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

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communication, and the type of enemy action expected. The following
two methods usually form the basis of any plan for the
security of routes of communication.
a. If the routes of communication to be guarded are relatively
short, armored cavalry troops are assigned sectors to ensure that
the squadron area of responsibility is covered. An outpost system
is established to cover likely enemy avenues of approach. The
squadron commander retains as large a reserve as possible to
counter any enemy threat. This reserve will normally consist of
at least an armored cavalry troop.
b. If the routes of communication to be guarded extend over a
long distance, larger sectors must be assigned to each armored
cavalry troop. Sufficient troops are assigned sectors to ensure
that both flanks of the routes are covered by observation posts.
These observation posts have the mission of giving warning of
any enemy threat. The remainder of the squadron is used to patrol
the main supply route and to escort convoys through threatened
areas. The unit that is escorting a convoy usually holds its
main strength in the forward part of the formation and establishes
local security to the front, flanks, and rear. The size of the
escort will be determined to a large degree by the size of the convoy
and the anticipated enemy threat.
293. Security Against Airborne, Airmobile, and Guerrilla Attack
a. General. When protecting a rear area against enemy airborne,
airmobile, and guerrilla attack, the squadron commander
deploys his units by placing observation posts in the vicinity of
likely drop zones, landing areas, or potential assembly areas, and
by patrolling the entire area. Other elements are positioned so
that they can move rapidly to attack any hostile force. The squadron
headquarters monitors the division air warning net for information
on possible enemy airborne or airmobile activity.
b. Planning. The squadron commander reconnoiters his assigned
area to determine likely drop zones, landing areas, or assembly
areas. Sectors are then assigned to the armored cavalry troops.
As large a squadron reserve is designated as is possible. The area
is covered by patrols or observation posts. The squadron commander
makes plans to move elements of the squadron to any
threatened part of the area. If the squadron is reinforced with
tanks and infantry, the commander may use these elements to constitute
the reserve, which should be centrally located in the squadron
area. Army aircraft are used to provide aerial observation,
aerial photography, and electronic surveillance. Ground radar is
used to cover critical avenues of enemy approach. The effective
190 AGO 4088B