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

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Section IV. REAR GUARD
285. General
Elements of the armored cavalry squadron may be employed as
a rear guard for the division or major subordinates element in
both retrogrades and offensive operations. It may be reinforced
with tanks and engineer elements in addition to artillery support
and Army aircraft. The rear guard follows behind the main body,
and executes delaying actions if the main body is threatened. All
routes to the flanks of the axis of advance or withdrawal of the
main body are reconnoitered. Army aircraft are employed on reconnaissance
or surveillance missions.
286. Squadron as Rear Guard
a. The squadron commander selects positions along the route
or routes of the main body from which the squadron can protect
the main body against enemy action. He maintains contact with
the rear of the main body.
b. Movement of the rear guard is regulated on the movement of
the main body. It may move according to time or distance intervals.
The squadron is moved so that a suitable delaying position
is between it and the rear of the main body. Formations are
adopted that concentrate the bulk of the squadron in a central
location. In order to accomplish this, a rear guard is designated
for the squadron, consisting of one or more armored cavalry
troops. It is deployed to cover the routes of advance or withdrawal
for the main body. The remainder of the squadron marches
between the main body and the squadron rear guard. When the
squadron rear guard is attacked by the enemy, the squadron commander
may employ the remainder of the squadron on previously
selected delaying positions or execute a counterattack.
287. General
Section V. COVERING FORCE
A covering force operates to the front, flanks, or rear of the
main body beyond the local security elements. Its mission is to
give early warning of enemy approach, develop the situation, destroy
enemy forces within its capabilities, disorganize and inflict
maximum delay on the enemy, and deceive the enemy as to the
location of the main body.
288. Squadron as Covering Force
a. General. The squadron may be employed as a covering force
for the division in offensive, defensive, and retrograde operations.
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