FM 17-35 ( Armored Cavalry Platoon, Troop and Squadron ) 1960

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hostile weapons, and surprise attack. It must be far enough from
the main body to allow adequate time and space for the maneuver
of the main body against the enemy. The flank guard may be
mobile or stationary, depending on the actions of the main body.
172. Planning for Flank Guard, Offense
a. In planning for a flank guard mission (fig. 33), the troop
commander must consider the selection of blocking positions on
the flank, the method of movement to be used, the route of
advance, contact points, and the formation of the troop.
b. The troop commander makes a map study of the area of
operations to determine likely enemy avenues of approach and
selects a series of blocking positions on the flank, and parallel to
the axis of advance, of the main body. The positions are selected
to prevent enemy direct fire and observation of the main body.
They should be located on defensible terrain that dominates the
likely avenues of approach. Further, the blocking position should
be a sufficient distance from the flank of the main body to permit
timely warning of enemy approach and to provide sufficient time
and maneuver room for the main body to react to the enemy
threat.
c. The troop commander must develop a plan of maneuver that
enables the troop to seize and hold selected blocking positions, as
well as maintain contact with the leading elements of the main
body. The plan must include provisions for seizing the blocking
positions either by individual platoon actions or by a coordinated
troop effort. Once a blocking position is secured, the troop commander
must decide the strength required to hold the position.
d. Contact points are established between blocking positions
held by elements of the troop to delineate the area of responsibility
for the platoon holding each position. When a platoon is
ordered to occupy a blocking position, it is responsible for the area
from the position to the contactpoint on each flank. The platoon
is required to make physical contact with adjacent units at the
contact point.
e. The route of advance for the troop is usually selected by the
troop commander. An exception would be during a penetration
when the larger unit commander has designated a specific route
for the troop acting as flank guard. The route selected by the
troop commander should be far enough from the axis of advance
of the main body so that the movement of the troop will not
interfere with the maneuver of the main body. When possible,
this route should permit rapid access to the line of blocking posi-
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