FM 17-35 ( Armored Cavalry Platoon, Troop and Squadron ) 1960

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Section IV. COMBAT OPERATIONS OF SCOUT PLATOON,
GENERAL
20. General
a. This section covers techniques used by the scout platoon in
reconnaissance, security, attack, defense, and delay missions.
These techniques are also applicable to scout elements of the armored
cavalry platoon.
b. The scout platoon is most effectively employed as a unit, and
is reinforced as necessary for accomplishment of a mission. It
uses ground vehicles or supporting Army aircraft in the execution
of its missions.
21. Movement to Contact
a. General. The scout platoon may 'be required to lead an advance
to contact of its parent battalion. Ground movement to
contact by scout elements combines mounted movement with dismounted
movement to ensure security against enemy ground observation
and direct fire. All scouts should master the techniques
of mounted and dismounted ground movement.
b. Formations. The formation adopted must be flexible so that
each new situation may be met effectively. The relationship of the
formation to the parent unit will be dictated by the mission.
c. Mounted Movement. Mounted scout elements normally work
in pairs and move by bounds (par. 22). When enemy contact is
imminent, one element normally remains stationary and covers
the movement of another element with observation and fire (fig.
3). This procedure assists in locating enemy positions, furnishes
fire to cover the movement of leading vehicles, and ensures rapid
transmission of information. The basic techniques of movement
used by the scout platoon are as follows:
(1) Before moving, the leading scout element must determine
its next position and a favorable route to it. During
movement, the scout element must move as rapidly
as the situation permits, and must be on the alert for
enemy troops, cover, and concealment.
(2) When approaching a position that will afford new areas
of observation, the commander of the leading vehicle
should stop his vehicle and dismount while in defilade to
prevent enemy forces beyond the position from detecting
his presence. The fundamentals of individual movement
discussed in FM 21-75 are applicable. When the
position is secure, the overwatching scout element moves
forward.
14 AGO 4088B