FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

This type of local security task is fundamental to a properly executed reconnaissance mission; however, it can be very
disruptive to the pace and tempo of the operation. The scout platoon can minimize the disruption, and maximize
speed, by executing a dismount drill.
SECTION 2 — SURVEILLANCE METHODS
Surveillance is the systematic observation of a specific area. Scouts watch, listen, and employ electronic devices to
observe their area of responsibility. The scout platoon can employ the techniques covered in the following discussion
(OPs, patrols, and remote electronic and mechanical devices) to conduct surveillance of an assigned area.
OBSERVATION POSTS
The OP, the primary means of maintaining surveillance of an assigned avenue or NAI, is a position from which scouts
observe the enemy and direct and adjust indirect fires against him. From the OP, scouts send SALUTE reports to their
commander when observing enemy activity.
A scout platoon can occupy up to six short-duration OPs, one per squad, for up to 12 hours if the squads are at full
strength. For extended periods of time, the scout platoon occupies long-duration OPs by sections, which limits OPs to
a maximum of three. In addition, the platoon can array OPs either in linear positions or in depth. Depth is the preferred
method for maintaining contact with a moving enemy. Linear placement is effective when the enemy is not moving; it
provides maximum eyes on the enemy.
Types of OPs
OPs can be executed either mounted or dismounted, as outlined in the following discussion.
Dismounted OPs. The dismounted OP provides maximum stealth and thus has the greatest likelihood of remaining
undetected by the enemy. The disadvantages of the dismounted OP are the time it takes to remount and move if
necessary and, if a ground-mounted thermal device is not available, the lack of optics capability. If rapid movement or
displacement is anticipated, the OP should mount or remain mounted.
Mounted OPs. These offer the advantages of rapid movement and vehicle optics and protection. Because the enemy
can more easily detect them, however, they are potentially much less effective than dismounted OPs.
Positioning of OPs
OPs may be placed on the battlefield either in a linear configuration or in depth. Linear placement (illustrated in
Figure 8-2) allows the platoon to observe the assigned sector from several OP sites, reducing the chance of the enemy
entering the sector without being observed. This method works well when the platoon has been assigned a large sector
with few avenues of approach or is in desert-type terrain. In-depth OP placement (illustrated in Figure 8-3) allows the
platoon to observe the entire sector by placing OP sites where the platoon can observe the most likely avenues of
approach in the sector as well as along the sector flanks. This method works well when the platoon is assigned a sector
with several avenues of approach or is in heavily wooded terrain. In-depth placement allows for redundancy in
observation and better coverage of the sector.