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FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

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general have capabilities and limitations that must be considered when employing them; each type of scout platoon<br />

has characteristics specific to its TOE. Characteristics of the two main types of scout platoon (CFV and HMMWV)<br />

include the following:<br />

• The scout platoon is dependent on its parent unit for CS and CSS.<br />

• The CFV scout platoon normally reconnoiters only a single route during route reconnaissance.<br />

• The HMMWV scout platoon can reconnoiter one or two routes simultaneously; however, reconnaissance of two<br />

routes can be performed to determine trafficablity only.<br />

• Depending on METT-TC, the scout platoon can reconnoiter a zone up to 3 to 5 kilometers wide. METT-TC may<br />

increase or decrease the size of the zone for either type of platoon.<br />

• During screening operations, all scout platoons are limited in their ability to destroy or repel enemy<br />

reconnaissance units.<br />

• The CFV scout platoon can man up to six OPs for short durations (less than 12 hours) or three OPs for long<br />

durations (over 12 hours).<br />

• The HMMWV scout platoon can man up to eight short-duration OPs or up to three OPs for long durations.<br />

• When properly organized, scouts can conduct effective reconnaissance and security patrols. The CFV scout<br />

platoon has 12 dedicated dismounted scouts. The HMMWV scout platoon has very limited dismounted<br />

capability; it must be carefully task organized to conduct dismounted operations.<br />

• Distance and mission duration are critical considerations affecting employment of the scout platoon away from<br />

the main body of its parent unit. Fire support, CSS, and communications requirements are also important factors<br />

when the scout platoon is tasked to conduct sustained operations beyond the immediate supporting range of the<br />

main body.<br />

• While operating on the platoon net, the scout platoon leader can monitor only two nets at one time. This means<br />

he cannot operate continuously on all necessary battalion nets, including the battalion command, operations and<br />

intelligence (OI), administrative/logistics (A/L), and mortar nets. Refer to the discussion of platoon radio nets in<br />

Chapter 2 of this manual.<br />

• The scout platoon has limited obstacle construction ability and carries only a basic load of demolitions.<br />

• The scout platoon has very limited obstacle reduction capability; under most conditions, it can breach only point<br />

obstacles.<br />

SPECIFIC <strong>SCOUT</strong> VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS<br />

In many respects, the scout’s capability is dependent on his equipment. The two types of scout platforms, the M3 CFV<br />

and the M1025/1026 HMMWV, have distinctly different characteristics. When employed with the appropriate TTP,<br />

both vehicles are highly effective reconnaissance and security platforms.<br />

Every scout must understand his mount thoroughly so he can maximize its capabilities and minimize its limitations.<br />

Refer to Figures 1-10 and 1-11, which illustrate the two scout vehicles and summarize their capabilities and<br />

specifications.

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