FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

Maintain contact to support a hasty attack. This COA is appropriate when the scouts discover enemy elements the
higher commander wants to destroy, but which the scouts cannot destroy, either because they lack sufficient combat
power or because they have other tasks to perform. In this situation, the scouts maintain contact by leaving a section or
squad in contact. The rest of the platoon continues on to accomplish its other reconnaissance tasks while monitoring
any changes in the enemy situation and supporting the hasty attack by a friendly unit.
The platoon focuses on requirements for a successful friendly attack, including the following:
• Locating covered and concealed movement routes for friendly attacking units.
• Locating attack positions.
• Establishing a contact point to link up with, brief, and guide the friendly unit as necessary.
• Designating an LD to use as a handoff line to the attacking unit.
• Preparing and coordinating fire support for the friendly attack.
• Locating and preparing to occupy base of fire positions, if required.
It is essential that the section or squad left in contact understand what needs to be accomplished, who will be
executing the attack, and when the friendly unit anticipates being in position to receive handoff of the enemy. As the
unit responsible for the attack moves into position, the scouts in contact may rejoin the platoon or be placed OPCON
to the attacking unit to ease command, control, and coordination.
Conduct a hasty attack. In most cases, the scouts cannot, or should not, mass their combat power to defeat an enemy
force. If the scouts concentrate, they risk losing the capability to complete their mission as well as jeopardizing their
ability to conduct subsequent missions. If the scouts are permitted to attack an enemy, they should only attack lightly
armored or unarmored reconnaissance vehicles, such as motorcycles or Soviet-style BRDMs and BTRs. They should
avoid attacking more heavily armored vehicles except in self-defense.
Establish a hasty defense. The platoon will establish a hasty defense if it cannot bypass the enemy, all the sections
and/or squads are fixed or suppressed, and the platoon no longer has the ability to move forward. A hasty defense will
also be used when the enemy executes a hasty attack. The platoon maintains contact or fixes the enemy in place until
additional combat power arrives or the platoon is ordered to move. If the scout platoon is required to conduct a hasty
defense, the commander then becomes responsible for continuing to develop the situation.
Step 4 - Execute a course of action
The platoon leader updates his spot report to the commander with any new information and then recommends a COA
to the commander. The commander approves or disapproves the recommended COA based on how it will affect the
parent unit’s mission.
If the commander and the S2 have anticipated the enemy situation the scout platoon is reporting, they will already
have addressed the contingency in the OPORD and given guidance to their subordinates on what COA the scout
platoon should execute. In such a case, the scout platoon leader can evaluate the situation, choose a COA consistent
with his higher commander’s intent or concept, and execute it without further guidance. He keeps the commander
informed of what he is doing as he executes the COA.
EXAMPLES OF ACTIONS ON CONTACT
The following examples illustrate actions on contact in a variety of tactical situations. They are organized using the
four-step process.
Actions on contact with an unknown or superior force
Deploy and report. The scouts make contact as the lead scout vehicle is engaged. The lead scout and the overwatch
see the signature of the enemy weapon system; since they do not have a clear idea of the size of the enemy, they react
as if it were a superior force. Simultaneously, the lead scout returns fire, sends a contact report, pops smoke grenades,
and moves to the nearest hide position. The overwatch vehicle also engages the source of enemy fire and monitors to
ensure the contact report is sent. As soon as the lead vehicle is in a covered and concealed position, the overwatch
vehicle moves to an alternate firing position and occupies a hide position.
As soon as they reach cover and concealment, both vehicles send out dismounted elements, which quickly establish a
hasty OP to regain or maintain contact with the source of enemy fire. The scout leader follows up on the contact report