FM 17-35 ( Armored Cavalry Platoon, Troop and Squadron ) 1960

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roads (all-weather, limited all-weather, and fair
weather), load-carrying capacity of roads and bridges
on the route, and the existence and effect of obstructions
or other limiting factors.
(2) Reconnaissance of a bridge includes checking both underneath
and on top for mines, boobytraps, demolition
charges, and purposely weakened construction.
(3) Information of the enemy and area of operations should
be reported in conformance with paragraph 28.
c. Conduct.
(1) One route. When the platoon is reconnoitering one route,
the leading section normally moves by bounds, covering
the main route, while the other section covers lateral
routes and critical terrain features.
(2) Multiple routes. When a scout platoon is required to
reconnoiter more than one route, each scout section may
be assigned the mission of reconnnoitering a route. The
section will reconnoiter an assigned route by employing
the scout squads in closely coordinated moves (fig. 7).
While one squad moves by bounds to reconnoiter the
main route, the other squad is used to reconnoiter lateral
routes and key terrain features along the main
route. The squad which is in the lead and reconnoitering
the main route must regulate its movement so that
the other squad reconnoitering to the flanks can keep up.
To keep the two squads moving together, the squad operating
on the main route may check some portion of
the lateral routes or terrain features, or the squads may
be alternated along the main route and lateral routes
or terrain features When the squads alternate, the leading
squad moves along the main route until it comes to
a lateral route or a terrain feature which must be reconnoitered.
While this is being done, the rear squad moves
up and continues along the main route until it reaches
other lateral routes or terrain features which must be
investigated.
d. Action on Contact.
(1) When an enemy force is encountered, the platoon leader
should immediately deploy the platoon, report the enemy
contact to his higher headquarters, develop the situation,
and choose a course of action. Then he should report the
situation that has been developed and his course of
action.
AGO 4088B 27