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

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c. When the organization for combat is complete, the defensive
position is occupied, and the platoons immediately organize the
ground for defense. Fields of fire are cleared, tanks are placed in
hull defilade, and emplacements are dug for crew served weapons.
The firepower of the machineguns on the armored personnel carriers
are usually integrated into the all-round defense of the
troop. Since the mission of the troop normally requires that it
remain mobile and be prepared to move on short notice, armored
personnel carriers should be employed in or near the areas of
the rifle squads they transport. Because of their relatively high
silhouette and vulnerability to certain types of enemy fire, it is
usually necessary to place the majority of the carriers in defilade
to the rear of the position, with provision for moving them, as
the situation develops, to previously selected firing positions.
210. Strengthening the Defensive Position
a. Strengthening of the defensive position is continued as long
as it is occupied. The armored infantry and scout elements can
perform limited pioneer work to improve the position.
b. Full advantage must be taken of natural obstacles in the
area. Other obstacles are created to impede the advance of the
enemy. Barbed wire, mines, and other obstacles are placed to
break up the enemy attack and hold him in areas covered by
defensive fires. Obstacles are placed to be inconspicuous from
ground and air observation, and so that direct fire can prevent
their removal or neutralization by the enemy.
(1) Protective obstacles, such as barbed wire, trip flares,
noise makers, and antipersonnel mines (as authorized)
are located to prevent surprise. The distance from the
unit to the obstacle must permit day and night observation,
yet prevent the enemy from effectively using hand
grenades.
(2) The use of antitank mines is coordinated with the use of
other obstacles and antitank weapons. Antitank mines
are laid forward of the defensive position to connect
or extend other obstacles and to canalize enemy armor
into areas where antitank fire is most effective. To
guard against removal, these mines are surrounded by
antipersonnel mines and covered by small arms fire.
When part of the division barrier plan, toxic chemical
mines may be integrated with HE mines or other obstacles
for the purpose of making breeching operation
more difficult.
138 AGO 4088B