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

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Army aviation allocated to the squadron should be used to support
committed troops.
345. Reconnaissance and Selection of Positions for Delaying Action
a. Higher headquarters will assign a zone to the squadron for
the conduct of the delaying action, and will indicate the general
area of the initial delaying position and each successive delaying
position, and specify the length of time that each delaying position
must be held.
b. Upon receipt of a delaying action mission, the squadron commander
makes as thorough a map, aerial, and ground reconnaissance
of his zone as time and the tactical situation permit. The
most likely avenues of enemy approach to the position are determined,
and plans are made to deny their use to the enemy. If the
depth of the area of operation permits, squadron delaying positions
should be far enough apart to force the enemy to deploy and
attack each position. The squadron delays the enemy on all favorable
terrain, regardless of distance. Squadron delaying positions
are located on terrain to permit coordinated action by all elements
of the squadron. When the commander apportions the squadron
zone into troop zones, he assigns boundaries between troops so
that terrain features that block avenues of approach and control
observation and fire on these avenues of approach are included
within a troop zone. Boundaries extend forward to the limit of
the effective range of troop weapons, rearward through the final
delaying position. Each troop zone should include at least one
good route of withdrawal.
346. Disposition of Forces
a. The squadron commander disposes his troops to cover the
most likely avenues of approach available to the enemy in the
squadron zone. The actual disposition of troops in any given situation
will depend on the commander's evaluation of the factors of
METT.
b. The squadron command post and squadron trains are located
well to the rear, generally as far back as the second position from
that occupied by the delaying force, so that they will not interfere
with the actions of the combat elements, will not have to displace
frequently, and will have a measure of security. The command
group will remain well forward with the delaying forces and
should control the withdrawal of these forces from each delaying
position. It is among the last elements to withdraw.
220 AGO 4088B