’s composition, and operational terrain, the size of the mobile force assigned to decisive battles and capabilities of the local force may vary. However, regardless of scale, coordination must follow a unified operational plan in terms of timing, space, intent, and methods. The two forces may employ flexible coordination methods, typically either direct coordination or coordination through operational coordination plans. The mobile force uses direct coordination method if the on-site force is local soldiers. If the local soldiers are not integrated into campaign force, the coordination between the mobile and on-site forces will be carried out via operational coordination plans.

Operational coordination between mobile and local forces in preparing and executing decisive/strategically decisive battles in counteroffensive campaigns involves numerous aspects, especially the followings.

First, there is a need to map out close, scientific coordination plans between the mobile and local forces participating in fighting decisive battles. This is a fundamental requirement that provides the basis for the campaign commander and staff to command and control the coordination between the two forces. It also serves as a foundation for task assignment, synchronised joint operations, and effective coordination in alignment with higher-level operational intent, enabling the swift destruction of key enemy targets and victory in decisive battles under favourable conditions.

Based on the overall concept of operations, assigned missions, and enemy composition for each decisive battle, the commander and staff must develop a coordination plan adhering to operational principles and delineate tasks for specific phases. As decisive battle areas are typically extensive and contain many interrelated targets, the plan must assign clear and precise tasks tailored to the strengths and capabilities of each force. The mobile force focuses on main axes of attack, forming thrusts to capture and destroy key enemy positions. The local force remains embedded in their operational areas, conducting harassment, deception, interdiction, creating favourable conditions and windows of opportunity, and supporting the mobile force in deployment. In some instances, the local force may serve as a direct assault element. Additionally, the plan must also clearly define command structure, communication systems, coordination arrangements such as battle command posts, communication assets, fire support coordination, and assignment of fire support, especially for critical directions and targets. Furthermore, the plan must designate logistics responsibilities, ensuring both forces are materially supported throughout the battle and able to transition to subsequent missions.

Historically, during the 1967 counteroffensive campaign that defeated Operation Junction City, the Southern Command developed an appropriate operational plan, deploying the 9th Infantry Division and the 16th Infantry Regiment as mobile forces, in tight coordination with the local force composed of companies and battalions of the local soldiers, militia, and guerilla units, successfully fighting decisive battles and achieving campaign objectives.

Second, coordination of good preparations for the decisive battle. This crucial phase ensures that both forces are comprehensively prepared for decisive battles of the campaign according to their assigned missions. Based on the concept of operations and coordination plan, both mobile and local forces collaborate on all preparations for the campaign and specific decisive battle. For each decisive battle, the two forces coordinate preparations for operational concepts and combat postures. They exploit pre-established local defence zones and those created during campaign maneuvering to plan enemy engagement from long range to close quarters and within designated areas for decisive battle coordination. The preparations include deploying forces, establishing combat positions, staging areas (if needed), building fortifications, constructing movement routes, deception sites, and contingency areas for counterattacks, as well as camouflage and concealment. Once the enemy launches an offensive into the decisive battle area, both forces must quickly assess the situation, adjust operational concepts, update coordination plans, and ensure synchronisation. Simultaneously, they must conduct widespread harassing operations to wear down enemy forces and force them into vulnerable deployments within our designated counterattack areas, completing all preparations for a rapid and decisive response. Additionally, both forces must remain ready to adapt and revise coordination plans for scenarios beyond initial projections.

To effectively coordinate preparations, both forces must clearly understand the concept of operations and coordination plan set by the campaign commander and staff, focusing on readiness from distant to close engagement zones, clearly delineating areas for containment, diversion, and main effort. Upon enemy deployment, both forces coordinate adjustments in manpower, assets, movement routes, and positions to enable a timely and advantageous response, while continuing deception operations to misdirect enemy firepower away from critical areas.

Third, close operational coordination in execution of the decisive battle. This is the decisive phase, representing the culmination of all planning and preparation efforts. Hence, the operational coordination between mobile and local forces plays a pivotal role in generating overall power to secure victory in decisive battles and fulfill campaign objectives.

Taking advantage of the prepared posture, the two forces work together to shape the battlefield, conduct deception, maneuver, and deploy into assault formations. After a brief preparatory fire mission, they launch the assault on enemy positions. As both forces are within range of enemy fire, integrated coordination is vital. While some units of the local force are attached to units of the mobile force, the remaining units execute actions per the established coordination plan and in accordance with campaign-level orders and directives. In the event of dynamic operational changes, the mobile force must flexibly maneuver, using local guides, especially at key transport routes, to ensure secrecy, safety, and timely deployment into battle formations, creating advantages and exploiting opportunities to deliver decisive blows.

Seizing the initiative, both forces employ their organic and assigned firepower in the preparatory phase. Campaign-level firepower suppresses enemy firing positions, command posts, and related units. The local force conducts decentralised and widespread attacks across the area, diverting, disrupting, and isolating enemy units, preventing mutual support. The mobile force capitalises on the posture and opportunities created by local actions and the results of preparatory fire, coordinating with a portion of the local force to launch combined-arms assaults across multiple axes and thrusts, systematically capturing enemy strongpoints and ultimately annihilating their forces. This culminates in the decisive battle being won under favourable conditions, determining the outcome of the campaign, or creating conditions for its continued development.

Operational coordination between mobile and local forces in decisive battles of counteroffensive campaigns is a matter of military art, constantly evolving and developing. Therefore, it is essential to continue researching, supplementing, and refining the theoretical foundation of this coordination to align with requirements of people’s warfare to safeguard the Fatherland in new conditions.

Colonel, MA. NGUYEN TRUNG HIEN