Section III. COMBAT ELEMENTS
2-8.
CAVALRY SQUADRON
The cavalry squadron (armored cavalry in the armored and mechanized
divisions; air cavalry in the infantry, airborne, and air assault divisions) is the only
combat unit organic to the division base. It has the mission of performing
reconnaissance, security, and economy of force operations. Each of the air cavalry
squadrons is specially tailored to the peculiarities of the division of which it is a part.
Figure 2-3 illustrates the variations in the organization of the cavalry squadron of each
type division. The cavalry squadron is retained in the division base, rather than being
attached to a brigade--as are the other combat elements---in order to give the division
commander greater flexibility in assigning combat missions to the squadron.
ARMORED AND MECHANIZED DIVISIONS
INFANTRY, AIRBORNE AND AIR
ASSAULT DIVISIONS
(*Armd cav troop in the Inf Div)
NOTE:
The principal difference between cavalry, armored cavalry and air cavalry
units in the type of vehicles that predominate; that is, wheeled vehicles, track-
laying vehicles or helicopters.
Figure 2-3. Division armored (air) cavalry squadron.
2-9.
COMBAT MANEUVER BATTALIONS
a. The combat maneuver battalions--infantry, mechanized infantry and tank--are
not organic to the brigades, but are assigned to the division and attached to the brigade
headquarters for specific missions. Each combat maneuver battalion has a
MD0002
2-13