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

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49. Blocking Positions
The scout platoon may establish a blocking position in carrying
out various security missions. A blocking position is organized to
deny the enemy access to a given area or to prevent his further
advance in a given direction. A blocking position may consist of a
roadblock or a platoon defensive position covering a specific enemy
avenue of approach.
a. Roadblocks. When the movement of vehicles is largely restricted
to roads, a roadblock may materially assist the scout platoon
to accomplish an assigned mission. Before establishing a
roadblock, the platoon leader should consider all means to obstruct,
delay, and canalize enemy movement. Natural obstacles,
mines, boobytraps, wire, demolitions, and logs are the normal
means used. In addition, the element of surprise and the platoon's
ability to cover an obstacle by fire must be considered. The roadblock
should incorporate obstacles covered by fire; however, if
time or the lack of obstacle material prevents the platoon from
physically placing an obstacle on the road, it establishes the roadblock
by fire alone. Having selected the point or area along a road
where the roadblock will be established, the platoon leader must
select positions for each element of the platoon and allot tasks for
preparing the position and developing the obstacle.
(1) One scout section is normally employed to secure the
flanks and to assist in covering possible bypasses which
the enemy may use to avoid the obstacle.
(2) The remaining scout sections are normally employed to
cover the roadblock by fire. Machineguns are normally
positioned where the best fields of fire are available.
Scouts with rifles cover areas not covered by machinegun
fire (fig. 12).
b. Platoon Defensive Position. See paragraph 46.
Section X. SCOUT PLATOON IN RETROGRADE OPERATIONS
50. General
a. Missions assigned to the scout platoon in retrograde operations
include providing flank security for the battalion task force;
maintaining contact with adjacent units; providing local security
to the front of the delaying units; reconnoitering routes of withdrawal
for the task force; reconnoitering possible delaying positions;
and guiding the troops during the withdrawal to new
positions.
40 AGO 4088B