ATP 3-20.96 — Cavalry Squadron
ATP 3-20.96 governs how Cavalry squadrons execute reconnaissance and security operations and combine arms into cohesive airground teams.
- Publication number: ATP 3-20.96
- Title: CAVALRY SQUADRON
- Date: 05/12/2016
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ATP 3-20.96 on armypubs.army.mil
ATP 3-20.96 covers Cavalry squadron roles, mission command, information collection, reconnaissance and security tasks, combat power augmentation, and sustainment. It requires early operations, disciplined initiative, prudent risk, and continuous focus on the reconnaissance objective.
Applies to: This publication provides doctrinal guidance for all formations assigned to the Armored, Stryker, and Infantry brigade combat teams.
Topics covered
- Cavalry squadron roles
- Mission command
- Information collection
- Reconnaissance tasks
- Security tasks
- Decisive action tasks
- Combat power augmentation
- Sustainment operations
Questions and answers
What must a Cavalry squadron do during early operations?
The squadron must conduct early operations in uncertain circumstances to develop the BCT intelligence picture and to preserve the initiative and freedom of action for the BCT. (paragraph 1-5)
What risk must the squadron accept when meeting information requirements?
The squadron must accept prudent risk and execute with disciplined initiative to meet information requirements in a timely and accurate manner. (paragraph 1-5)
What is the squadron's role in the brigade combat team?
The squadron exists to conduct reconnaissance and security operations, provide the BCT with situational understanding and frequently serves as an economy of force. (paragraph 2-26)
What do security tasks provide to the main body commander?
Reaction time and maneuver space gained by information collected allows the main body commander to prepare for future operations or to deploy to engage the enemy. (paragraph 3-6)
How far in advance are preplanned close air support missions generally requested?
Preplanned CAS missions are generally requested 96 hours in advance and do not include detailed target information because of the lead-time for the mission. (paragraph 6-32)