Preface

This publication serves as a doctrinal guide for commanders and subordinate leaders of both light (HMMWV equipped) and heavy (M1 and M3 equipped) cavalry troops. Heavy cavalry troops are found in Armored Cavalry Regiments (ACR), in Armor/Mechanized Divisions, and in Separate Armor/Mechanized Brigades. Light cavalry troops are found in Light Armored Cavalry Regiments (LACR), in Light Infantry Divisions, and in Separate Light Infantry Brigades.

Although FM 17-97 does not specifically address the TOE of the Light Division Cavalry Troop or the troops of a Separate Heavy or Light Brigade, the tactics, techniques, and procedures outlined in this publication still apply.

This publication lays out the organization, command and control, tactical employment, and service support of the cavalry troop in combat. It establishes the responsibilities and duties of key personnel in the troop during combat.

FM 17-97 is one of three publications in the cavalry troop family. It provides troop leaders with a doctrinal reference to link training and fighting. ARTEP 17-487-30-MTP, Mission Training Plan for the Regimental Armored Cavalry Troop, outlines how to train the troop. FKSM 17-97-3, Cavalry Troop Common SOP, describes troop operating procedures. This family of publications supports FM 17-15, Tank Platoon; FM 7-91, Tactical Employment of Antiarmor Platoons, Companies, and Battalions; and FM 17-98, Scout Platoon.

The information in this manual is based on the objective table of organization and equipment (TOE) for the ACR and LACR troops. Differences between actual unit organizations and equipment and those described in this manual are caused by differences in the modified table of equipment and organization (MTOE).

The proponent for this publication is HQ TRADOC. Submit changes for improving this publication on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms), and forward it to Commandant, USAARMS, ATTN: ATSB-SBA-F, Fort Knox, KY 40121-5211.

Although this manual does not implement any particular international agreement, the material presented herein is in accordance with related international agreements. A list of related international agreements and other references can be found in the References section. The paragraph in Chapter 2, Section I, entitled Issue a Warning Order is in compliance with STANAG 2014. Chapter 7, Section III, Relief in Place, and Section IV, Battle Handover and Passage of Lines, are in compliance with STANAG 2082. Tables 7-2 and 7-4 are in compliance with STANAG 2083.

Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and pronouns do not refer exclusively to men.

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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This publication supersedes FM 17-97, September 1988.

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