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

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104. General
CHAPTER 7
OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS, ARMORED
CAVALRY PLATOON
a. The armored cavalry platoon may be required to attack to accomplish
its assigned mission. It may attack as part of a troop or
independently. The attack may be planned and coordinated or it
may take the form of an attack from march column.
b. See FM 17-1 for additional information on the fundamentals
of attack, techniques of employing tanks and infantry, control
measures, and other basic considerations of offensive action.
105. Preparation for a Coordinated Attack
a. Before the platoon leader can make his plan of attack, he
must complete a mental estimate of the situation. He must analyze
the mission, enemy situation, terrain and weather, and troops
available. He must consider, evaluate, and compare the courses
of action open to him and then decide on the course of action
which is most likely to succeed. For a discussion of the estimate
of the situation, see FM 17-1.
b. Whether the platoon attacks alone or as part of the troop, it
is important that the platoon leader make both a map and ground
reconnaissance of the area of operations. By so doing, he is better
able to make a valid estimate of the situation.
106. Control Measures
To control his platoon in the attack, the platoon leader uses certain
control measures, the type and number of which depend on
the mission. In the planning stage, the platoon will normally be
assigned an objective by the troop commander. This objective is
a control measure in itself and all efforts of the platoon are directed
toward its capture. Other control measures that may be
used are the attack position; line of departure; axis, zone, or route
of advance; and check points.
107. Planning for a Coordinated Attack
a. The platoon plan of attack includes the plan of maneuver
and the fire support plan. Prior to completing his plan of attack,
66 AGO 4088B