This book is a "mini" (7 1/4 inches high by 5 1/2 inches wide) size - A popular size to carry anywhere (briefcase, large pocket, purse) but the print is large enough for easy reading.  The binding is with coil, allowing easy flipping of pages without jamming.

The color covers are laminated for weather protection with black and white inside printing.

This book has been replaced by ATP 3-20.97 Cavalry Troop.

Table of Contents

FM 3-20.971 provides basic tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) for the tactical employment of reconnaissance and cavalry troops. This manual refers to these units using the following terminology:

• Reconnaissance troop is used in the reconnaissance squadrons of the three types of brigade combat teams (BCT)—heavy (HBCT), infantry (IBCT), and Stryker (SBCT)—and in the reconnaissance and surveillance squadron of the battlefield surveillance brigade (BFSB).
• Cavalry troop is used in the cavalry squadron of the armored cavalry regiment (ACR).

This publication—

• Provides doctrinal guidance for commanders, staffs, and leaders of the currently transitioning organizations who are responsible for planning, preparing, executing, and assessing operations in the reconnaissance and cavalry troops.
• Serves as an authoritative reference for personnel developing doctrine (fundamental principles and TTP), materiel and force structure, institutional and unit training, and standing operating procedures (SOP) for troop operations. It does not, however, cover deployment; reception, staging, onward movement, and integration (RSOI); or redeployment operations.
• Describes doctrine that is based on suggestions, insights, and observations from previously developed doctrine and from units and leaders taking part both in operational situations, such as Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and in training at the Army’s combat training centers. These doctrinal principles and procedures are intended to be used as a guide; they are not to be considered inflexible. Each situation in combat must be resolved by an intelligent interpretation and application of the doctrine outlined in this manual.
• Is directed toward the reconnaissance or cavalry troop commander, his executive officer (XO) and first sergeant (1SG), subordinate commanders, and all supporting units. The manual reflects and supports Army operations doctrine as covered in FM 3-0, Operations; FM 3-90, Tactics; FM 3-90.6, The Brigade Combat Team; and FM 3-20.96, Reconnaissance Squadron. It is not a stand-alone reference for reconnaissance and cavalry operations; rather, it is intended to be used in conjunction with those and other existing doctrinal resources. 
• Outlines the framework in which the five types of troops (HBCT, IBCT, SBCT, ACR, and BFSB) operate, either by themselves or together as part of the squadron or larger organization. The manual also includes discussions of doctrine that is applicable to each specific type of troop.

This publication applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated.