The Spirit of the Cavalry selected and translated

Quotations from Combat Formation and Combat Operations of the Cavalry by Baron w n Malzahn, Rittmeister and Company Comander, Ulan Regiment von Schmidt (1st Pomeranians) No. 4, Berlin, 1913.

Training "A unit is properly trained if it can accomplish what is required in war and if it does not have to rid itself of bad habas on the field of battle leamed on the field of training."

"From start to finish, it must be emphasized that all training must be calculated in terms of war. Since, in war, only what is simple promises success, only simple formations are to be taught and used."

"Following the regulations of the Great King (Frederick the Great), it is emphasized that the entire training of Cavalry is founded on the conscientious and meticulous training of the individual man and horse; and that only upon this basis alone is built the training of all larger formations up to the Cavalry Division."

"Unit training exercises can never completely make up for failures in individual training. This must be reinforced during every period of instruction."

"Only after all prescribed formations have been practiced to perfection by the platoons and every man knows what he has to do, can training on the company level begin."

"Essential for all training in the use of firearms is the principle that what one does is more important than how. The good of all training exercises is to develop a soldier who thinks for himself and acts conscientiously. The set determination to hit the target, and the faithful effort to do one's best, even when not being observed or under supervision, these are the essentials for superiority in a firefight."

Combined Arms Warfare "The effective combination of all elements in accomplishing the mission in combat is secured through thorough schooling in peacetime." "Mounted artillery frequently supports reconnaissance; artillery fire will often force an enemy to give away its presence and strength."

"Higher level leaders must not be distracted from their overall mission through the arrangement of details."

"Lower level leaders must be trained in responsibility and in the ability to make decisions such that they can independently go beyond their own level of command when the battle situation requires." "Especially important for all leaders is the appropriate selection of his own location during the fight. The leader's impact on soldiers in battle can first be gained through effective leadership and giving of orders, through personal attention to their execution, and timely intervention, but especially by the skillful use of terrain."

"Leadership in battle with the Cavalry is more personal, more a factor of the leader's personality than in any other branch of service. The special character of cavalry combat with its rapid pace and its unexpected changes of direction requires special qualities from the mounted leader." "Nowhere does 'average' leadership have an effect to the same degree as it does in the Cavalry. In the Cavalry, mistakes can almost never be made good again. The short time available, the rapidity of all actions, the inability to call back a ARMOR - March-April1992 47 mounted attack once it has begun, are decisive. No matter how good a unit is, it can't make up for a failure in leadership."

"The commander is not bound to a fixed position. It is a grave mistake to be glued (too close) to the un it... (I)n all cases where the regiment (battalion) is employed independently, the commander must be far forward. Only thus can he gain the personal appreciation of the enemy and the terrain which is imperative for rapid decision-making. It is nonetheless to be considered that he must, through appropriate means, (be) in contact with the regiment and be able to deliver his orders as quickly as possible."

"Every platoon should be led by an officer if possible. Noncommissioned officers will replace missing officers. Just as senior lieutenants should be capable of commanding the company, so too should noncommissioned officers be trained as platoon leaders and soldiers as noncommissioned officers. Units should frequently practice the loss and temporary replacement of individual leaders." "The essential prerequisite for executing such surprise moves (such as rapid change of direction), other than well schooled men and horses, is attentiveness, self-confidence, and skillfulness of all leaders from platoon leader upwards."

Tactics

"Actions against the enemy's flank and rear are especially effective in all Cavalry operations. Included in this sense are the so-called 'raids' as practiced in an exemplary manner by the American Cavalry general Stuart." 'Even after along approach march, hours of combat, and bloody losses, while the sister services camp on the hard won objective, the Cavalry knows neither rest nor relaxation. Well into the night, the Cavalry rushes forward, always attempting to overtake the enemy in headlong flight and turn its flank."

"The Cavalry must constantly be aware that the defense is only effective and only achieves its purpose if it is executed boldly and with an offensive spirit."

"More than any other branch of sewice, the Cavalry is dependent on the effects of terrain -during 48 the approach march, changing formations, in the attack, or in the defense. Only the personal appreciation of the commander himsetf or of someone he trusts is decisive. Maps do not generally provide the desired level of detail." "Just as surprising the enemy is the true element of Cavalry, so too must the Cavalry never, under any circumstances, be surprised by the enemy." "Just as important as obtaining timely information about the enemy is hiding from him our own organization and actions. Disguising (covering) can be required to the front as well as on the flanks and can be achieved offensively or defensively." Taking Care of Man and Beast "Leaders' concem for keeping their horses in good condition up to the start of the battle is an important contributor to success. Even in the middle of the battlefield, opportunities to feed and water must be taken advantage of." The Spirit of the Cav "When in doubt, leaders must act according to the principle: a bold decision is usually best." "Nothing could be worse than to wait for (more) information rather than acting. Insufficient information about the enemy should never be a reason for giving up the initiative. The Cavalryman who waits for enemy intelligence and orders will always arrive too late!"

"Thanks to the mobility resutting from the speed of its horses, the Cavalry is more capable of surprising the enemy than any other branch of service. This spirit (of mobility) is embodied in the Cavalry and the chances of success are thus increased, as the effectiveness of its weapons is enhanced by its spirit."

"The Cavalry should always attempt to fulfill its mission offensively, and this principle is reinforced by the words of Frederick the Great: 'No squadron should wait until it is attacked, rather attack the enemy first every time.' " Lieutenant Colonel Donald C. Snedeker is the chief, Inspector and Escort Branch, On-Site Inspection Agency- Europe.

ARMOR - March-April1992