The Army-of-Excellence Divisional Cavalry Squadron -- A Doctrinal Step Backward.
Abstract
The AOE squadron is a radical departure from its fighting cavalry predecessor, which was a strong sqaudron equally capable of performing reconnaissance, security, and economy-of-force missions. The AOE squadron seems to be a return to the pre-World War II armored division reconnaissance battalion--a lightly armed and armored force also designed primarily for reconnaissance by stealth. This monograph, by examining the experience of cavalry leaders, various research reports, review board findings, after-action reports, and official manuals, traces the evolution of the reconnaissance battalion from a reconnaissance-by-stealth unit into a strong, multipurpose cavalry squadron and then back to a reconnaissance-by-stealth unit under AOE. The arguments in favor of reconnaissance by stealth are examined: Fighting distracts reconnaissance units from their primary mission and causes unnecessary casualties, and cavalry units sufficiently armed and armored to permit combat lose the traditional cavalry advantage of mobility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 02, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA167712
Entities
People
- Peter S. Kindsvatter
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College