MCWP-3-11.3-Scouting-and-Patrolling

CHAPTER 6. OBSERVING AND REPORTINGWhen sent out on a mission, a scout’s duties are to observe and report. the firstfive chapters covered scout protection measures and movement in enemy territory.This chapter discusses performing the assigned mission and reporting themission after its completion.6001. OBSERVATION POSTSPositionsThe following guidelines apply to observation posts.See figure 6-1.l When selecting observation posts, scouts shouldchose the least prominent position.l Scouts may occupy one or more observation posts.l An observation post should not be manned for morethan 24 hours.l A selected observation post should be observed for10 to 15 minutes to ensure it is not occupied.l Scouts move to the chosen observation post by aconcealed route.l If the post is located on a hill, crawl to a positionwhere the skyline is broken.l If a tree is used, the position should have a backgroundso as not to be silhouetted against the skywhile climbing or observing.l When leaving the observation post, a different routefrom that of the approach should be used.l If a radio is used, its antenna should be located toprovide clear communication to the controllingcommander but masked from enemy observationand direction-finding equipment. Upon departure,scouts should remove the antennae from the observationpost so as not to give away the position.50 meters or less deep, going from right to left parallelto your front; then search from left to right a secondand similar strip farther away but overlapping the first.Continue to observe until the entire field of view hasbeen searched (see fig. 6-2 on page 6-2).At night, use a night observation device. If one is notavailable, search the horizon with short, jerkymovements, and short pauses. Look a little to one sideof an object and then to the other. Lower the headclose to the ground to view the object more clearly.Use low-powered field glasses to increase sight range.ObservingUsing all senses available, be particularly alert formovement, objects, sounds, and smells inappropriateto the surroundings. While observing, avoid all unnecessarymovement. If observing from a building,keep back from doors and windows.In daylight, look first at the ground nearest you. Beginobserving close to your post and search a narrow stripFigure 6-1. Method of Approachingan Observation Post.