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RE: AFV Leading activation questions
From FM 17-42, Armored Infantry Battalion, 10 November 1944
Excerpt from section 43 Method of the Attack:
e. USE OF VEHICLES. In the attack some vehicles may be placed in position defilade to support the attack by fire. Those vehicles of assault companies which are not used for fire support are placed under the best available cover and concealment in rear of their respective companies and displaced, each platoon's vehicles being under control of a noncommissioned officer of that platoon. These vehicles are placed to cover, by fire, the flanks of the assault companies. As the attack advances vehicles are moved forward as directed by the company commander. In some cases vehicles may be grouped by battalion. When covered routes are available and the terrain can be traversed, vehicles are used to move the support platoon when it is committed to action. The reserve company usually retains its vehicles and moves in them either when following the attack or when moving to a line of departure.
Note that if supporting the attack, the HTs are placed in defilade to support by fire and/or placed in cover and concealment for protection. They are placed to cover the flanks by fire (a defensive use). Note the doctrine is not to use them to rush into the assault.
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