FM 3-19.4 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

FM 3-19.4
first take measures to protect themselves, find out what
they are up against, and then decide on a COA. To
properly execute actions on contact, MP must take
action consistent with the following fundamentals of
reconnaissance:
• Remain focused on the reconnaissance objective.
• Report quickly and accurately.
• Maintain contact with the enemy.
• Retain the freedom to maneuver.
• Develop the situation rapidly.
3-117. The platoon leader specifies the actions on
contact for the platoon. These specific instructions
include the engagement criteria and the desired COA,
based on the size and activity of the enemy force
encountered. By knowing these details ahead of time,
MP can develop the situation more rapidly and arrive at
and execute the desired COA. The platoon strives to
make contact with the smallest possible element. Visual
contact in which the enemy is observed, but MP remain
undetected, is the goal. This gives the platoon the
greatest possible flexibility to maneuver and develop the
situation.
3-118. The steps that make up the actions on contact
must be thoroughly trained and rehearsed so that the
platoon can react instinctively as a team whenever it
encounters enemy forces. The four steps which are
executed to allow the platoon to accomplish its mission
according to the reconnaissance fundamentals are—
• Deploy and report.
• Evaluate and develop the situation.
• Choose a COA.
• Execute a COA.
3-52 Shoot, Move, and Communicate