FM 17-37 Air Cavalry Squadron - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM
FM 17-37
CHAPTER 6
ECONOMY OF FORCE OPERATIONS
(STANAG 2099, 2134)
6-1. General employed as an aerial security force to provide
a. The air cavalry troop normally conducts ofae.
Thiveai, defensive, cafenivealt and .of rop retrograde ogral , concts operations force or, to a limited extent, in the base of fire.
reconnaissance and security for the maneuver
fensive,
fensive, and defenive retThe
platoon has a limited capability to perform
when acting in an economy of force role; however,
these operations may also be necessary to accomplish
reconnaissance and security missions. b. The aero rifle platoon may be required,
b. Due to its mobility, b. Due the to its air mobility,
cavalry troop can within its capabilities, to attack to accomplish its
perform an economy of force role, but the com- assigned mission. It may attack as part of the
mander must be cognizant of its limited ground troop or independently. Normally, the platoon is
retention capability.
retention capability. the dismounted maneuvering force in the air cav-
alry troop attack.
6-2. Offensive Operations c. The aero weapons platoon will provide direct
aerial fire support for the dismounted maneua.
The air cavalry troop may be employed in the
vering force of the troop, or it may employ its
attack as part of the air cavalry squadron or it
may assist the attack of a larger force by at- using harassing or "hunter-killer" tactics. The
using harassing or "hunter-killer" tactics. The
tacking to accomplish its economy of force misplatoon
is capable of delivering massed aerial fires
sion. It will seldom attack as part of a larger force for a short period of time or continuous fire, of
to seize a portion of the force objective. The troop lesser volume, by employing only one part of the
may attack with or without additional elements
under its operational control. It may attack by
platoon at a time and relieving on station with the
other. The platoon can move rapidly over wide
employing air and dismounted elements or by air areas, unrestricted by terrain to engage targets
elements only. Normally, the dismounted element of opportunity or to support the offensive action
does not attack without the direct fire support of of friendly forces. The platoon normally operates
the air elements. The troop attacks to reduce as part of the air cavalry troop in the conduct of
enemy positions that threaten the accomplishment offensive actions.
of its mission, or it may be ordered to attack to
delay or destroy enemy forces that threaten the 64. Preparation for the Attack
supported or protected force.
a. The air cavalry troop commander uses all
b. The air cavalry troop, due to its mobility, can available time to prepare the troop for the attack.
mass its elements rapidly to launch an attack to He issues a warning order makes an estimate of
reduce small enemy positions that are encoun- the situation and tentative plan, makes a personal
tered. Normally, the troop engages in offensive reconnaissance, completes the plan, and issues his
action as a unit.
oral order. At all times, he must actively supervise
the execution of orders.
6-3. Employment Concepts for Offensive b. In organizing for combat, the air cavalry
Operations
troop commander may use his elements as orgaa.
The aero scout platoon is not organized to nized or he may cross attach elements to form
conduct independent offensive operations. It may provisional units. When the provisional organizaengage
in offensive actions in conjunction with tion has been announced by the troop commander,
other elements of the air cavalry troop or with a the leaders to which additional elements are atsupported
unit. The aero scout platoon may be tached coordinate their actions.
AGO 20026A 6-1