Army-of-Excellence Divisional Cavalry Squadron -- A Doctrinal Step Backward?

<p>This monograph examines the organization and missions of the Army-of-Excellence divisional cavalry squadron as outlined in the 1980 Operational and Organizational Concept for Division and Corps 86 Cavalry and in Field Circular 71-8 AOE Close Combat Heavy Brigade and Divisional Armored Cavalry Squadron (Preliminary Draft) 1984. The AOE squadron without tanks and at greatly reduced strength is to be used primarily as a reconnaissance-by-stealth force with secondary emphasis on screening line-of-communication security and command-and-control enhancement. The AOE squadron is a radical departure from its fighting cavalry predecessor which was a strong squadron 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 experiences 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. Advocates of fighting cavalry refute these arguments and also point out that the divisional cavalry squadron must be able to combat the tanks that will be found in Soviet reconnaissance and security elements.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>