FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

Figure 4-20. Cavalry troop conducting convoy security mission.
Route reconnaissance.
When route reconnaissance is conducted as part of a route security operation, it is done in the same manner as
discussed in Chapter 3 of this manual. In this mission, scouts focus on the trafficability of the route and on enemy
forces that might influence the route. The scout platoon must plan to call for engineer assets to assist in breaching
point-type obstacles. Command-detonated devices are a major threat during route reconnaissance.
Outposting
Outposting is a technique used during route security to screen the route after it has been reconnoitered. Its use is
similar to the technique for reconnaissance operations covering lateral and boundary routes discussed in Chapter 8 of
this manual. Outposting as part of route security, however, is generally done by all elements of the platoon for the
specific purpose of helping to secure a route or convoy. It involves employing OPs on critical portions of the route or
on key avenues of approach to the route to provide early warning of enemy elements attempting to interdict the route
or convoy.
Outposting differs from a conventional screen in that the outposts are oriented on the route rather than on the friendly
main body. Normally, the outposting element follows the element that is executing the route reconnaissance (see
Figure 4-21). Outposts have a limited ability to destroy small enemy forces attempting to influence the route. Their
primary purpose is to acquire the enemy and then to direct the employment of reaction forces or indirect fire to destroy
him.