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

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and security missions during defensive operations. The squadron
will rarely be engaged in independent defensive operations; although
in the accomplishment of a reconnaissance or security mission,
it may be forced to adopt a defensive posture. The squadron
is normally employed as part of a larger force. In mobile defense,
it may be employed as a security force, fixing force, or as part of
the striking force. In position defense, it may be assigned a mission
of occupying a sector of the battle area, as part of the security
forces or as part of the reserve.
b. The best use of the armored cavalry squadron in defensive
actions is to provide security. The decision to use the squadron to
organize strongpoints in the mobile defense or as part of the
forces in the battle area in position defense must receive careful
consideration by the higher commander. Its employment in this
manner should be considered as economy of force measure and
should be undertaken only when this need is greater than the reconnaissance
or security requirements.
c. The armored cavalry squadron or any of its components may
adopt a perimeter defense when halted and a requirement for selfprotection
exists.
320. Squadron as Covering Force in Defense
a. The armored cavalry squadron may be employed as the covering
force for the division in defense. The mission of the covering
force is to detect the approach of the enemy, to delay and disorganize
his advance, and to deceive him as to location of the main
force. The covering force seeks to destroy the enemy within its
capability, employing all available supporting fires along with its
organic combat power.
b. The squadron, when performing a covering force mission, is
normally reinforced with a battalion of artillery, a company of
engineers, and elements of the division aviation company. If additional
strength is desired, tanks and mounted infantry may be
attached.
c. The tactics employed by the armored cavalry squadron as a
covering force are basically the same as for a delaying action.
The squadron commander organizes his forces to operate on a
wide front with little depth. Early development of the situation
is essential; therefore, it is important that the division commander
receive information of the enemy by the most expeditious means
available.
d. The aerial surveillance platoon of the division aviation company
will greatly increase the squadron's capability to detect ene-
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