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

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(1) If the routes of communication to be secured extend only
a short distance, platoons may be assigned areas of
responsibility. Small security forces consisting primarily
of scouts may be placed on dominating terrain features
overlooking avenues of enemy approach. The troop
commander should maintain as large a reserve as possible
to counter any enemy threat that might develop in
the troop area of responsibility.
(2) If the routes of communication are long and must be
guarded over a great distance, larger areas of iesponsibilities
must be assigned to the platoons. Every effort
must be made to ensure that both flanks of the route are
covered by a series of observation posts. These observation
posts have the mission of giving warning of enemy
approach. The remainder of the troop is used to patrol
the route of communication and to provide escorts for
vehicles through the threatened area.
(3) In employing either of the techniques discussed above,
the troop commander may organize provisional platoons
of scouts, tanks, and infantry to best accomplish the
assigned mission. The scout elements are best used to
man observation posts and for patrolling. They may be
augmented by riflemen as required. The remainder of
the troop is held in reserve to escort convoys and to
counter any enemy threat.
c. Protecting an Installation. The armored cavalry troop may
be required to protect an installation in the rear such as a supply
depot or a missile site. Elements of the troop are disposed generally
as for a perimeter defense.
d. Security Against Airborne, Air Landed, and Guerrilla
Attack.
(1) When protecting a rear area against enemy airborne,
air landed, or guerrilla forces, the commander deploys
his troop by establishing observation posts that provide
a good view of likely drop zones, landing areas, and
areas where guerrilla forces may assemble, and by
patrolling the entire area. The remainder of the troop
is retained in a central location from which it is prepared
to move rapidly to any portion of the troop area.
See FM 31-15 for additional information on antiairborne
and antiguerrilla operations.
(2) Upon being assigned a mission to defend an area against
airborne, air landed, or guerrilla attack, the troop commander
reconnoiters his area and selects likely drop
AGO 4088B 1211