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By 1970 or slightly earlier, units of the 3AD DIVARTY did
have "independent" nuclear capability. Prior to that
time, the 3AD would have relied on V Corps units for tactical
nuclear artillery support. Initially the 3AD had three direct-support
battalions armed with M109-series 155mm self-propelled howitzers,
and one general support battalion with M110-series 8-inch (203mm)
howitzers. Nuclear projectiles had been deployed to the 3AD for
several reasons, including:
- To give the Division Commander his own nuclear capability.
- To eliminate the need for a special-purpose, expensive weapon
with a unique "signature" on the battlefield. (If the
enemy detected a 280mm gun, they knew that our plans at least
included the possibility of use of nuclear weapons.) With a standard-issue
weapon capable of firing nuclear projectiles in addition to its
conventional munitions, an additional layer of "operational
security" (OPSEC) was introduced.
- To allow for "cross-leveling" of weapon systems
from division to corps units if dictated by battle losses. If
a corps artillery unit lost a nuclear delivery system, one could
be obtained from a division for that purpose.
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