FM 17-37 Air Cavalry Squadron - Survival Books

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FM 17-37
6-12. Retrograde Operations 6-14. Employment Concepts in the
The air cavalry troop may be required to conduct
Delaying Action
retrograde operations independently or as part of a. The troop commander positions the aero rifle
a larger force (squadron or brigade). It may be platoon on the main avenue of enemy approach
ordered to conduct these operations or the situa- into the troop sector. The aero rifle platoon occution
may dictate the execution of a delaying pies the defensive position. Its platoon helicopters
action, a withdrawal, or a retirement. Normally, are held in laager or orbit areas, which they
the troop is best employed as part of a larger depart on order to extract aero rifle elements from
force.
preselected pickup zones, and insert on the next
delay position.
6-13. Delaying Action b. The troop commander assigns the aero scouts
a. A delaying action is a retrograde operation in the mission of screening at a considerable distance
which minimum space is traded for maximum to the front and flanks to detect and give early
time, and maximum punishment is inflicted on the warning of enemy approach, adjust long range
enemy without becoming decisively engaged. FM supporting fires on the enemy when within range,
17-1 contains a comprehensive discussion of the and maintain visual contact with the enemy. The
conduct of a delaying action by armor units.
aero scouts keep the troop commander fully inb.
The air cavalry troop commander considers formed of the enemy's actions. As the enemy advthe
same factors when planning a delaying action ances, the aero scouts withdraw to the banks of
as are considered by other armor unit corn- the troop delay position to provide protection
manders. He must, in addition, plan to take max- against envelopment of the position or surprise.
imum advantage of these unique characteristics of c. As the enemy approaches the troop delay pohis
troop:
sition, additional fires from the aero weapons pla-
(1) Helicopter mobility. toon, and other fire support elements, e.g., artil-
(2) Extensive and flexible communication. lery and, within its capabilities, the aero rifle pla-
(3) Substantial aerial firepower. toon, are placed on the enemy force as it comes
Substantial aerial firepower. within range. This continuous buildup in the
c. When required to conduct a delaying action, volume of fire is designed to disrupt his formathe
troop's sector, the general area of the initial tions, cause him to deploy, and destroy as much of
and successive delay positions, and the length of his force as possible. All practicable obstacles are
time the enemy is to be delayed in front of each used in the delay.
position are normally designated by the higher
headquarters. When forced to conduct an inde- higher commander that decisive engagement is
pendent delaying action, the troop commander higher commander that decisive engagement is
makes essentiall these same decisions as a part of imminent, the troop is ordered to withdraw to its
his plan.
nert delay position. The troop executive officer
and the platoon sergeants should reconnoiter the
d. The commander considering assigning a next delay position, plan its organization and,
delay mission to the troop must recognize the within their capability, prepare it for occupation
troop's limitations, particularly its limited ground by the troop.
capability, i.e., a platoon, and that the troop can
be
be
better
better
employed
employed
in
in
support
support
of
of a
larger
larger
force
force the e.
aero
The
rifle
troop
platoon commander first, insuring normally that withdraws its helironducting
a deal.
copters use concealed or deceptive routes to the
e. In preparation for a delaying action, the next delay position. He next withdraws the the
troop commander accomplishes the following: aero weapons platoon, using its fires to harass and
(1) Issues a warning order. further delay the enemy between delay positions
(2) Makes an estimate of the situation. if possible. The last elements to withdraw are the
(3) Makes a tentative plan. aero scouts, who maintain contact with the enemy
(4) Makes a map re~conn~aissance. and continue to adjust supporting fires on his
(4) Makes physical reconnaissance. forces.
(5) Makes a physical reconnaissance.
f. The troop continues to delay in this fashion
until the enemy is halted, the delaying mission is
(7) Issues his order. ordered terminated, or the troop passes over
(8) Aggressively supervises. friendly defensive positions.
AGO 2002A
6-5