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

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my movement and location over a wide front, particularly under
conditions of limited visibility.
e. For additional information on the employment of the squadron
as a covering force, see paragraphs 287 and 288.
321. Squadron as Flank Guard in Defense
a. In either a position defense or a mobile defense, the armored
cavalry squadron may be assigned the mission of securing one or
both flanks of the division.
b. Whenever possible, the squadron is retained as a unit under
the direct control of the division commander for employment on
one flank of the division. Should it become necessary to provide
security on both flanks simultaneously, the most desirable employment
of the squadron would be to retain the squadron, minus one
troop, directly under division control on the more critical flank.
The detached troop is employed on the other flank with the combat
command or battle group.
c. Flank security for forces engaged in either mobile or position
defense is provided by the occupation of blocking positions located
on key terrain to the flanks of the defensive position or area.
The positions occupied should be selected to cover the most likely
enemy avenues of approach from the flanks, with the intervals between
them covered by aerial or ground observation and patrols.
Supporting fires should also be planned to cover these areas. The
medium range ground radar set organic to the squadron, and the
short range ground radar sets organic to the troops should be employed
to supplement ground and aerial observation and surveillance,
particularly during periods of limited visibility.
d. The flank guard has the mission of providing early warning
of enemy approach and of delaying, disorganizing, and disrupting
approaching enemy forces. This is done to provide the main body
with the time and space necessary to orient all or part of the defense
to counter this threat.
e. Maximum use should be made of Army aircraft to extend the
limits of observation of the flank guard. The aerial surveillance
platoon will add materially to the area that can be adequately covered
by the squadron in performing a flank security mission.
322. Squadron Filling a Gap in the Defense
Security of areas between forces occupying dispersed defense
positions is a mission which may be assigned to elements of the
armored cavalry squadron. The responsibility for such areas is
normally assigned to the forces occupying defensive positions. One
206 AGO 4088B