FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

leader feels there may be enemy forces along the route to the area to be reconnoitered, the platoon should employ the
principles of tactical movement based on METT-TC factors. During movement to the area, it may be appropriate
(depending on the commander’s intent) for the platoon to avoid contact. The platoon leader may also choose to orient
and focus sections or squads on checkpoints as the platoon moves to the area.
The platoon leader encloses the given area within a platoon zone; he uses boundaries, a LD, and an LOA. He can
divide the area into section zones by placing boundaries on identifiable terrain; this ensures that each section has
responsibility for specific pieces of terrain.
The platoon leader places contact points at the intersections of phase lines and boundaries and any other places he
wants physical contact and coordination between his scout sections. He uses TIRS as necessary. He works with the
FSO to plan indirect fires to support the platoon’s scheme of maneuver.
The platoon can conduct area reconnaissance using any of the platoon organizations. The platoon leader deploys his
sections abreast across the LD to accomplish their reconnaissance tasks. Formations are often not appropriate to the
area reconnaissance mission because the area may be irregular in shape and because of the wide variety of METT-TC
considerations the platoon may encounter.
EXAMPLE OF AN AREA RECONNAISSANCE
The following example of area reconnaissance is for a battalion scout platoon. Figure 3-10 illustrates this situation.
Figure 3-10A. Area reconnaissance.