FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

tasks the scout platoon must execute. This is particularly true for the battalion scout platoon. To ensure successful
handling of wounded scouts, the battalion must specifically allocate CSS assets to the scout platoon to assist in
evacuation. In addition, operational planning or SOPs must cover evacuation procedures in detail.
In both types of scout platoon, the combat lifesaver and/or the vehicle commander are almost always the first ones on
the scene to begin the process of treating personnel who are wounded in action (WIA). With the help of the vehicle
commander, the combat lifesaver provides initial first aid to wounded or injured soldiers. He prepares them for
medical evacuation or returns them to duty status after rendering first aid. Whenever possible, there should be at least
one combat lifesaver on each platoon vehicle at all times. Vehicle commanders and their crews must be prepared to
give immediate first aid as necessary and to continue the mission, without stopping, with a limited crew.
The vehicle commander is responsible for ensuring that the PSG is informed of casualties. He coordinates with the
PSG for ground evacuation or for aerial evacuation. If wounded crewmen require evacuation, the platoon leader or
PSG can take one of these steps:
• Coordinate for aerial evacuation through the troop or battalion.
• Conduct self-evacuation with organic platoon assets.
• Request that the battalion or troop task organize a dedicated ambulance to the platoon for operations forward of
the larger element. In the case of the HMMWV platoon, the ambulance should be a HMMWV variant located,
for security, with the nearest company team.
• Coordinate with the closest troop or company team for ground evacuation.
The vehicle commander ensures that casualty feeder and witness statement forms are completed (the casualty feeder
card stays with the wounded soldier; witness statements are given to the PSG). The PSG ensures that the witness
statements are turned over to the 1SG.
Aerial evacuation, if it is available, is preferred because of its speed. The scouts coordinate with their higher command
and then switch to the designated frequency to coordinate directly with the MEDEVAC or CASEVAC aircraft. They
must pick a relatively flat, open, and covered and concealed position for the aircraft’s landing zone (LZ). The location
should be given to the aircraft by radio and marked with colored smoke as the aircraft approaches the area. The scout
platoon provides local security of the LZ until the evacuation is complete.
Regardless of the method of evacuation, all scout leaders must have the necessary CSS graphics available, including
locations of battalion or troop casualty collection points. Evacuation procedures must be part of the platoon plan and
should be rehearsed as part of mission preparation.
A wounded crewman’s individual weapon becomes the responsibility of the vehicle commander. Personal effects,
weapons, and equipment are turned in to the company or troop supply sergeant at the earliest opportunity. The
crewman’s protective mask stays with him at all times. All sensitive items such as maps, overlays, and SOPs should
also remain with the vehicle.
SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION
The battalion or squadron S4 designates the location of the collection point for soldiers who are killed in action (KIA).
The scout platoon leader selects the location of a platoon KIA collection point and report its eight-digit grid to the
battalion or squadron/troop. This collection point will be used only as a last resort when KIA soldiers must be left on
the battlefield. The name of each dead solider, the exact location of the body, and the circumstances are reported to
higher headquarters as soon as possible within the limits of the mission.
The platoon leader designates a primary and alternate vehicle to extract KIAs from the battlefield to the next
scheduled LOGPAC location. The remains of these personnel are placed in a body bag or sleeping bag or rolled in a
poncho for evacuation. The lower dog tag is removed for turn-in to the PSG; he forwards it to the 1SG during the next
resupply operation along with witness statements from those who witnessed the action. The personal effects of the
KIA soldier remain with the body. The soldier’s weapon, equipment, and issue items become the responsibility of the
vehicle commander until they can be turned over to the supply sergeant or 1SG by the PSG.
As a rule, every effort must be made not to place the bodies of KIA soldiers on the same vehicle as wounded soldiers.
If the platoon leader or 1SG cannot expedite evacuation, however, KIAs and WIAs may be carried together on a
vehicle until it reaches its next stop. In the attack, this destination may be the objective. In the defense, it may be the
next BP.