FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

More documents

Recommendations

Info

tools he can use. He must still be prepared to use terrain association and map-reading skills in case satellite or land signals are inoperative or unavailable or his digital systems fail. In addition, the platoon leader must not disregard the effects of terrain on the direction of movement. Terrain features that do not show up on the digital display (such as hills, valleys, and cliffs) may cause deviations in the route the platoon must take to reach the next waypoint. Shift from a known point. Shifting from a known point is a convenient tool for the platoon leader to use as he maneuvers the platoon and disseminates control measures. The known point is usually a previously distributed graphic control measure, such as a checkpoint or a TRP. Referencing a location from a known point is done in kilometers. For example, 500 meters is given as "POINT FIVE," 1,000 meters as "ONE," and 3,500 meters as "THREE POINT FIVE." Cardinal directions are used. Shifts to the east or west are given first, followed by shifts to the north or south. As an example, consider the following transmission: "RED SET FROM CHECKPOINT SEVEN – EAST ONE POINT EIGHT – NORTH ONE POINT SEVEN." This means, "We (the Red element) are set at a position 1,800 meters east and 1,700 meters north from checkpoint 7." Figure 2-13 illustrates this example. Figure 2-13. Example of shifting from a known point. Shifts from known points are used routinely to control combat operations. They make reporting of current platoon and enemy positions easier. As noted, the platoon leader can report his location by referencing a graphic control measure. The enemy, however, will quickly figure out the known points if they are continually used in the clear on a nonsecure net. The platoon leader should avoid using the same point more than twice. Instead, he should use a different known point to reference the same location. NOTE: Many units routinely use the TIRS or grid index reference system (GIRS) to make shifts from a known point. TIRS identifies locations based on terrain points previously designated on an overlay; GIRS uses intersections of four grid squares as the known points. SECTION 6 — COMMUNICATIONS Because of the extended frontages and distances over which the scout platoon operates, it must rely heavily on effective communications techniques. These techniques include not only the means of communications (such wire, visual signals, or radio) and the proper way of using them, but also the correct application of operational terms and effective radiotelephone procedures (RTP). The platoon leader must ensure that all of his soldiers understand communications procedures and the different nets on which the platoon operates. MEANS OF TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS The scout platoon always has several available means of communications. Whether it is using messenger, wire, visual, sound, or radio signals, the platoon must remain flexible enough to react quickly to new situations. Use of each of
these means of communication must be carefully planned to avoid dependence on a single method. SOPs can help the platoon tremendously in its mission accomplishment. Hand-and-arm and flag signals aid in platoon movement. Clear and concise radio transmissions can reduce transmission times. Messenger This is the most secure means of communications available to the scout platoon. Messenger service is generally very flexible and reliable. In an assembly area, it is the preferred means. On an infrequent basis, members of the platoon may be called on to act as messengers to the parent unit’s higher headquarters. Wire This method of communications is especially effective in static positions or during the conduct of a screening mission. It is very versatile and can be used in many different situations. Using one of the many wire devices available, the scout platoon establishes hot loops to communicate within the platoon, with OPs, and with the parent unit command post (CP) in assembly areas. Visual Visual communications are used to transmit prearranged messages quickly over short distances. Scout sections or squads may rely heavily on this type of communications. Since the scout platoon rarely operates as a unit over short distances, however, visual signals are seldom used at the platoon level. In those cases when the entire platoon is together, such as in a coil, in an assembly area, or on a road march, all vehicle commanders must stay alert so they can receive visual signals from the platoon leader and pass them on to other vehicle commanders in the platoon. Whenever visual signals are used, they must be clear enough to be understood by vehicle commanders as they operate in tactical situations. Standard hand-and-arm or flag signals work well during periods of good visibility. Flashlights, chemical lights, or other types of lights are required during periods of limited visibility. The platoon must exercise extreme care when using lights to avoid alerting the enemy to friendly intentions. Pyrotechnic ammunition can also be used for visual signaling. The meanings of these signals are identified in paragraph 5 of the OPORD and in the unit signal operation instructions (SOI). The main advantage of pyrotechnics is the speed with which signals can be transmitted. Key disadvantages are the enemy’s ability to see them and, potentially, to imitate them. Sound This form of communications is used mainly to attract attention, transmit prearranged messages, and spread alarms. Sound signals carry only short distances; in addition, range and clarity are greatly reduced by battle noise. Since they are open to enemy interception, use of sound signals may be restricted for security reasons. Prearranged meanings for sound signals are outlined in the unit SOP and SOI; they must be kept simple to prevent misunderstandings. Radio The radio is the platoon’s most flexible, most frequently used, and least secure means of communications. The most effective way to use the radio is to follow standard guidelines for effective RTP; these include brevity, proper use of authentication tables, and the use of approved operational terms. Radio signals can be traced by enemy directionfinding units. Once found, the transmitter can easily be destroyed. For this reason, the scout platoon leader must strictly enforce radio discipline regardless of encryption devices; survival of the platoon depends on good radio habits. RADIO NET ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES Battalion scout platoon nets The following are the radio nets employed and/or monitored by leaders in the battalion scout platoon. (See Figure 2- 14.)
Page 1 and 2: FIELD MANUAL No. 17-98 *FM 17-98 He
Page 3 and 4: Preface On the ever-changing landsc
Page 5 and 6: Figure 1-2. HMMWV scout platoon. VE
Page 7 and 8: Figure 1-4. CFV scout platoon two-s
Page 9 and 10: Eight-squad organization Figure 1-8
Page 11 and 12: general have capabilities and limit
Page 13 and 14: Figure 1-11. HMMWV characteristics.
Page 15 and 16: tactical and operational considerat
Page 17 and 18: • Models that depict the enemy’
Page 19 and 20: Figure 2-4. Example decision suppor
Page 21 and 22: Figure 2-6. Example R&S tasking mat
Page 23 and 24: The military decision-making proces
Page 25 and 26: Step 1 - Receive and analyze the mi
Page 27 and 28: • Where is the key terrain • Ho
Page 29 and 30: After the platoon leader has analyz
Page 31 and 32: leaders have issued their orders, t
Page 33 and 34: different colors for friendly and e
Page 35 and 36: Figure 2-11A. Optimizing battle spa
Page 37: Figure 2-12. Route chart for compas
Page 41 and 42: Administrative/logistics. The scout
Page 43 and 44: • Use a brevity code that reduces
Page 45 and 46: The scout platoon’s scheme of man
Page 47 and 48: Figure 3-1. Area reconnaissance usi
Page 49 and 50: Converging routes method. The patro
Page 51 and 52: signatures of the vehicle and the l
Page 53 and 54: In each type of organization, the g
Page 55 and 56: EXAMPLE OF A ROUTE RECONNAISSANCE F
Page 57 and 58: Figure 3-8D. Route reconnaissance (
Page 59 and 60: Figure 3-8H. Route reconnaissance (
Page 61 and 62: oundaries, an LD, and an LOA or obj
Page 63 and 64: Figure 3-9D. Zone reconnaissance (c
Page 65 and 66: Figure 3-9H. Zone reconnaissance (c
Page 67 and 68: leader feels there may be enemy for
Page 69 and 70: Figure 3-10D. Area reconnaissance (
Page 71 and 72: Figure 3-10H. Area reconnaissance (
Page 73 and 74: troop-leading process (normally a m
Page 75 and 76: Recommending/executing a course of
Page 77 and 78: Figure 3-11D. Reconnaissance of a r
Page 79 and 80: Figure 3-12B. Reconnaissance of an
Page 81 and 82: Figure 3-12F. Reconnaissance of an
Page 83 and 84: Figure 3-13A. Infiltration scheme o
Page 85 and 86: Planning and coordination Figure 3-
Page 87 and 88: defensive operations, forcing it to
Page 89 and 90:
CHAPTER 4 Security Operations In se
Page 91 and 92:
Scouts maintain surveillance from a
Page 93 and 94:
Redundancy. The platoon leader may
Page 95 and 96:
most appropriate role for the scout
Page 97 and 98:
ecause the scouts must move to the
Page 99 and 100:
Figure 4-9b. Repositioning OPs in d
Page 101 and 102:
Figure 4-10. Scout and tank team co
Page 103 and 104:
With his troop commander’s guidan
Page 105 and 106:
eposition to BP A5. The tank platoo
Page 107 and 108:
A. OP J maintains contact with the
Page 109 and 110:
Figure 4-21. Cavalry scout platoon
Page 111 and 112:
Figure 4-24A. Convoy escort actioni
Page 113 and 114:
Figure 4-25C. Escort breaking conta
Page 115 and 116:
The following actions should be tak
Page 117 and 118:
CHAPTER 5 Other Tactical Operations
Page 119 and 120:
ACTIONS IN THE ASSEMBLY AREA As soo
Page 121 and 122:
Checkpoints on a route are used for
Page 123 and 124:
SECTION 3 — BATTLE HANDOVER AND P
Page 125 and 126:
movement, movement formation, and e
Page 127 and 128:
stationary unit is responsible for
Page 129 and 130:
CHAPTER 6 Combat Support The scout
Page 131 and 132:
• Scatterable mines. These includ
Page 133 and 134:
Figure 6-2. Scouts requesting fire
Page 135 and 136:
The scout platoon leader must be pr
Page 137 and 138:
Figure 6-8. Attack helicopter batta
Page 139 and 140:
movement. In addition, the air cava
Page 141 and 142:
The first action in the handoff pro
Page 143 and 144:
SECTION 3 — COMBAT ENGINEERS Brig
Page 145 and 146:
Although passive measures are the f
Page 147 and 148:
Figure 6-17. Stinger air defense sy
Page 149 and 150:
sight range of 10,000 meters agains
Page 151 and 152:
Whatever support the scout platoon
Page 153 and 154:
should conduct resupply during miss
Page 155 and 156:
of inspecting, testing, servicing,
Page 157 and 158:
When a vehicle must be evacuated, t
Page 159 and 160:
SECTION 5 — PRISONERS EPWs are ex
Page 161 and 162:
CHAPTER 8 Basic Scout Skills Scouts
Page 163 and 164:
This type of local security task is
Page 165 and 166:
• Unobstructed observation of the
Page 167 and 168:
is located with his vehicle in the
Page 169 and 170:
Figure 8-7. Sample format and infor
Page 171 and 172:
In this position, the vehicle comma
Page 173 and 174:
Figure 8-13. Platoon column formati
Page 175 and 176:
Figure 8-17. Section vee and wedge
Page 177 and 178:
BOUNDING OVERWATCH Bounding overwat
Page 179 and 180:
Figure 8-23. Mounted crest drill. D
Page 181 and 182:
most vulnerable in wooded areas whe
Page 183 and 184:
The scouts that are not in contact
Page 185 and 186:
Maintain contact to support a hasty
Page 187 and 188:
section/squad leader simply informs
Page 189 and 190:
Deviation spotting As applied to de
Page 191 and 192:
Figure 8-27. Bracketing Bracketing
Page 193 and 194:
CHAPTER 9 Miscellaneous Field Data
Page 195 and 196:
Figure 9-1. Reconnaissance overlay
Page 197 and 198:
Figure 9-1. Reconnaissance overlay
Page 199 and 200:
Figure 9-2. Example of overlay grap
Page 201 and 202:
• Stretching a string or measurin
Page 203 and 204:
7 inches = 17.78 centimeters 8 inch
Page 205 and 206:
the antenna connector on the radio.
Page 207 and 208:
FOOD AND WATER Water collection Wit
Page 209 and 210:
Figure 9-7. Enemy weapons, vehicles
Page 211 and 212:
Page 213 and 214:
Page 215 and 216:
Page 217 and 218:
Page 219 and 220:
Page 221 and 222:
Page 223 and 224:
higher commander’s intent. The sc
Page 225 and 226:
• Linkup time and location. • P
Page 227 and 228:
APPENDIX B Nuclear, Biological, and
Page 229 and 230:
Equipment MOPP level MOPP READY MOP
Page 231 and 232:
Give the alarm. Have all unmasked s
Page 233 and 234:
Figure B-1. NBC marking devices. UN
Page 235 and 236:
contamination remains, so periodic
Page 237 and 238:
movement in the direction of the co
Page 239 and 240:
• Once the wing vehicles reach th
Page 241 and 242:
APPENDIX C Stability and Support Op
Page 243 and 244:
activities. Examples of these are l
Page 245 and 246:
Because of the unique requirements
Page 247 and 248:
US military forces may be tasked fo
Page 249 and 250:
excellent hasty roadblocks because
Page 251 and 252:
Figure C-5. Deliberate checkpoint o
Page 253 and 254:
approaching traffic until it is too
Page 255 and 256:
Photographic filter Instant cameras
Page 257 and 258:
• Contact your checkpoint command
Page 259 and 260:
Figure C-14. Ankle-to-ankle positio
Page 261 and 262:
CORDON AND SEARCH OPERATIONS When i
Page 263 and 264:
the armored unit’s mobility, prot
Page 265 and 266:
APPENDIX D Military Operations on U
Page 267 and 268:
The friendly commander should try t
Page 269 and 270:
• It is vulnerable to enemy infan
Page 271 and 272:
Figure D-3. Gaining a foothold in M
Page 273 and 274:
Figure D-5. CFV provides support as
Page 275 and 276:
Figure E-1. Figure E-1. Environment
Page 277 and 278:
APPENDIX F Risk Management Risk is
Page 279 and 280:
Moderate (M) Low (L) Expected degra
Page 281 and 282:
• Thoroughly brief all aspects of
Page 283 and 284:
APPENDIX G Fratricide Prevention Fr
Page 285 and 286:
Lapses in individual discipline can
Page 287 and 288:
target identification before they i
Page 289 and 290:
Glossary A AA AAR ABF ACE ACR ADA A
Page 291 and 292:
div DP DPICM DS DST DTD division de
Page 293 and 294:
I J k ICM ID IEDK IFF IFSAS IPB IR
Page 295 and 296:
NCO NCOIC NCS NEO NGO NLT NOD nonco
Page 297 and 298:
RISTA ROE ROI ROUTEREP RP RSI rte R
Page 299 and 300:
TTP tactics, techniques, and proced
Page 301 and 302:
ARTEP 17-237-10-MTP Mission Trainin
show all

FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?