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

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the force by destroying the lead and rear vehicles in the column.
Tanks are located to deliver direct fire on all vehicles within the
ambush. Riflemen are stationed to prevent the escape of dismounted
enemy troops. The scout elements may be placed forward
to provide security or where they can fire from within the ambush
position. Mortars deliver indirect fire to the rear of the ambush
to prevent escape of enemy troops and to obstruct enemy reinforcements.
353. Conduct of Delaying Action
The squadron commander will normally withdraw his troops
from a delaying position before they become decisively engaged
with the enemy. The squadron continues to delay the enemy in
the area between squadron delaying positions by making maximum
use of intermediate delaying positions. The squadron reserve
may be employed to assist in the withdrawal from the delaying
position by conducting limited-objective attacks or counterattacks
against the enemy, designed to disrupt and disorganize his attacking
forces. Piecemeal commitment is avoided. Counterattack
plans cover all logical enemy threats throughout the squadron zone
and are disseminated to all units. The reserve may be employed
to support by fire the delaying forces, to block an enemy penetration,
to reinforce the delaying forces, or to cover the withdrawal
of the delaying forces by occupying a delaying position.
354. Withdrawal from a Delaying Position
a. The squadron commander may order a withdrawal by elements
of the squadron to the next delaying position because of
enemy action, to conform to the actions of adjacent units, or to
retain the integrity of his combat power.
b. Contact with the enemy is maintained throughout a withdrawal.
Every effort is made to receive the enemy and, in particular,
to conceal the preparations for the withdrawal to the next
position. Unless favorable covered routes of withdrawal exist, it
may be more effective to withdraw at night under the cover of
darkness.
c. The squadron command post and trains, located well to the
rear, should move early to their next location to ensure that they
do not interfere with the movement of combat elements. Attached
or supporting artillery withdraws by echelon, ensuring that a
portion of the unit is prepared to fire at all times.
d. If the reserve is not used to cover the withdrawal of the
delaying forces by counterattacking or occupying a blocking posi-
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