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

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263. Squadron Trains
Squadron trains consist primarily of those elements of the squadron
providing logistical support. The organization, location, and
employment of the squadron trains depend upon the administrative
situation, the mission, time and space factors, and the tactical
situation. For a detailed discussion on methods of operations, see
FM 17-50.
264. Command, Control, and Coordination
a. The squadron commander controls and coordinates the operations
of the armored cavalry troops through the command post
and command group.
b. In the operation of the armored cavalry squadron headquarters,
it is essential that communication be maintained and that information
be constantly exchanged between the command post and
the command group when it is operating away from the command
post. The command post must keep itself and higher headquarters
informed of the squadron situation. To do this, command post
personnel must be familiar with the decisions, locations, and actions
of the squadron commander. On the other hand, the commander
cannot satisfactorily command the squadron unless he is
aware of the squadron situation as a whole and of current information
from higher and adjacent headquarters. To ensure a high
degree of coordination, the executive officer, working from the
command post, relays orders and makes decisions of other than a
tactical nature in the commander's name. The commander, with
the command group, must locate himself where he can be in
constant communication with the command post and where he can
best supervise the activities of the entire squadron. In order to
ensure prompt logistical support, close coordination and communication
must be maintained between the command post and
the squadron trains. This coordination is usually accomplished
by the timely exchange of information between the S4, located at
the command post, and the support platoon leader, who controls
the squadron trains.
c. Command and control of the squadron are facilitated by the
efficient use of liaison officers. Liaison officers are employed in
order to obtain cooperation, exchange information, and ensure
unity of effort among the commanders. The armored cavalry
squadron maintains liaison with higher and adjacent headquarters.
Liaison officers spend most of their time at the headquarters
to which they are sent, maintaining communication with their
parent unit. Squadron liaison officers are equipped to operate in
174 AGO 4088B