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

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terrain that is favorable for rapid movement toward the objective.
Available cover and concealment should be used to gain
surprise and to reduce vulnerability. The maneuvering force attempts
to reach the objective by continuous movement; however,
when the situation requires, fire and movement must be executed
by elements of the maneuvering force. Aggressive action is the
keynote to successful action by the maneuvering force.
b. In a mounted attack, the maneuvering force will normally
consist of tank and infantry elements. In a dismounted attack,
the maneuvering force consists primarily of infantry.
198. Conduct of Base of Fire
a. The base of fire is prepared to furnish continuous fire support
to the maneuvering force from the beginning of the attack.
Initially fire is directed on the objective and other enemy-held
areas that can retard the advance of the maneuvering force. As
the maneuvering force approaches the objective, and the fires of
the base of fire are masked, it may lift or shift its fires. If the
assaulting force consists of tanks and mounted infantry, the base
of fire may continue to place overhead fire or airbursts on the
objective until the infantry dismount.
b. Elements in the troop base of fire prepare to displace forward
as the maneuvering force moves onto the objective. The
movement forward by elements of the base of fire will be on order
of the troop commander. It is important that all elements of the
base of fire do not displace forward at one time. Mortars should
be displaced forward in such a manner that adequate firepower
is always immediately available.
199. Assault on Objective
In the armored cavalry troop, the assault is made with tanks
and infantry abreast, with tanks leading closely followed by
infantry, or with dismounted infantry leading closely supported
by tanks. Whichever method is used, the tanks destroy enemy
troops, defensive works, weapons, and emplacements by direct
fire. The riflemen close with and destroy the enemy in close combat
and protect the tanks from individual antitank weapons. As
the maneuvering force closes on the objective, supporting fires
increase their volume of fire. These fires are shifted to isolate
the objective just before the infantry dismount and the assault
begins. The shift of supporting fires should be timed to permit
the maneuvering force to launch the assault without halting. As
the assault begins, the tanks advance across the objective, firing
their main armament and machineguns. Armored personnel car-
132 AGO 4088B