Cavalry Field Manual, Cavalry Mechanized Reconnaissance Squadron - FM 2-30 War Department Field Manual

Section I. Purpose and scope ■ 1. Purpose. — The purpose of this manual is to present the doctrine for the combat training and employment of the mechanized reconnaissances, including squadrons of the motorized infantry division and of the cavalry division.

■ 2. Scope. — a. This manual covers the functional organization, combat training, and tactical employment of the cavalry mechanized reconnaissance squadron.

b. The maximum use of functional charts, diagrams, and pictures will be made as illustrations to simplify and expedite training. These to be exploited must be studied. They can be used as the basis for sand table layouts (see TF 7-265 and 7-266).

■ 3. Organization. — Tables of Organization 2-25, 2-26, 2-27, and 2-29, prescribe respectively the organization of the cavalry mechanized reconnaissance squadron, its headquarters and headquarters troop, reconnaissance troop, and support troop. Details as to organization are contained in FM 2-5.

■ 4. Tactical Grouping. — Appendix I contains charts showing a suggested organization of the reconnaissance squadron and its components into functional groups. Manning of the various vehicles according to the appropriate Table of Organization is included. These charts are intended as a guide and may be modified by squadron commanders to meet particular conditions.

■ 5. Vehicles. — a. Combat vehicles of the reconnaissance squadron include the following types: armored cars, halftrack cars, half-track personnel carriers, light tanks, Vi-ton trucks, amphibious 'A-ton trucks, and %-ton trucks, weapons carriers.

b. The light armored car M8 (see fig. 1®), is a 6x6 vehicle, weighs 15,000 pounds, has a 110-horsepower gasoline engine and is capable of cruising 300 miles. On a level improved road, it can sustain a speed of 55 miles per hour. Vehicular armament includes one 37-mm gun and one caliber.30 light machine gun fixed in combination mount in the turret which allows 360° traverse and one caliber.30 light machine gun in an antiaircraft mount on the turret. Provision is made for installing two radio sets.

c. The amphibious %-ton truck (see fig. 1©) is similar in capacity, roadability, and performance to the standard Vi-ton truck. Appendix I suggests a suitable distribution of the amphibious vehicles authorized for issue to the squadron.

■ 6. Weapons. — a. The following weapons are included in the squadron: carbine, caliber.30 light machine gun, caliber.50 machine gun (HB), caliber.45 submachine gun, 37-mm gun, 60-mm mortar, caliber.45 pistol, rifle, caliber.30, and rocket launcher M-l.

b. Tables of Organization indicate the numbers and distribution of weapons. 37-mm guns are mounted in armored cars and in light tanks now being issued to the support troop.

■ 7. Radio. — The type and quantity of radio sets issued to units of the reconnaissance squadron are indicated in Tables of Equipment. A suggested organization of the radio sets of the squadron into nets is illustrated in appendix II.

■ 8. Destruction of Materiel. — In order to prevent an enemy from using captured vehicles, weapons, and communication equipment, it is necessary that personnel be trained in the disabling or destruction of all equipment in the squadron. The various ways of accomplishing this destruction are detailed in FM 2-20. It is emphasized that destruction of equipment is a command decision of division and similar units. This authority may be delegated to subordinate commanders by the division commander.

© '/ 4 -ton truck, amphibian. Figure 1.

Republished by Liber Copia LLC for convenient study and reference on any device.