Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, Mechanized - FM 2-20 War Department Field Manual

1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this manual is to present the organization, characteristics, and missions of the cavalry reconnaissance troop, mechanized; and to set forth doctrine for its training and tactical employment. 2. SCOPE. The scope of this manual includes discussion and illustration of organization, equipment, training, and methods of employment of the mechanized cavalry reconnaissance troop and its components, designed to simplify and speed training and to facilitate understanding of basic doctrine. 3. MISSION. The cavalry reconnaissance troop, mechanized, is organized, equipped, and trained to perform reconnaissance missions. Other types of missions are given only in the furtherance of a reconnaissance mission of the troop or the squadron of which the troop is a part, unless no other troops are available for other types of operations for the division or other larger unit. Reconnaissance missions are performed by employment of infiltration tactics, fire, and maneuver. Combat is engaged in only to the extent necessary to accomplish the assigned mission. Section III Organization and Equipment 4. ORGANIZATION, a. For detailed organization and equipment of the cavalry reconnaissance troop, mechanized, see current T/O & E 2-27. b. The reconnaissance troop, infantry division, is the mobile reconnaissance agency available to the division commander and is employed by him to secure details of hostile organization, strength, and dispositions, the characteristics of terrain, and other information upon which to base a plan of action. It operates within the zone of action assigned to the division in coordination with the ground reconnaissance agencies of higher and lower echelons. c. The troop organic within the mechanized cavalry squadron acts in like capacity and performs the same type of missions as the reconnaissance troop of the infantry division. The reconnaissance squadron of the armored division differs from that of the cavalry division and group in that it includes four reconnaissance troops instead of three. d. The mechanized cavalry reconnaissance troop has a troop headquarters and three reconnaissance platoons. Each reconnaissance platoon contains an armored-car section and a scout section. Armored cars and trucks, 54 -ton, are included in the platoon in the ratio of one armored car to two trucks, /4-ton. This permits flexibility in the organization of reconnaissance teams for specific missions. Three of the 14-ton trucks mount caliber.30 light machine guns, and each of the remaining three transports a 60-mm mortar and crew. Three of the '/4-ton trucks are provided with short-range radio. e. Troop headquarters contains command, maintenance, administrative, and supply personnel, and transportation. Armored cars, each mounting an antitank gun and a light machine gun, are included for command, maintenance, and liaison functions. There are 54 -ton trucks for messenger and trafficcontrol duties, half-track personnel carriers to transport essential supplies and provide maintenance facilities, and a a'/ -ton cargo truck to provide kitchen facilities. A liaison detachment consisting of an officer and five enlisted men, with an armored car and a 14 -ton truck, intended primarily for liaison with division headquarters, is provided in the cavalry reconnaissance troop assigned to the infantry division.

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