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

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CHAPTER 15
RETROGRADE OPERATIONS, ARMORED CAVALRY TROOP
215. General
Section I. DELAYING ACTION
a. The armored cavalry troop may be required to conduct a
delaying action in order to accomplish an assigned mission. The
troop may conduct this action as a separate unit or as part of a
larger force.
b. A detailed discussion of the characteristics of delaying positions
and the principles of the preparation for and conduct of the
delaying action, are contained in FM 17-1.
216. Reconnaissance and Selection of Delaying Positions
a. Higher headquarters normally assigns the troop a zone in
which to conduct delay, and specifies the general area of the initial
and successive delaying positions, and the length of time required
to hold the enemy forward of each designated position.- A reconnaissance
of designated positions and to select additional positions
should be made as soon as possible and should be as thorough
as time permits. In selecting delaying positions, the troop commander
should consider the same factors as those considered in
selecting a defensive position and, in addition, should select routes
suitable for withdrawal.
b. The troop commander should select intermediate platoon
delaying positions between those selected by higher headquarters
as the terrain allows (fig. 45). If the area of operation has sufficient
depth, successive delaying positions should be spaced far
enough apart to force the enemy to deploy to attack each position
and to reorganize after each attack.
217. Organization of Delaying Positions
In general, the organization of a delaying position is similar to
the organization of a defensive position. Most of the firepower
of the troop should be oriented toward the enemy; however, adequate
flank and rear security must be provided. Tanks are located
146 AGO 4088B