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Cover Page

Table of Contents

Forward

Heredity

Chapter 2: Unit Background

Chapter 3: Command and Control

Chapter 4: Unit Operations

Nov - Dec 1967

Jan - Feb 1968

Mar - Apr 1968

May - Jul 1968

Aug - Sep 1968

Chapter 5: Equipment and Installations

Chapter  6: Reflections

Map, Area of Operations

HISTORY
TROOP A, 7th SQUADRON, 17TH AIR CAVALRY
4 FEBRUARY 1967 – 71 DECEMBER 1968

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In this history, note how often the squadron and troops are employed together and reinforced each other. Division commanders always pushed hard to break up the squadron to support the individual battalions and brigades. Our first squadron commander stood toe to toe with the 4th Division Commander and successfully fought to employ the squadron on squadron level missions. Most of the time we conducted squadron level missions with troops under command and control of the squadron. We always tried to report intelligence to the nearest brigade and battalion headquarters. The squadron normally provided intelligence and early warning by operating further out from the Divisional units.

Operating as a squadron allowed us to more quickly provide reconnaissance of the enemy territory and to develop and report the enemy information.

Notice how D Troop is employed to reinforce the other troops and how at other times A and B Troops reinforces D Troop. Also notice that the squadron was sometimes reinforced with infantry and cavalry units from the 4th Infantry Division.

You should also be aware that the squadron was not always employed as a squadron. Many of you will recall when you supported or was placed OPCAN to other infantry battalions and brigades. Some squadron commanders were more successful than others in keeping the squadron together. 

Retyped by Robert S. Young youngr@charter.net
August 6, 2001