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

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CHAPTER 9
DELAYING ACTIONS, ARMORED CAVALRY PLATOON
128. General
a. The armored cavalry platoon may be required to conduct a
delaying action. A delaying action is a retrograde movement in
which the forward cavalry platoon seeks to delay the advance of an
enemy force inflicting maximum punishment on the enemy.
b. The platoon can most effectively delay by occupying successive
positions along a single route. This route is normally designated
as the route of withdrawal.
c. Situations under which the platoon may be required to conduct
a delaying action are as follows:
(1) When the troop is performing a security mission and the
platoon is covering an enemy avenue of approach.
(2) When the troop is conducting delaying action.
(3) When the platoon encounters an advancing superior enemy
force during a reconnaissance or security mission.
d. See FM 17-1 for a complete discussion of fundamentals, planning,
and conduct of a delaying action.
129. Reconnaissance and Selection of Platoon Delaying Positions
a. The platoon leader must reconnoiter all terrain along his
route of withdrawal in order to select platoon delaying positions.
He makes maximum use of all favorite terrain between troop delaying
positions. Sections and squads are disposed to cover the main
avenue of approach to the delaying position, but plans must also
be made to cover other likely avenues of approach. The most important
factors to consider in selecting delaying positions are-
(1) Key terrain.
(2) Observation and fields of fire.
(3) Cover and concealment.
(4) Obstacles across the front and flanks.
(5) Avenues of enemy approach.
(6) Routes for withdrawal and lateral movement.
b. The platoon leader makes a personal reconnaissance of the
initial delaying position. This position is usually selected based
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