1. The armored division is intended for strategic roles. It combines great fire power with high mobility, and its armor and speed restrict the effectiveness of enemy weapons.

2. Its strength lies in attack. It is especially suited for surprise appearances on the battlefield, rapid concentration of considerable fighting power, obtaining quick decisions by break-throughs, deep penetrations on wide fronts, and the destruction of the enemy. The attack of the armored division has a serious effect on the enemy's morale.

3. The nature of the terrain is a decisive factor for successful employment of the armored division. Full use of its speed can be insured by choice of good roads with bridges of adequate capacity, and by their being kept clear of other troops. Speed across country depends upon weather, formation of the ground, nature of the soil, and density of vegetation. It is slower than on roads. The full striking power of the armored division can best be developed in attack over rolling country with few features. Marshy, wooded, and rough country allows movement off the road only for short stretches, with reduced mobility. It may exclude the employment of tanks.

4. The components of an armored division are so proportioned that the detachment of individual units, especially of tanks, or their attachment to other units, restricts the fitness of the division for employment in strategic roles.

5. The main striking force of the division lies in its tank brigade. Its offensive infantry element is the motorized infantry brigade. In addition the armored division comprises motorized reconnaissance elements, motorized artillery, antitank units, armored signal units, antiaircraft machine-gun troops, and supply and maintenance services. In active campaigns an observation squadron (serves also for artillery observation) and a light antiaircraft battalion are attached to the division.

		German Tanks
		Armored Division (Standard)
		Armored Division (Libyan)
		Tank Regiment of Armored Division (Libyan)