Their mission was described in the field manual, dated 16 March 1941 (H.Dv.299/4b - Ausbildungs- vorschrift für die Schnellen Truppen, Heft 4b, Ausbildung und Einsatz der Kraftradschützenkompanie) as follows:

"Motorcycle infantry units are especially capable of performing the following tasks:

• fast taking of important areas,
• securing of narrow terrain features,
• fighting against weak enemy forces,
• surprising attack against enemy flank and rear,
• pursuit, securing and covering own movements of motorized forces."

Over and above that motorcycle infantry units have also been very effective in reconnaissance and liaison missions.