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

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44. Conduct of Attack
a. The scout platoon may remain mounted in the attack and
advance by bounds either to the limit of cover and concealment
or until fire is received from enemy positions. On dismounting,
the scout platoon retains its organization, however each scout section
may operate as a rifle squad or as two machinegun squads.
The machinegun squads may use one or two machineguns. The
techniques of conducting a dismounted attack are the same as for
armored infantry and are discussed in FM 17-20. The platoon vehicles
should be located in a position to the rear, and sufficient personnel
left with them to provide security. Personnel remaining
with the vehicles move them forward on order.
b. When surprise is of the utmost importance, the scout platoon
may move dismounted over the entire distance from the line of
departure to the objective. In such situations, the base of fire will
not begin firing until the maneuvering element is discovered or
fire is requested. This technique is often effective at night or during
periods of limited visibility.
c. Scout elements must frequently be employed in the base of
fire. These elements should make maximum use of machineguns
to keep a heavy volume of fire on the enemy. The base of fire
keeps the enemy pinned down while the maneuvering force closes
on the enemy position.
d. When the scout platoon attacks, the platoon leader should obtain
supporting fires from artillery and mortars. These supporting
fires are obtained by the scout platoon leader through the battalion
commander, operations officer, artillery liaison officer working
with the battalion, or mortar platoon leader. A forward observer,
either artillery or mortar, may be available to assist in requesting
and controlling fires. If not, scouts may request and
control supporting fires.
e. Figure 10 illustrates a'situation in which a scout platoon attacks
to destroy a lightly held enemy roadblock. One scout section
is employed in the base of fire, and two sections in the maneuvering
force.
Section IX. SCOUT PLATOON IN DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS
45. General
As in offensive action, the scout platoon seldom conducts a defense
alone. It will usually participate in a defensive operation as
part of the battalion task force. Most defensive actions which the
scout platoon performs alone will consist of temporary defensive
36 AGO 4088B