FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON
FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON
FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON
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Step 1 - Receive and analyze the mission<br />
The platoon leader normally receives his orders as an oral or written OPORD, as a FRAGO, or as a warning order.<br />
Upon receipt of the order, he begins analyzing the mission using the factors of METT-TC: mission, enemy, terrain<br />
(and weather), troops, time available, and civilian considerations. Mission analysis is a continuous process. The<br />
platoon leader constantly receives information during the planning phase and must decide if it affects his mission. If it<br />
does, he then decides how to adjust his plan to meet this new situation.<br />
Initial actions. Although mission analysis is continuously refined throughout the troop-leading process, the platoon<br />
leader’s initial actions are normally based only on the initial warning order from higher. These include an initial<br />
METT-TC analysis covering the terrain and enemy and friendly situations.<br />
The platoon leader may also conduct his initial time analysis, develop an initial security plan, and issue his own initial<br />
warning order to provide guidance and planning focus for his subordinates. At a minimum, the initial platoon warning<br />
order should cover the enemy and friendly situations, movement instructions, and coordinating instructions such as an<br />
initial timeline and security plan. (NOTE: The initial analysis is normally conducted as quickly as possible to allow<br />
the platoon leader to issue the initial warning order in a timely manner. He then conducts a more detailed METT-TC<br />
analysis after the initial warning order is put out.)<br />
NOTE: The technique of using multiple warning orders is a valuable tool for the platoon leader during the troopleading<br />
process. He can issue warning orders for several purposes: to alert subordinates of the upcoming<br />
mission, to initiate the parallel planning process, and to put out tactical information incrementally as it is<br />
received (ultimately reducing the length of the OPORD). Refer to <strong>FM</strong> 71-1 for a discussion of how warning<br />
orders are employed at various stages of the troop-leading procedures.<br />
METT-TC analysis. The following discussion covers the six factors of METT-TC in detail. (NOTE: METT-TC<br />
factors are not necessarily analyzed sequentially. How and when the platoon leader analyzes each factor depends on<br />
when the information is made available to him.)<br />
Mission. After receiving an essential task and purpose, either in a warning order or the OPORD, the platoon leader<br />
can then begin the analysis of his own mission. He may use a refined product to better visualize the interrelationships<br />
of the terrain, the enemy, and friendly forces. These may include a MCOO and/or the situational template (SITEMP),<br />
if available. The platoon leader’s goal in this analysis is to clarify what the scout platoon is to accomplish and why the<br />
platoon must accomplish it. Key considerations in the analysis include the following:<br />
• What is my task and purpose for this operation<br />
• What is the commander’s intent<br />
• What are the specified tasks for the operation (those that the commander stated must be accomplished)<br />
(NOTE: In the OPORD, these tasks are outlined in paragraph 3, which comprises the commander’s intent,<br />
concept of the operation, tasks to subordinate units, and coordinating instructions.)<br />
• What are the implied tasks for the operation These are other tasks, not specifically noted by the commander,<br />
that must be accomplished during the operation.<br />
• What are the essential tasks for the operation These are all tasks, both specified and implied, that are absolutely<br />
required to ensure mission success.<br />
Enemy. The platoon leader’s analysis of the enemy situation should focus on the areas outlined in <strong>FM</strong> 71-1 (doctrinal<br />
analysis and objectives, composition and disposition, capabilities, weaknesses, anticipated COAs, and factors that can<br />
influence these COAs). The analysis can focus on the following considerations:<br />
• What types of enemy units is the platoon up against<br />
• Where are these units<br />
• What is the enemy doing<br />
• How strong is he<br />
• What kind of equipment does he have<br />
• What are his capabilities and weaknesses<br />
• Where is he vulnerable<br />
• Where are his kill zones and fire sacks<br />
• What are the enemy’s intentions, doctrinal objectives, and most probable COA(s)<br />
• What can he do in response to friendly actions