Previous: E-92: Infantry Squads Under Combat Vehicle Platoon Control
E-93. None of the techniques described are inherently better than another one. The task organization must be tailored to accomplish the mission. Regardless of the technique selected, the following guidelines should be followed.
E-94. It is preferable for combat vehicles to operate as sections. This is an integral component of how combat vehicle units train and fight. If the company commander is controlling the combat vehicles, he needs to move forward to a position where he can maneuver the combat vehicles in support of the Infantry.
E-95. Combat vehicles should be used to shield squads and teams (minus the unarmored versions of the armament carrier HMMWV) from building to building. As part of the maneuver plan, the leader of the forward element controls the combat vehicles.
E-96. The task organization should support the span of control. If the company commander is going to control the combat vehicles, there is no reason to task organize the tanks by section under Infantry platoons.
E-97. Combat vehicles need Infantry support when the two elements are working together. Do not leave combat vehicles alone because they are not well-suited to provide local security during the operation. Combat vehicles are extremely vulnerable to dismounted attack when operating in urban terrain. They are most vulnerable and need local security when Infantry Soldiers are in the process of clearing buildings.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad