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

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372. Methods Employed to Get Behind Enemy Lines
Methods that may be employed by armored cavalry elements to
get behind enemy lines include:
a. Foot or mounted elements infiltrating enemy units or areas.
b. Helicopter transport.
c. Elements left behind deliberately.
373. Employment Behind Enemy Lines
a. The armored cavalry platoon may be employed in reconnaissance
operations behind enemy lines as a unit or by sections,
squads, or small groups. A group of not less than three soldiers
provides for continuous operations and security over a period of
several days. Scouts are normally employed in the conduct of this
type of mission, although other elements of the platoon may participate
in platoon operations.
b. In most operations behind enemy lines, stealth and secrecy
play an important role; consequently, vehicles may be of little or
no value. Roads and populated areas should be avoided; trails
and cross-country movement provide a degree of secrecy. Elements
should move frequently to avoid detection by enemy radio
detection devices and patrols. Such moves should be made during
darkness and other periods'of limited visibility.
c. Communication must be maintained so that timely reports
can be transmitted to higher headquarters. Transmissions should
be held to the minimum consistent with the mission. This will
reduce chances of detection and the number of moves required.
If organic radio equipment does not have sufficient range, special
radio equipment or air relay stations must be used. The decision
to employ vehicles on missions behind enemy lines will be influenced
by the anticipated need for vehicular radios and mobility.
d. Operations of this type must be performed rapidly and efficiently.
Following accomplishment of the mission, plans must be
made for the immediate evacuation of the area.
e. Observation posts are normally established during daylight
to observe the area designated. When required, patrols are used
to supplement observation posts. At night, listening posts replace
observation posts. Local security must be continual.
f. In a retrograde movement, when the bulk of the friendly
forces have withdrawn from an area, selected armored cavalry
elements may be deliberately left behind to gather information
about the advancing enemy. The decision to deliberately leave
small forces behind is normally made at division level or higher.
232 AGO 4088B