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

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161. General
CHAPTER 1 1
RECONNAISSANCE OPERATIONS, ARMORED
CAVALRY TROOP
a. Reconnaissance is the directed effort in the field to collect
information of the enemy or area of operations. Reconnaissance
is one of the primary missions performed by the armored cavalry
troop. The troop may conduct assigned reconnaissance missions
as part of the squadron, or independently when the squadron is
engaged in another type of operation or when the troop is attached
to another unit. Within the area to be reconnoitered, platoons
are assigned zones, routes, or areas, and are prepared to
engage in combat as required to accomplish the mission.
b. The combat information obtained by reconnaissance is used
by commanders at all echelons in formulating their plans for
future operations. FM 17-1 contains detailed coverage of the
types of reconnaissance, fundamentals of reconnaissance, reconnaissance
missions, and additional considerations appropriate to
special reconnaissance operations.
162. Reconnaissance Frontages Ci
There is no established frontage that an armored cavalry troop
can cover in the execution of a reconnaissance mission. Visibility,
terrain, road net, anticipated enemy contact, and the nature of
information sought are some of the factors that influence the
frontage assigned to the troop. The frontage to be covered by
the troop is normally designated by the headquarters directing
the reconnaissance operation.
163. Conduct of Reconnaissance Operations
a. The armored cavalry troop is prepared to make maximum
use of its firepower and mobility to conduct reconnaissance operations.
It will, however, Use scouts for rapid, quiet movement when
necessary to accomplish a mission requiring stealth. In the normal
conduct of reconnaissance missions, gathering information is
the primary task and this must not be jeopardized by unnecessary
combat with the enemy. The troop, in some situations, will be
98 AGO 4088B