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

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of the troops. The squadron trains are usually located near the
command post.
329. Strengthening the Position
Strengthening of a squadron defensive position includes the
measures taken in the preparation of the position and counterattack
routes. Obstacles, to include mines, are located to divert or
stop the enemy attack and to hold the enemy in areas covered by
tank, artillery, mortar, and automatic weapons fire. The use of
demolitions to destroy bridges, fell trees, and crater roads should
be considered in the strengthening of the defensive position. Supplementary
positions are prepared and strengthened to be occupied
in the event of an enemy attack from another direction.
Strengthening of the defensive position is continuous.
330. Fire Planning in Defense
a. Fire planning provides for bringing the enemy under fire as
early as possible, for increasing the fire as he nears the defensive
position, for breaking up his assault, and for limiting penetrations
of the defense. Defensive fires must be carefully planned to ensure
that they will be effective during both daylight and darkness.
b. The squadron fire support plan includes detailed plans for coordination
of artillery, mortars, tanks, automatic weapons, and
tactical air. As soon as the squadron commander has selected his
troop positions, a fire support plan is prepared that includes long
range fires, close defensive fires and final protective fires to support
the troops on line, and fires to support the attack by the striking
force or reserve. The squadron commander requests artillery
fires through the artillery liaison officer.
c. Fires should be planned on critical areas, such as likely avenues
of approach, and on possible enemy assembly areas or attack
positions as well as on known and suspected enemy positions.
331. Surveillance Plan
a. It is important that the intervals or gaps between elements of
the squadron be secured against infiltration, guerrilla action, or
airborne attack during defensive operations. Based on the division
plan, the squadron commander develops a plan for the employment
of available personnel and surveillance equipment to
provide adequate surveillance throughout the squadron area.
b. The troops of the squadron will provide personnel for patrols
and observation posts to augment the squadron surveillance plan.
Normally, the squadron area is well defined by lateral boundaries
ACO 4088B 209