FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

Whatever support the scout platoon receives must be keyed to a fast transfer of supplies. The scouts must be able to
pull in, resupply, and leave as quickly as possible. The actual time when the scouts need to resupply often does not
coincide with the standard LOGPAC times for the rest of the battalion. The battalion S4, the support platoon leader,
the scout platoon leader and PSG, and any other key leaders must anticipate events to coordinate for the best time of
resupply.
SQUADRON SUPPORT
The scout platoon in a divisional or regimental squadron receives all of its CSS through its parent troop. The PSG
coordinates with his 1SG for everything the platoon requires. The 1SG is thus the key operator in the service support
chain. He does most of the coordination with the squadron combat trains command post (CTCP) and controls the
LOGPAC and its operation. Based on the tactical situation, the 1SG will also choose the techniques of resupply.
BASIC AND COMBAT LOADS
Two sets of guidelines, for the basic load and the combat load, prescribe the quantities of supplies required by the
scout platoon during tactical operations. (NOTE: A summary of the classes of supply follows this discussion.)
Basic load
The basic load is the quantity of supplies in Classes I, II, III, IV, V, and VIII that the scout platoon is required to have
on hand to initiate combat operations. The basic load is designated by the platoon’s higher headquarters based on
analysis of the platoon’s mission and the anticipated threat.
Combat load
The combat load is the quantity of supplies, in all classes, that the scout platoon must have on hand to sustain
operations in combat for a prescribed number of days. The platoon’s parent unit must be capable of moving the
combat load, using organic transportation assets, into combat in a single delivery. Like the basic load, the platoon’s
combat load is designated by higher headquarters.
CLASSES OF SUPPLY
Class I
This class includes subsistence items. MRE rations are stocked on each vehicle, usually a three- to five-day supply.
Hot meals are brought forward when possible, if only to supplement MREs. Potable water should be replenished daily,
either by refilling from the water trailer or by rotating 5-gallon cans with the 1SG or supply sergeant. Each combat
vehicle should maintain a minimum of 30 gallons of potable water; it must have more water on hand during operations
in arid climates or in MOPP gear.
All meals should be eaten in shifts, and they should never be served at one centralized location. The platoon leader and
PSG must make sure not only that the platoon is fed, but also that the scouts eat nutritious meals to maintain the
energy levels required in combat. During continuous or cold-weather operations, soldiers will eat more than three
meals per day; the platoon leader and PSG must plan for this extra allowance.
Class II
This class includes field sanitation, cleaning, and administrative items, as well as organizational clothing and
individual equipment (OCIE). Sanitation, cleaning, and administrative supplies are requested and received from the
troop or company supply NCO and can be brought forward with the LOGPAC. OCIE items are replaced on an
individual, as-needed basis.
Class III and Class V
Class III comprises all types of POL products. Class V covers all types of ammunition, including small arms, artillery
and tank rounds, mines and demolitions, fuzes, missiles, and bombs. For optimum security, rearming and refueling
should occur simultaneously under cover of darkness. This usually occurs daily or at the conclusion of major
operations. The techniques of refueling and rearming are covered later in this section.