FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

A. OP J maintains contact with the moving enemy main body until battle handover with the friendly unit to the south
is complete. The scouts at OP J then moves east to pass to the rear.
Figure 4-19. Scouts executing battle handover to incoming unit.
SECTION 3 — AREA SECURITY OPERATIONS
Area security operations are designed to protect specific critical and vulnerable assets or terrain from enemy
observation and direct fire. They can involve escorting friendly convoys; protecting critical points such as bridges,
command and control installations, or other key and vulnerable sites; or participating in protection of large areas such
as airfields. They are normally performed when conventional security or combat operations are not appropriate to the
situation. The scout platoon may perform area security operations as part of a larger force or as an independent platoon
mission.
CONVOY AND ROUTE SECURITY
Convoy or route security missions are performed by company teams, cavalry troops, and larger organizations. Convoy
security provides protection for a specific convoy. Route security aims at securing a specific route for a designated
period of time, during which multiple convoys may be using the route. These missions include numerous tasks for
elements such as escort, reconnaissance, and combat reaction forces (see Figure 4-20). These tasks become missions
for the subordinate units. The scout platoon is particularly well suited for route reconnaissance and outposting
missions and may perform convoy escort as well. The size of the unit performing the convoy or route security
operation is dependent on a number of factors, including the size of the convoy, the terrain, and the length of the route.