FM 17-95 HOWITZER BATTERY OF THE REGIMENTAL ARMORED CAVALRY SQUADRON During reconnaissance operations, the centrally positioned well forward within the squadron's artillery battery is usually used as squadron area. It will usually be given a a unit. This adds to efficient round-the-clock direct support mission with priority of fires operations and ease of massing fires. Some- established by the squadron commander. times, it may be necessary to split the During squadron movements (for example, battery. This is usually not desirable as it the squadron moves from the assembly area compounds the problems of fire direction, to an area reconnaissance) the battery should maintenance support, resupply, and com- be placed in the line of march far enough mand and control. However, a battery may forward to provide fires for the leading be split so that all squadron elements are elements of the squadron. within a field artillery range fan. The battery may frequently displace by platoons during reconnaissance operations to give continuous FM 6-20 contains fire planning, tactics, fire support. The battery should normally be and techniques for field artillery. 5-55 C1, FM 17-95 Reconnaissance instructions are nor- Reconnaissance orders should ensure a mally issued orally as an operation order. coordinated effort, but should not unneces- Changes are in the form of fragmentary sarily restrict subordinate commanders. orders (FRAGO's). Generally, time available When possible, squadron commanders and prevents preparation and issuance of a commanders of units reporting to or support- written order before starting an operation. In ing the regiment should be assembled to this case, the written order may be prepared receive the order. This face-to-face meeting after the fact for historical purposes. helps ensure that schemes of maneuver and fire If the regiment is to conduct, or requires a support are understood. After reconnais- subordinate unit to conduct, two or more sance begins, FRAGO's are issued as neces- reconnaissance missions concurrently, it sary. These orders are usually transmitted must set priorities. These priorities are by radio, but may also be sent in writing by determined by the relative importance of messenger or radio teletypewriter. Messen- information sought and time available. gers at the regimental level often use aircraft. ARMORED AND AIR CAVALRY SQUADRONS Command and control considerations regiment. The difference is in the scope of during reconnaissance operations at squad- command and level of operation. ron level are essentially the same as at ARMORED CAVALRY, AIR CAVALRY, AND CAVALRY TROOPS During reconnaissance operations, a * Zone, area, route, or axis of advance. troop commander operates from his battle- * When, field vehicle. where, and how information is to be required. A troop commander controls his unit through the executive officer and platoon Time of departure. leaders. At times, an air cavalry troop * Phase lines, control points, recon- commander may elect to directly control naissance objectives, and, when teams. required, the times they are to be reached. A reconnaissance mission is normally assigned to the troop as a unit with specified Locations and procedures for control measures. When more than one refueling/rearming, when required. mission is assigned, a priority is stated. A • Time mission is to be completed. troop commander assigns tasks to platoons. Instructions to platoons include: * Action after the mission is completed. Available information on the enemy and friendly troops in the area of operation. A troop commander issues orders orally to his platoon or section/team leaders. * Plans of the higher commander, After reconnaissance when appropriate. begins, additional instruc- tions are provided by radio,messenger, or by * Specific information desired. the troop commander in person. 5-57 FM 17-95 ARMORED CAVALRY, CAVALRY, AND AIR CAVALRY PLATOONS A reconnaissance mission is assigned to a platoon by the parent troop. After receiving the order, the platoon leader issues orders to his platoon. After the reconnaissance starts, additional instructions are disseminated by radio, messenger, or the platoon leader in person. The platoon leader moves and locates where he can best control the team. An armored cavalry or cavalry platoon uses hand-and-arm (or a flag as an extension of the arm) signals as often as possible to reduce radio transmissions. This is done more frequently within teams than between them. An air cavalry platoon or team must rely primarily on radio. Well developed standing operating procedures and the use of the same personalities together as frequently as possible reduce need for radio transmissions. SUMMARY The purpose of reconnaissance is to gather information upon which commanders may base plans, decisions, and orders. The three types of reconnaissance are route, zone, and area. A route reconnaissancemission is concerned with a specific route and all adjacent terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route. Zone reconnaissanceis the reconnaissance of all natural and man- made features within specified boundaries. An area reconnaissanceis conducted to obtain information about a specified area; for example, a town, a ridge, or a woods. Cavalry conducts reconnaissance according to five fundamentals: Orient on the location or movement of the reconnaissance objective. Report all information rapidly and accurately. * Retain freedom to maneuver. • Gain and maintain enemy contact. * Develop the situation rapidly. 5-58 FM_ 17-95 ® CHAPTER 6 SECURITY OPERATIONS The purpose of security operations is to provide reaction time, maneuver space, and information about the enemy to the main body. Security includes all measures taken to prevent observation, annoyance, surprise, espionage, or sabotage. Aggressive and bold reconnaissance to reduce the unknowns in terrain and enemy situation is an integral part of security. CONTENTS PAGE THE THREAT....................................................6-4 SCREEN......................................................... 6-11 GUARD.......... ................................................ 6-20 COVER........... ............................................... 6-27 OFFENSE................................................... 6-35 DEFENSE.........................................6-40 DELAY ..... .................................................... 6-47 AREA SECURITY................................................ 6-52 AIR CAVALRY ............................................................. 6-55 TANK COMPANY OF THE REGIMENTAL ARMORED CAVALRY SQUADRON........................................ 6-58 HOWITZER BATTERY OF THE REGIMENTAL ARMORED CAVALRY SQUADRON........................................ 6-58 NIGHT OPERATIONS............................................. 6-59 COMMAND CONTROL CONSIDERATIONS ............................... 6-61 SUMMARY....................................................... 6-68 - FM 17-95 When. Cavalry units conduct security Where. Security forces may operate to operations when directed. the front, flanks, or rear of a moving or stationary main body. Why. Cavalry units conducting secu- rity operations provide information about the size, composition, location, and direction of Operation and Orientation. The the movement of enemy forces, and provide type of operation and the orientation with reaction time and maneuver space so that the regard to the main body are determined by: main body can be warned, prepared, and properly deployed to engage the enemy. Cavalry units are specially organized, equipped, and trained to conduct security operations over wide and deep areas, thus Mission: Usually stated as cover, permitting the main body commander to guard (protect), or screen. retain tanks, mechanized infantry, and other combat units in the main body, ready to concentrate at the place and time of decision. * Enemy: Most dangerous direction (front, flank, or rear) with respect to the main body. What. Security operations include: Terrain: Extent of space available. * Troops and Equipment Available: Number and size of cavalry units available to the commander. Time and Space Required. SScreen: Maintain surveillance and provide early warning by maintaining contact with enemy forces encountered. Air Cavalry. As in reconnaissance A screening force must impede and operations, air cavalry is integrated with harass the enemy by organic and sup- ground cavalry during security operations. porting fires, and within its capability, Most often, air cavalry screens and acts as a must destroy or repel enemy patrols. rapid reaction force. It may be used as an advance guard when the situation is fluid. Such a mission is conducted in the same f Guard (Protect): Prevent enemy ground observation, direct fire, and manner as a route reconnaissance when the surprise attack. A guard force destroys, situation is fluid. Such a mission is con- stops, or delays the enemy within its ducted in the same manner as a route capability. reconnaissance when enemy contact is likely (page 5-45). Air cavalry does not conduct a flank or rear guard. It does not conduct a E Cover: Operate apart from the main covering force mission. It usually reconnoi- body to intercept, engage, deceive, disor- ters and screens forward and/or to the flanks ganize, and destroy enemy forces before of ground cavalry during movement to they can attack or halt the main body. contact. After a line of contact has develop- 6-2 FM 17-95 ed, air cavalry may reconnoiter and screen to FUNDAMENTALS