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FM 17-22
WAR DEPARTMENT
ARMORED FORCE FIELD
MANUAL
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
AUGUST 18, 1942
FM 17-22
ARMORED FORCE FIELD
MANUAL
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1942
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, August 18, 1942.
PM 17-22, Armored Force Field Manual, Reconnaissance
Battalion, is published for the information and guidance
of all concerned.
[A. G. 062.11 (7-14-42).]
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
Distribution :
D 2, 7 (5) ; D 17 (20) ; IR 2, 5, 7, 8 (5) ; Bn and H 17
(10) ; IBn 2, 5-10 (3) ; C 17 (5) ; IC 2, 5-11 (3).
(For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6.)
n
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I. General. Paragraph Page
Purpose 1 1
Mission 2 1
Support 3 2
Organization 4 2
Method of employment 5 2
II. Training.
General 6 3
Procedure 7 3
III. Control, orders, liaison.
Control 8 4
Orders 9 9
Liaison 10 10
IV. Maintenance.
General 11 11
Battalion maintenance platoon 12 11
Maintenance plan 13 11
V. Evacuation.
General 14 12
Battalion medical detachment 15 12
Plan for employment of battalion
medical detachment 16 13
VI. Marches and security.
General 17 17
March procedure 18 17
March security 19 21
Security at the halt 20 27
Security in bivouac 21 31
VII. Information and reports.
General 22 32
Information sought 23 32
Collecting and recording informa-
tion 24 33
Transmittal of information 25 33
VIII. Offensive combat.
General 26 33
Advance to contact 27 33
Cooperation with regimental re-
connaissance 28 37
Action in a penetration 29 39
Envelopment 30 39
Seizing critical areas 31 39
Pursuit 32 39
IX. Defensive action and retrograde move-
ments.
G3neral 33 41
Counterreconnaissance 34 41
Defense of a position 35 41
Retrograde 36 41
X. Special operations.
Attack of a river line 37 42
Defense of a river line 38 46
Operations in jungle 39 47
Desert warfare 40 51
III
FM 17-22
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
Section I
GENERAL
■ 1. Purpose. — a. The purpose of this manual is to out-
line general methods of training and employing the recon-
naissance battalion of the armored division. Tactical em-
ployment of the reconnaissance company, is covered in
FM 17-20, and that of the tank company in FM 17-32. The
subject of reconnaissance in general is covered in FM 100-5
and FM 17-10.
b. This manual is intended as a guide only. It is not
expected that it will be followed blindly. Rigid application
of a fixed set of rules is highly undesirable. Each situation
must be solved on its own merits. Individual initiative must
be encouraged.
c. Following is a key to symbols used in illustrations in this
manual:
CAR, HALF TRACK
(2) GUN, ASSAULT, SELF "PROPELLED
£$CAR, ARMORED, RECONNAISSANCE
TRUCK, \ TON
I MOTORCYCLE, SOLO
Q TANK
[CD] COMBAT COMD, ARMD DIV
■ 2. Mission. — a. The primary mission of the reconnais-
sance battalion is, in conjunction with observation aviation,
to furnish the division commander with information upon
which to base a decision for employment of the division.
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Before any other mission is assigned, a careful estimate
should be made as to the probable effect on this primary
mission.
b. Additional missions that may be assigned are counter-
reconnaissance, security, and combat. The reconnaissance
battalion is not given the mission of covering development
of the division or its elements. Such mission would interfere
seriously with the primary mission of reconnaissance. Such
covering is incidental to reconnaissance and counterrecon-
naissance.
■ 3. Support. — a. Depending upon its mission, terrain, width
of zone, and the enemy situation, the reconnaissance bat-
talion may be reinforced by engineers, infantry, artillery,
tank destroyers, and air bombardment. Observation avia-
tion attached to an armored division habitually cooperates
with the reconnaissance battalion.
b. When numerous streams are to be crossed and the ter-
rain is otherwise difficult, one or more companies of engineers
should be attached.
c. When the battalion is given counterreconnaissance, se-
curity, or combat missions, infantry and artillery may be
attached. Combat aviation if available, should be in support.
d. When the reconnaissance battalion is given a mission
of seizing and holding critical points it should be relieved at
the earliest practicable moment by other troops in order
that it may perform its primary mission of reconnaissance.
■ 4. Organization. — The battalion is composed of a bat-
talion headquarters and headquarters company, three recon-
naissance companies, and a tank company. For details of
organization see current Tables of Organization.
■ 5. Method of Employment. — a. The reconnaissance bat-
talion operates under direct orders of the division commander.
Rarely will it or. any of its elements be attached to other
units of the division, as this will dissipate its strength.
b. Clearly defined missions must be assigned. If two or
more missions are assigned, the primary mission must be
indicated.
c. A zone of reconnaissance is assigned. This varies with
the terrain, road net, mission, and enemy situation. A zone
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
5-7
30 to 50 miles in width may be reconnoitered at a speed of
10 to 15 miles per hour. (See FM 17-10 and FM 17-20.)
d. The battalion may reconnoiter as far as 150 miles in
front of the division. This distance, however, will be excep-
tional. Normally the reconnaissance battalion will not pre-
cede the division by more than 100 miles.
Section II
TRAINING
■ 6. General. — a. Tactical training of the battalion as a
whole commences near the end of the company training
period. The company should have completed each phase of
training as listed below before such phase is scheduled for
battalion training. During company training periods the
battalion commander and his staff, in addition to super-
Vising training, prepare tactical exercises for the battalion.
Battalion headquarters should hold frequent command post
exercises. Combined operations with other units, air, infan-
try, tank, artillery, tank destroyer, and engineer, should be
held when practicable.
b. The battalion as a whole, in addition to company train-
ing (see FM 17-20) , should be trained in —
Marches.
Security.
Collection of information and reports.
Offensive action.
Defensive action.
Retrograde movements.
Special operations.
■ 7. Procedure. — a. To be of value in training, exercises must
be carefully planned and vigorously executed. Plans for an
exercise must be made well in advance and not left to the
last moment. (See FM 21-5.)
b. The following is a guide to steps taken in preparation
of field exercises:
(1) Decide upon the type of exercise (par. 6) and the par-
ticular points of such exercise that are to be emphasized.
(2) Make a map reconnaissance to determine suitable
terrain for the exercise and find out if that terrain is avail-
able at the time desired.
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
(3) Plan the exercise on the map. Make a terrain recon-
naissance of the area. Next, with the staff, war-game the
exercise on the map until satisfied that the situation is sound
and that the points to be emphasized will be brought out.
(4) The exercise should then be played as a war game
by the battalion commander, his staff, and the company
officers. At this time company commanders and junior
officers should be required to make decisions and issue orders.
Interest is maintained by injecting various small situations
requiring immediate decision and action.
(5) The exercise is next played on the terrain. Before
proceeding in the exercise, make sure that all equipment
and personnel are complete as far as available. From the
time the unit moves from the vehicle park until the end of
the problem, each individual must understand that he is to
act as though he were under actual combat conditions. Tol-
eration of any laxity will invariably lead to poor performance
in the exercise and a consequent loss in training time.
(6) After the exercise, hold a critique at which the exer-
cise is explained. Bring out the good and bad points of per-
formance. Where solutions were in error point out a correct
solution. Do not try to hold to one solution if others may
be equally good. Care must be taken not to ridicule the work
of individuals.
c. In all problems try to inject realism. Whenever possible
use a two-sided maneuver. In any case outline the enemy
position with small groups.
Section III
CONTROL, ORDERS, LIAISON
■ 8. Control. — Control is exercised by giving definite orders,
by use of radio and messengers, and by use of zones, bounda-
ries, axis of advance, and phase lines.
a. Radio. — (1) The battalion is amply equipped with long
and short range radio sets for communication within the
battalion, to higher headquarters, and with supporting air
units.
(2) When voice radio is used, and it is used for all short
distance radio communication, the commander or his staff
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
8
officers must use it in person. For long range operation,
messages are sent by key and usually in code.
(3) Figure 1 shows the battalion radio net. By use of
different crystals these nets may be changed to meet any
situation.
Figure 1. — Radio nets, reconnaissance battalion.
(4) Strict radio discipline must be maintained. Mes-
sages must be brief.
(5) For radio identification codes see current Signal
Operations Instructions. FM 17-20 also covers radio identi-
fication codes.
(6) Do not send orders or information in the clear when the
information to be transmitted, if intercepted by the enemy,
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
8-9
can be acted upon in time to influence the situation in ques-
tion. Do not send messages in code and repeat any part
in the clear. Brevity codes may be used for certain mes-
sages. For rules governing radio security, see PM 24-5.
b. Messengers. — Use messengers for short distances, as
they will be faster than radio. There are only a few mes-
sengers in the battalion headquarters, so use them spar-
ingly. A messenger sent to division headquarters 50 miles
away will probably not return within 4 hours.
c. Panels and pick-up and drop messages. — (1) The use
of pick-up and drop messages is convenient for transmis-
sion of overlays, maps, and aerial photographs. The slow-
flying liaison airplane is valuable for this service. Do not
have the pick-up field near the CP. The enemy observa-
tion may find it. For use of panels see FM 24-5.
(2) When radio silence, is essential, when radio communi-
cation has broken down, or when it is necessary to identify
location of the CP or pick-up field to the air observer, panels
may be used.
d. Zones, boundaries, axis of advance. — Direction and lat-
eral extent of movement is controlled by designation of zones
of advance and boundaries, or by giving an axis of advance
and a frontage. The division commander designates a zone
for the battalion. The battalion commander divides the zone
into zones for his companies. (See fig. 4.)
e. Phase lines. — The rate of advance is controlled and co-
ordination is obtained by designating phase lines and re-
port lines. These are easily identified terrain features on
the route of advance. The battalion commander prescribes
the time leading elements of the companies will pass the
phase lines. Companies report when they reach and pass
a phase line.
■ 9. Orders. — a. Orders are usually oral. They may be, and
usually are, supplemented by use of marked maps, overlays,
or aerial photographs. A sketch such as figure 4 might well
be issued as part of the order for an advance. Orders follow
the form given in FM 101-5. They must be short and clear.
Missions must be unmistakably stated.
b. Clear orders are necessary for correct execution. Every
officer must strive by continuous practice to make himself
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
perfect in the issuance of such orders. Thorough training
in this subject should be given during the war game period
of preparing tactical problems.
H 10. Liaison. — a. The use of liaison officers must be habitual.
Reconnaissance battalion headquarters has one liaison officer
who remains at division headquarters. This officer must
know the plans of the battalion commander. He must keep
the battalion commander informed of any changes in division
plans. His duties are prescribed in FM 101-5.
b. Each combat command sends one liaison officer to the
CP of the reconnaissance battalion. This officer must know
the plans of the combat command commander. He keeps this
commander informed on the situation as found by the recon-
naissance battalion. He should have a radio set for com-
munication with the combat command and should also be
provided with messengers.
c. The reconnaissance company of the armored regiments
should maintain liaison personnel at the CP of the recon-
naissance battalion. This also applies to the infantry regi-
ment when it is leading the division. As the combat com-
mand closes on the reconnaissance battalion, its liaison party
joins that company of the reconnaissance battalion in the
zone of advance of the combat command. When the regi-
mental reconnaissance company operating with the combat
command closes on the reconnaissance battalion, the liaison
party joins the company commander and furnishes him all
information available.
d. Artillery liaison officers from the combat commands
should also join the reconnaissance battalion and remain with
it until the combat command closes on the reconnaissance
battalion. By this means the artillery will gain early infor-
mation of positions, terrain, and targets. The liaison officer
is also able to give necessary information to any supporting
artillery that may be detailed to assist the reconnaissance
battalion.
e. The engineer reconnaissance platoon of the headquarters
company, engineer battalion, accompanies the reconnais-
sance battalion. It performs reconnaissance and liaison
functions.
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
11-13
Section IV
MAINTENANCE
■ 11. General. — Each company of the reconnaissance bat-
talion has a maintenance section which performs second
echelon maintenance for the company. In addition, the
battalion headquarters company has a maintenance platoon
which performs second echelon maintenance for the battalion
as a whole. The battalion may be reinforced by elements of
the division maintenance battalion. In combat the distinc-
tion between echelons of maintenance is slight. Each main-
tenance unit does such work, with the tools, spare parts, and
mechanics available, as time and the tactical situation per-
mit. Company maintenance will not undertake work so
extensive that service to a large number of other vehicles
is prevented. Vehicles must be kept rolling. FM 17-50 cov-
ers in general the subject of maintenance.
■ 12. Battalion Maintenance Platoon. — This platoon is or-
ganized into a platoon headquarters, two maintenance sec-
tions, a maintenance section (trains) , and a wrecker section.
When the battalion is advancing, with two companies lead-
ing, a maintenance section is assigned to each of the two
leading companies. When three reconnaissance companies
are leading, the train section will service the center company.
■ 13. Maintenance Plan. — a. Before starting an operation,
the battalion commander, after acquainting his staff with
plans for employment of the battalion, calls upon the main-
tenance officer for a plan of maintenance. The plan is based
upon a maintenance estimate of the situation which
includes —
(1) Probable enemy resistance. — If enemy resistance is ex-
pected to be heavy, maintenance needs will be high. If re-
sistance is expected to be light, maintenance needs will
probably be low.
(2) Terrain. — Rough terrain will increase maintenance
needs.
(3) Width of zone. — If the zone of advance is wide, the
work of maintenance detachments will be made difficult,
owing to the long distances which they must travel to reach
disabled vehicles.
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
b. When maintenance requirements are expected to be
heavy, request should be made for attachment of maintenance
elements from the division maintenance battalion. The divi-
sion maintenance battalion commander, after receiving rec-
ommendations of the reconnaissance battalion commander,
recommends to the division commander such attachments
as are deemed necessary.
c. The maintenance plan includes —
(1) Axis of maintenance.
(2) Support of companies by battalion maintenance per-
sonnel, or attachment of such personnel to companies.
(3) Use of attached maintenance personnel from the divi-
sion maintenance battalion.
(4) Maintenance supplies and spare parts needed beyond
those carried habitually.
(5) Method of reporting disabled vehicles to the main-
tenance platoon (this may be SOP) . The battalion mainte-
nance officer arranges with company maintenance officers a
definite system for locating and reporting disabled vehicles.
These reports may be by radio or by messenger to the company
axis of maintenance. The company officer in turn notifies
the maintenance section following the company.
(6) Method of evacuation of vehicles disabled beyond capa-
bilities of the maintenance platoon to repair, or for which
there is no time for repair.
(7) Instructions on stripping and destroying disabled
vehicles that are in danger of being captured.
Section V
EVACUATION
■ 14. General, — The reconnaissance battalion has only a
small medical detachment. Frequently the battalion will
be reinforced with medical personnel from the division medi-
cal battalion. FM 17-50 and FM 8-5 cover in general the
subject of evacuation of casualties from armored units.
■ 15. Battalion Medical Detachment. — The battalion medi-
cal detachment is equipped with three half-track personnel
carriers M3, without armament, fitted to hold four litter
cases; three y 4 -ton trucks; and a 2^-ton truck. For spe-
cific organization see current Tables of Organization.
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
16
■ 16. Plan for Employment of Battalion Medical Detach-
ment (FM 8-10). — a. Scape. — The battalion surgeon pre-
pares and submits to the battalion commander a plan of
evacuation of casualties. This plan is based upon the plans
of the battalion commander for employment of the battalion,
the enemy situation, and an estimate of medical needs of
the battalion. This plan may be largely standing operating
procedure and includes —
Axis of evacuation.
Establishment of aid station.
Detail of medical personnel to companies.
Disposition of casualties.
Support needed from the division medical battalion.
Medical supply.
b. Axis of evacuation. — This coincides with the battalion
axis of communication and maintenance. When casualties
cannot be sent directly to the division medical battalion,
they may be collected at points on this axis, where they are
later evacuated by division or higher units.
c. Aid station. — Formal aid stations are rarely established
because of rapid movement of the battalion. The battalion
surgeon, with the 2y 2 -ton truck, "stays near the battalion
CP. He causes casualties to be collected at this point, and
either sends them to the rear in supply vehicles returning
for refill, or holds them under cover for the arrival of medi-
cal battalion units.
d. Detail of medical personnel to companies. — One medi-
cal officer, with personnel in a half-track personnel carrier
and a ^-ton truck, is usually detailed to accompany each
leading reconnaissance company. The remainder of the de-
tachment stays with the battalion reserve. On the march
the third half-track carrier moves at the rear of the column
just in front of the last maintenance vehicle. When the CP
is established at a halt, this half-track joins the battalion
surgeon. When the reserve reconnaissance company or the
tank company goes into action, this half-track carrier ac-
companies them to care for casualties. Medical personnel
detailed to the companies march with the company head-
quarters. They receive reports of casualties from the com-
pany commander, move to the point where such casualties
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
occur, administer what medical aid they can, and either
place the casualties in their half-track carrier or report
the location of such casualties, by means of the reconnais-
sance company radio, to battalion headquarters.
e. Disposition of casualties. — (1) First aid is administered
by other members of the crew. The casualty is then either
carried on in the vehicle, or removed from the vehicle and
placed where he can be readily found. The position should
be marked, and the location is then reported to the com-
pany commander who, in turn, reports it to the medical
detachment as in d above. In a situation where wounded
would not receive treatment for a long period if left along
the route, they must be carried in the vehicle.
(2) Collecting points for casualties are designated by the
battalion surgeon along the axis of evacuation, where casu-
alties are sent by any means available, such as returning
supply vehicles, 'A-ton trucks, etc. If all casualties have
not been collected during the day they must be collected
as soon as practicable after dark.
(3) At collecting points on the axis of evacuation, addi-
tional treatment within means of the medical detachment
is given, and casualties aje either sent to the rear in supply
vehicles returning for refill, or by division medical units,
or they await arrival of division medical units.
(4) The half-track personnel carriers of the medical de-
tachment are not used to evacuate casualties to rear instal-
lations.
/. Support by division medical battalion. — When it is ex-
pected that the casualty rate will be high, the battalion medi-
cal detachment should be supported by elements of the divi-
sion medical battalion.
sr. Medical supply. — Medical supplies are sent forward on
battalion supply vehicles or by vehicles of the medical bat-
talion. The battalion surgeon makes requests for such sup-
plies on the division surgeon.
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
17-18
Section VI
MARCHES AND SECURITY
■ 17. General. — The subject of marches is covered in detail
in FM 17-10, FM 17-50, and FM 25-10. The reconnaissance
battalion will rarely march as a unit. Marches for the recon-
naissance company are covered in FM 17-20 and for the
tank company in FM 17-32. This section is concerned pri-
marily with the march operation of the battalion head-
quarters and the battalion reserve.
■ 18. March Procedure. — a. Serials. — The reconnaissance
battalion, less detachments on reconnaissance missions,
moves by bounds along the axis of advance. (See fig. 4.)
It may march in one or more serials. When movement is
in two serials, the forward echelon of battalion headquarters,
the reserve reconnaissance company, and the tank company
form the leading serial; while the rear echelon of battalion
headquarters and the trains, less those elements with the
reconnaissance companies and the division trains, form the
second serial. These serials may march together, or the
rear serial may move by bounds some distance in rear of
the leading serial.
b. Formation. — Figure 7 gives one march formation. This
formation provides security for the reserve and, by placing
the tank company well forward in the column, permits early
commitment of that company to action without its having
to double the column of the reserve reconnaissance company.
c. CP locations. — (1) Prior to the march, the battalion
commander by use of available maps and aerial photographs
tentatively selects locations for the CP along the axis of ad-
vance. Such locations should afford concealment. Large
woods close to the route of advance are satisfactory. Small
isolated patches of woods are avoided as they will draw at-
tention of hostile aircraft and may be death traps. Avoid
crossroads. They not only draw the attention of enemy air-
craft but also afford hostile routes of approach from the
flanks.
(2) The CP must be well forward in order to keep in close
touch with the reconnaissance companies. It should never
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ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
ICDl RCN PLAT AOV GO
■ 5-10 MIN
D
FWD ECH BN HQ
0(U |CD| RCN TK CO
[CDl RCN CO (LESS DET)
ICDlMAINT DET
- 0-10 MILES
D
TRAINS
BN CO
II
ft STAFF
Q RAOIO SET
TK CO CO
RCN CO CO
LIAISON CC
LIAISON CC
LIAISON ARTY
OTHER LIAISON
PERSONNEL
D
REMAINDER OF
FWD ECHELON
HQ CO
FORWARD ECHELON
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS
( THIS FORMATION IS VARIED
AS THE COMMANDER DESIRES)
Figure 7. — One formation for the reconnaissance battalion reserve.
be farther than 10 miles to the rear of the line of company
CP's and more often will be within 2 or 3 miles of that line.
It should not be so far forward that the reserve cannot be
shifted laterally without turning around to find a lateral
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
18
Piguke 8. — Selection of CP's.
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
19
■ 19. March Security. — Because of its exposed position the
reconnaissance battalion must take special measures for
security on the march. Security for the reconnaissance com-
panies is covered in FM 17-20. Reconnaissance itself is the
best security for the battalion. Although elements of the
reconnaissance companies have traversed the route over
which the battalion is advancing, this does not excuse the
battalion reserve from marching with an advance guard and
taking measures for flank and rear protection. The fast-
moving reconnaissance patrols will be unable to search all the
country between the roads. An enemy may hold troops con-
cealed in heavy woods, allow the reconnaissance patrols to
move through uninterrupted, and then attack the reserve.
He may put in road blocks after reconnaissance patrols pass.
a. ' Security from ground attack. — Protection from ground
troops is obtained by employing a small advance guard, usu-
ally a reconnaissance platoon, and by patrolling side roads to
a distance of about 2 miles from the route of advance. The
tank company marching immediately in rear of the battalion
CP is in a position to deploy at once and attack any unex-
pected hostile resistance.
b. Security from air attack. — (1) Effectiveness of air attack
is reduced by marching with at least 70 yards between
vehicles, by use of all antiaircraft weapons to drive off
attacking hostile aircraft, and by an air warning system.
At all halts, individuals dig slit trenches. Air sentries are
detailed for each vehicle, and a system of warning is insti-
tuted. This system includes all elements of the battalion.
The reconnaissance companies reconnoitering in the zone of
advance send in information of hostile airplanes sighted.
This information includes time, number of airplanes, type,
location, height, and direction of flight. This information
may be sent by simple code as follows:
0915 10 DB SE 10,000 P20R5 CO CO A
Any prescribed code may be used. The message above would
be read as follows: "At 9:15 AM, 10 dive bombers were sighted
flying southeast at 10,000 feet. My position is 20 miles
forward of the map code reference point and 5 miles to the
right. (Signed) CO, Co. A." The battalion commander,
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knowing the location of Company A, immediately knows
from which direction to expect an attack and gives warning
accordingly. Remember at 250 miles per hour the airplanes
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Figure 14. — Move vehicles off road if practicable, and conceal them.
Post observers. Cover likely avenues of hostile approach with
vehicular weapons. Solid triangles represent observation groups.
will travel at the rate of over 4 miles per minute. Little
time is left for flashing warning to the column. Warning
should be flashed as follows if airplanes are moving toward
the battalion:
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
19-20
Air northeast (or other direction).
This is supplemented by pointing. Don't let all men look in
the direction indicated. The airplanes may fly around and
attack from another direction.
(2) Each vehicle must have an air sentry on the alert
at all times. Noise of motors in movement will drown out
noise of airplanes, so dependence must be placed on sight
alone. Watch particularly for airplanes attacking low over
hills or woods. Men manning antiaircraft guns should
keep their weapons pointed continually to fire on airplanes
making such attacks.
(3) Transmission of air warning signals is accelerated by
having all radio receiving sets on the battalion frequency.
This is feasible on the march as company and platoon radio
sets will be silent. When any unit goes into action change
to company or other frequency may be made on signal by
the battalion commander. This system also assures early
information of ground action reaching all units.
■ 20. Security at the Halt. — At the halt, move vehicles off
the road. If practicable, place them under cover, disperse
them so that they will be at least 50 yards apart, post
security detachments, and dig slit trenches.
Figure 15. — If concealment is not available, disperse vehicles.
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
20
Figure 17. — Do not select a bivouac area that does not provide
ample exits and freedom of maneuver. You may be bottled up.
This area has ample concealment and protection hut only two
exits.
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RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION 21
3 Ml
Pigube 19. — Detail outpost. Cover avenues of hostile approach.
Place trains in center for greater protection. Use road blocks.
Place AT mines. Place 60-mm mortars to cover approaches. Solid
triangles represent observation groups.
■ 21. Security in Bivouac. — a. When the battalion bivouacs,
the reconnaissance companies on reconnoitering missions give
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some protection from the enemy. However, the battalion
must provide for Its own security. The reserve reconnais-
sance company furnishes the outpost.
b. Security in bivouac is obtained by —
(1) Taking advantage of natural barriers such as wide
streams, swamps, lakes, or extremely mountainous country.
(2) Detail of an outpost. (See FM 17-10 and PM 17-20.)
c. When practicable, select bivouac in daylight, move bil-
leting parties in and occupy bivouac after dark; the enemy
may observe these movements in daylight.
d. Make sure a definite system of recognition is in effect.
Supply vehicles, kitchens, vehicles for evacuation of wounded,
and messengers will be moving in and out all night. (See
FM 17-20.)
e. Security from air attack is obtained by concealment,
dispersion, and use of available weapons. Do not fire at hos-
tile airplanes unless attacked or unless sure your location has
already been discovered, as this will disclose your position.
Dig slit trenches for protection.
Section VII
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
■ 22. General. — Information, no matter how accurate, Is
useless if not placed in the hands of the commander in time
to be evaluated. Therefore, there must be a systematic and
fast method of recording information and transmitting it
to division CP.
■ 23. Information Sought. — All information which may be
of any value to the commander must be sought and reported.
FM 17-10 lists specific items of information which should be
obtained. In general, information required is —
a. Location of the enemy, his flanks, disposition, composi-
tion, direction of movement, strength.
b. Location of gaps or weak points in enemy defense.
c. Confirmation of information obtained by air observation.
d. Identifications.
e. Terrain, such as obstacles, cover, concealment, ground
suitable for tanks, ground suitable for dismounted men only,
impassable ground.
32
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
24-2 7
■ 24. Collecting and Recording Information. — Collection
and transmission of information by reconnaissance com-
panies is covered in PM 17-20. At reconnaissance battalion
headquarters, information is recorded and evaluated to some
extent. However, information which may appear of little
or no value may be of great value to the division G-2 when
evaluated in conjunction with information received from
other sources.
■ 25. Transmittal of Information. — The division G-2 may
designate which information is to be transmitted at once
and which is to be sent in periodic reports. This may be
covered in standing operating procedure. Should this not
be indicated, then the battalion commander must decide.
Usually information of first contact with the enemy, any
large body of troops encountered, and any terrain informa-
tion which is vital to the division commander in his plan of
employment is transmitted at once. For methods of trans-
mitting information, see paragraph 8.
Section VIII
OFFENSIVE COMBAT
■ 26. General. — Offensive combat in general is covered in
FM 100-5. To gain information, the reconnaissance battalion
must act quickly and aggressively. It must be prepared to
fight for information. In addition to the armored cars, it
has a tank company which it may use to overcome enemy
counterreconnaissance or to repel an enemy attack.
■ 27. Advance to Contact. — a. Zones, boundaries, axis of
advance, and phase lines are covered in paragraph 8.
b. As the battalion advances in its zone, increasing enemy
resistance usually is met. Reconnaissance companies spread
out and seek the enemy's flanks and rear, constantly report-
ing the situation to the battalion headquarters.
c. When the hostile covering force can be penetrated, the
reconnaissance elements feel out and determine the enemy
dispositions. They seek weak spots in the enemy defenses.
The reserve reconnaissance company may be committed to
move around the enemy flanks to his rear areas.
33
27
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
27
35
27
ARMORED FQRCE FIELD MANUAL
■
rm TTr? rm
|ist ech|
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Fto~| ED
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(1 (ASSAULTING TROOPS PASS
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REAR WAVES
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RECONNAISSANCE
Figure 22. — When passed through in a penetration, the t
reorganizes and follows the last echelon ol attacK.
36
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
27-28
d. When the enemy flanks are unassailable and his covering
forces cannot be penetrated by reconnaissance elements, a
weak place in the covering force is sought. The reconnais-
sance battalion commander then attacks through this weak
spot with his tank company, supported by air bombardment
and artillery, if available. Available assault guns of the
reserve reconnaissance company and of reconnaissance pla-
toons near the point of attempted penetration support the
tank company attack. The reserve reconnaissance company
moves through behind the tank company and proceeds to
feel out the enemy main defenses. The tank company seeks
to destroy the covering forces, thus permitting other recon-
naissance elements to advance.
■ 28. Cooperation With Regimental Reconnaissance. — As
combat commands close on the reconnaissance battalion,
liaison details from regimental reconnaissance companies join
their reconnaissance units. These units make detailed ter-
rain reconnaissance and contact elements of the reconnais-
sance battalion in their zone. They may relieve elements
of the reconnaissance battalion, thus permitting the bat-
talion to extend reconnaissance farther to the flanks. How-
Pigtjre 23. — Operation when exploiting a penetration made by
other troops.
37
28
ARMORED FORCE FIELD' MANUAL
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
28-32
ever, such maneuver usually is impractical, and regimental
reconnaissance companies may move to the flanks or be
placed in division reserve. When the reconnaissance bat-
talion is employed over a large front, regimental reconnais-
sance companies may take over part of the front.
■ 29. Action in a Penetration. — a. When passed through by
assaulting troops, the battalion is reorganized and follows
the last echelon of attack, ready to move out on recon-
naissance missions when the penetration has been made.
b. When the division passes through a gap in the hostile
line to exploit a penetration made by other troops, the recon-
naissance battalion leads.
■ 30. Envelopment. — a. When the division attacks by en-
velopment of one flank, the bulk of the reconnaissance bat-
talion reconnoiters on the exposed flank and seeks enemy vital
installations.
b. When the division attacks by double envelopment, the
battalion operates on both flanks.
■ 31. Seizing Critical Areas. — In offense, the reconnaissance
battalion may be given the mission of seizing and holding a
critical area until the arrival of other troops. It may be given
the mission of moving forward rapidly to assist paratroops
in holding such areas. The battalion moves swiftly to these
areas, fighting to obtain them if necessary. It must be re-
lieved as soon as practicable.
■ 32. Pursuit. — When the division engages in a pursuit, the
reconnaissance battalion operates with the encircling force.
It gains contact with the retreating columns; operates on their
flanks; locates routes that will permit reaching the heads of
these enemy columns; finds and reports on routes that will
enable the encircling force to avoid obstacles and hostile
security elements; and locates key positions from which the
encircling force may operate against the heads of the retreat-
ing enemy columns, and thus facilitate the destruction of the
enemy by the direct pressure forces. This reconnaissance
during a pursuit must be pushed with great vigor. (See also
FM 100-5.)
39
40
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
33-36
Section IX
DEFENSIVE ACTION AND RETROGRADE MOVEMENTS
■ 33. General, — In defense, the primary mission of the bat-
talion is to detect the strength and direction of movement of
the enemy. As the enemy approaches, the battalion may be
assigned a counterreconnaissance mission.
■ 34. Counterreconnaissance. — The width of the counter-
reconnaissance zone will vary with the terrain and the road
net. Normally no more than nine roads can be covered. For
counterreconnaissance missions the regimental reconnais-
sance companies and one or more light tank companies may
be attached to the reconnaissance battalion.
■ 35. Defense of a Position. — When the division is engaged
in defending a position, the reconnaissance battalion, rein-
forced as necessary, contacts the enemy, reports his strength
and movements, and performs counterreconnaissance mis-
sions. It may fight a delaying action to give the defenders
time to organize positions. It withdraws along previously
reconnoitered routes. It seeks to lead the enemy into a false
conception of the defensive position, and deceives him as to
its extent and strength. For this mission the battalion may
be reinforced with artillery. It is reinforced with engineers
for performing demolition work. The battalion then recon-
noiters to the flanks and prepares to resume the offensive or
to protect a withdrawal.
■ 36. Retrograde. — In a retrograde movement, the recon-
naissance battalion operates on the hostile flanks to establish
road blocks, and to locate, harass, and delay hostile pursuing
forces. Withdrawal must be effected before becoming too
closely engaged. The delaying force must be kept constantly
informed of the progress of the hostile troops. Contact is
maintained and enemy progress reported by elements of re-
connaissance companies observing the hostile route of march
from positions along the flanks. These detachments harass
the enemy by firing into the flank of the hostile force and
quickly retiring to other points of observation. During a
retrograde movement, there will be frequent opportunities
41
36-37
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
for elements of the reconnaissance battalion to prepare well-
planned ambushes into which enemy troops, especially se-
curity groups, can be drawn and then annihilated. The tank
company may be used with the delaying force, or may move on
routes parallel to the hostile route, prepared to crush enemy
security forces or other small groups. Unit commanders will
ordinarily be given mission type orders in an action of this
nature. Every means of communication will be used to effect
coordination and control. Air cooperation is invaluable in
maintaining hostile and friendly contact and in reporting
targets of opportunity. This cooperation is not restricted
to observation aviation but envisages the utmost use of com-
bat aviation to operate against the heads of enemy columns
and reconnaissance elements. *
ENEMY
\ OWN TROOPS
\ /
ICDIRCN
ICDIrcn
RON UNITS RECONNOITER
ON FLANKS
ENEMY
ICDI rcn — ■*- ICDI rcn
.own TROOPS
AS DIVISION WITHDRAWS RCN
BN CLOSES IN BEHIND IT
Figure 26. — Withdrawal.
Section X
SPECIAL OPERATIONS
■ 37. Attack of a River Line. — a. The fundamental prin-
ciples governing attack of a river line are covered in FM
100-5 and FM 17-10.
42
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
37
37
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
37
b. In the attack of a river line, the reconnaissance bat-
talion, with engineer reconnaissance parties attached, recon-
noiters the river line to determine the point or points for
crossing and the enemy dispositions. Reconnaissance ele-
ments cross the river by means of assault boats furnished
by the engineers, by swimming, by boats found along the
river, by rafts, or by expedients described in FM 17-20. Dis-
mounted men reconnoiter the river bank on both sides, if
practicable. The enemy weak spots must be found.
e. A portion of the battalion may make a feint at crossing
at one or more points to draw the attention of the enemy.
d. When the crossing point or points have been selected,
elements of the battalion not already across the stream,
prepare to cross immediately behind the infantry. If enemy
resistance is light, the battalion should be ferried across
right after the infantry and with the tank destroyer units.
The battalion reforms and proceeds on reconnaissance. If
enemy resistance is heavy, reconnaissance units cross after
the bridgehead is gained.
e. A definite plan of reconnaissance for the far side of
Figure 29. — When enemy resistance is light, reconnaissance elements
are ferried across early and proceed to reconnoiter assigned zones
and objectives.
45
37-38
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
Figure 30. — If resistance is heavy, reconnaissance units cross alter
bridgehead is gained and armored regiments have crossed to
attack. They follow the attack closely, ready to go out ahead
after enemy line has been penetrated.
the river must be made. Reconnaissance companies are as-
signed zones and objectives based upon the battalion mission.
■ 38. Defense of a River Line. — a. See FM 100-5 and FM
17-10.
b. The armored division rarely defends a river line alone.
However, should this be necessary, the reconnaissance bat-
talion, reinforced as necessary with engineers, infantry, light
tanks, and reconnaissance companies of armored regiments,
performs reconnaissance and counterreconnaissance mis-
sions initially on the far side of the stream. It withdraws
slowly before the advancing enemy, constantly determining
his strength and direction of movement. It withdraws to
previously designated crossings which may be permanent
bridges, ponton bridges, ferries, or fords. Part of the bat-
talion withdraws to the flanks to report on any enemy move-
ments to the flank. After withdrawal to the near bank of
the stream, reconnaissance units are used to patrol the
stream bank and the flanks.
46
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
38-39
39
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
39
39
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
39-40
a. Advance. — (1) When operating in jungles, the battalion
will move in small groups on trails. The scout section will
usually lead, since armored cars have little use except in large
open areas (sabanas) where the ground is firm. Much of the
advance will be on foot.
(2) The enemy will seek to delay the movement by placing
obstacles in the narrow jungle paths, by frequent use of anti-
tank mines, trip wires, and other booby traps, and by machine
guns and antitank guns sighted to cover long stretches of the
trail.
(3) Investigate turns in the road. Get out of the car, and
with field glasses examine the trail as far as can be seen.
When moving around a curve, go fast. Turn the car into
the jungle at the first burst of fire. Keep the second car
around the turn until the first has determined that the road
is clear. A truck with a 60-mm mortar in it should be the
third or fourth vehicle in column. The mortar will be of
great use in overcoming defenders of a road block. Vigorous
dismounted flanking action should be initiated. Be prepared
for ambush. Armored cars are used to support attack by fire
or by rushing enemy defenses when enemy antitank guns
are not present.
(4) Cross trails must be investigated for lateral communi-
cation.
b. Delaying action. — In delaying action, antitank mines,
traps, and other obstacles are placed along the trail. These
are covered by weapons of the armored car placed in con-
cealed position. Dismounted flank security groups must be
employed in each case. Beware of being surrounded or
cut off.
■ 40. Desert Warfare. — The fundamentals of desert warfare
are covered in FM 31-25.
a. In desert operations it is imperative that compass direc-
tion be given. Because of the absence of land marks,
odometer readings are important. Celestial navigation is
used to a great extent.
b. Phase lines are specified by odometer readings or by
azimuth from certain clearly defined points. In the use of
this latter method it must be remembered that the mirage
51
40
ARMORED FORCE FIELD MANUAL
in the desert and frequent sandstorms will shorten the range
of vision.
c. Advance is made usually on a broad front of 40 to 50
miles with two reconnaissance companies in the advance
and the tank company and third reconnaissance company
in reserve near the center of the zone.
d. In addition to radio, the use of signal flags on long poles
will be of great assistance in communication.
e. Security at night is obtained by placing outguards all
around the reserve, close enough together to prevent enemy
infiltrations.
/. There will be little concealment. Air security must be
obtained by dispersion and by use of vehicular weapons.
o
52