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

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b. Once the main body has withdrawn, the security force employs
fire and movement in a delaying action until it passes
through friendly forces or disengages from the enemy.
c. In a daylight withdrawal from action, the troop may be
designated as all or part of the reserve for a larger unit. When
employed in this manner, the troop may:
(1) Be employed as a counterattacking force to permit withdrawal
of a unit that is heavily engaged. Such a counterattack
is a limited-objective attack.
(2) Be employed as a security force to occupy a position
from which it can cover by fire the withdrawal of units
in contact with the enemy.
(3) Be the first element to move to the rear when it is not
required to assist other units in disengaging from the
enemy.
d. When the troop is given a security force mission for a larger
force, it organizes for combat and conducts its actions in essentially
the same manner as the security force in the mobile defense.
A troop that is in contact with the enemy and not required to
provide its own security, disengages from action in a manner
similar to that of a unit conducting a withdrawal in a delaying
action (fig. 48).
229. Night Withdrawal From Action
a. A night withdrawal from action reduces the effectiveness of
enemy air attacks and ground fire. It is easier to deceive the
enemy at night; however, control is more difficult and movement
slower. In rugged terrain, the speed of withdrawal may be
quite slow if a number of tracked vehicles must be guided from
their positions to the main route of withdrawal.
b. Elements of the troop are left in contact with the enemy
when the situation requires that security be provided for the
other elements of the troop that are withdrawing. Within the
troop the elements left in contact may consist of an armored
cavalry platoon or elements of each of the three platoons. In the
event a provisional element is left in contact, the troop commander
may designate the executive officer or a platoon leader
to command this force. Coordination must be achieved within
the force remaining, between this force and the withdrawing element
of the troop, and with adjacent units. Matters of command
and control must be clearly specified.
c. Elements left in contact use whatever deceptive measures
are available to create the impression that a much larger force
156 AGO 4088B