FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

Figure 6-8. Attack helicopter battalion organization.
An attack helicopter battalion seldom fights alone; it is normally employed with other maneuver, CS, CSS, and joint
forces in a combined arms team. This team surprises and overmatches the enemy at the point of attack. The attack
helicopter unit may conduct its attack out of physical contact with other friendly forces but synchronized with their
scheme of maneuver; it may also be employed in direct contact with friendly forces.
AIR CAVALRY AND THE SCOUT PLATOON
The Army aviation element with which the scout platoon is most likely to operate in a tactical setting is the air cavalry
platoon or air cavalry troop. When operating with ground scouts, air cavalry is normally under the operational control
of the battalion or squadron. To be successful, however, the air cavalry platoon must communicate and coordinate
directly with the most forward ground scouts.
Aeroscouts are a significant asset in support of the ground commander’s requirements for his scout effort.
Complementing ground scouts with the air cavalry maximizes the capabilities of both elements while minimizing their
limitations. When it works with the scout platoon, the air cavalry normally operates 3 to 5 kilometers forward of the
ground elements (see Figure 6-9).