sop

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SCOUTPLATOON

SOP

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL.....................................................................3Purpose.................................................- 3Uniform ...............................................- 3Packing List .......................................- 4COMMAND AND CONTROL.....................................................................5Organization .....................................- 5Succession of Command...............- 5Orders / Orders Group....................- 6Security Readiness Conditions(REDCON)..........................................- 6Communications..............................- 7Reports..................................................- 9Operational Terms / Code Words /Glossary.............................................- 13TACTICAL OPERATIONS..................................................................15PCC / PCI.........................................- 15Air Defense.......................................- 16Fire Support....................................- 16Tactical Road Marches...............- 17Assembly Areas.............................- 17

Passage of Lines /Coordinate with adjacent units- 19Screen.................................................- 19Observation Posts.........................- 20Reconnaissance Missions..........- 20Route Reconnaissance...............- 21Area Reconnaissance..................- 21Zone Reconnaissance..................- 21NBC Operations............................- 22Airmobile Operations..................- 23Medevac............................................- 24Prisoners...........................................- 25Recovery from Field.....................- 26BATTLE DRILLS..................................................................27Enemy Contact..............................- 27Receiving Indirect Fire..............- 28Obstacle / Minefield Contact....- 28

INDEX

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GENERAL

PURPOSE

The purpose of this SOP is to provide soldiers assigned or attached to this platoon with anoverview of the platoon, its missions and capabilities, and to standardize routineprocedures for combat operations, combat support (CS), and combat service support (CSS)within the platoon. It applies in all situations except when modified by the platoon leader,platoon sergeant, or higher orders. All soldiers assigned or attached to this platoon willread and comply with the provisions of this SOP. This SOP will be issued to andmaintained by all members of the scout platoon.

UNIFORM

ID tags (dogtags) will be worn and ID card will be carried at all times.During normal duty training the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) will be worn.During field training or combat operations the following uniform will be worn:

Battle Dress Uniform (BDU)Kevlar helmet with name on camo bandLBE consisting of pistol belt, suspenders, two ammo pouches with three 30rdmagazines each, canteen on left hip, and first aid pouch (with field dressing,casualty feeder card, and witness statement card) on left top of suspendersProtective mask carried on left side.A compass, military flashlight, small buttpack, and an additional canteen areauthorized on the LBE but are not required.Individual weapon with magazine will accompany the soldier at all times.

If glasses are required, a spare pair will be on hand (stored in rucksack while in field) andoptical inserts will be installed in protective mask.

No modifications will be made to this uniform i.e. boonie caps, dust scarves, etc. withoutPSG / PL approval.

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PACKING LIST

Rucksack: Waterproof bag; One change of underwear and minimum of three pair ofsocks; Poncho liner or army wool blanket; Field jacket or Gortex; Black leather gloves;MOPP uniform; Overshoes; Poncho (in outer pouch); W/W uniform (in outer pouch);Personal hygiene items to include shaving gear, toothbrush & paste, soap, and towel (inouter pouch); Entrenching tool attached to exterior of rucksack. Additional canteens maybe attached to the exterior of the rucksack but are not required. The sleeping pad may bepacked either attached to the rucksack or in the duffel bag. Do not pack additionalpersonal items in the rucksack as the remaining space is to be used for ammunition,rations, and equipment such as radios and sights. You may have one CVC bag (orcomparable size and color civilian bag) for your personal items.

Sleeping Bag Roll: Waterproof bag; Sleeping bag; Spare BDU; Towel; Laundry Bag;Minimum of two changes of underwear and socks. Spare combat boots. [instructions:layout sleeping bag and place all items flat on sleeping bag then roll sleeping bag and tieoff. Place roll in waterproof bag and secure.]

Duffel Bag: Remaining BDU’s; Underwear; Socks; PT uniform complete with runningshoes; All additional TA-50 including the shelter half with pins, poles, and rope.

Additional Packing Instructions: When moving by air to the NTC or a potential combatzone place the sleeping bag roll items inside the duffel bag or rucksack. Ensure you have alock on the duffel bag. Remove any items attached to the exterior of the rucksack and placeinside either the rucksack or duffel bag. After air movement the rucksack and sleeping bagroll will always accompany the soldier and will be stored on his assigned vehicle. Theduffel bag may be stored either on the vehicle or at a company location supervised by thesupply sergeant and may not be accessible for long periods of time.

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COMMAND AND CONTROL

ORGANIZATION

The platoon consists of 1 officer and 29 enlisted men with 10 scout vehicles. It is organizedwith a HQ section and 4 Scout sections ( A, B, C, and D sections ). HQ section consists of:Two vehicles, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant, two Drivers, two Scouts. Each scoutsection consists of: Two vehicles, Section sergeant, Squad Leader, two Drivers, and twoScouts.The platoon may operate as a single element or split into 2, 3, or 4 teams or in some casesas 8-10 individual vehicles.

SUCCESSION OF COMMAND

During combat, any member of the platoon may be required to assume command. Platoonsuccession of command will be as follows: Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant, SectionLeaders by rank, Squad Leaders by rank, Soldiers by rank. The Battalion Commander ortactical operations center (TOC) must be notified immediately of change of command.When it is necessary for a new leader to assume command of the platoon, he willaccomplish the following tasks as the situation allows:

Inform higher headquarters of the change.Reestablish the chain of command and make subordinates aware of the change.Check the platoon's equipment and personnel status.Confirm all elements' positions.Assess the platoon's ability to continue the mission.Report results of the assessment to higher headquarters.Continue the mission.The bottom line: When in charge, TAKE CHARGE!!

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OPORD/ORDERS GROUP

Prior to each mission the platoon leader will issue an Operation Order (OPORD) andthroughout a mission may issue Fragmentary Orders (FRAGO) to modify the originalorder. The platoon leader may call for the entire platoon to attend or for just the OrdersGroup. The orders group consists of all vehicle commanders and leaders of any attachedelements. Orders group personnel will bring the following items: Map, Blank Overlaysheet w/markers, OPORD matrix or notepaper/pen. All other personnel attending willbring notepaper/pen.

SECURITY READINESS CONDITIONS (REDCON)

To allow the platoon to maintain security while preparing for missions and to be able toexecute missions on time, the platoon will always be in one of the following readinessconditions.

REDCON 1: Ready to move immediately. All vehicle weapons manned. All equipmentstowed. All personnel mounted in vehicles. Engines running.

REDCON 2: Ready to move within 15 minutes. All vehicle weapons manned. Allequipment not being used is stowed. Platoon has one man guarding the entrance to theplatoon area. Engines off.

REDCON 3: Ready to move within 1 hour. One vehicle weapon manned per section.Platoon has one man guarding the entrance to the platoon area and two men patrolling theplatoon perimeter. One man per vehicle allowed to sleep once priority work is done.

REDCON 4: Ready to move within 2 hours. One vehicle weapon manned within theplatoon. Platoon has one man guarding the entrance to the platoon area and two menpatrolling the platoon perimeter.

STAND DOWN: Platoon no longer needs to maintain high level security, normallywhen the platoon is ending field training. The PL or PSG will determine furtherrequirements.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: During the conduct of our missions, unless the driver is theonly person on the vehicle the vehicle weapon will be manned!

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COMMUNICATIONS

SCOUT RADIO NET ORGANIZATION. Because a scout could find himself needing to useany radio in the platoon, all radios will have the same frequency set in the same channelsto prevent confusion.

CUE: Scout CUE FrequencyMAN: Scout MAN FrequencyChannel 1: Scout Platoon (When not in FREQ.HOP mode the Scout

MAN Freq. will be entered)Channel 2: Battalion CommandChannel 3: Fire Support Net (Normally the Mortar Platoon)Channel 4: Mission DictatesChannel 5: Mission DictatesChannel 6: Medevac (During training this will be the Range

Control Freq.)

Channels 4 and 5 are for each vehicle commander to use depending on his mission. Forexample, Alpha section may need to talk with the unit on our left while Delta section talkswith the unit on our right and the PSG talks on the A&L net. Remember these twochannels will almost never be the same from one radio to the next.

The Scout platoon callsign is “Ghostrider”. Scout subelement callsigns are as follows:Platoon Leader Ghostrider 1Platoon Sergeant Ghostrider 4A section sergeant Ghostrider 2A squad leader Ghostrider 3B section sergeant Ghostrider 5B squad leader Ghostrider 6C section sergeant Ghostrider 7C squad leader Ghostrider 8D section leader Ghostrider 9D squad leader Ghostrider 10 (Pronounced "ten," not "one-zero")

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Authorized suffixes to the callsigns are:Driver DeltaObserver OscarGunner GulfDismounted patrol/OPEagle

Company (Warrior) and Battalion (Dragon) callsigns:Commander ; CSM/1SG ; XO6 ; 9 ; 5TOC X-rayS-2 ; S-3 ; ALO ; FSO2 ; 3 ; 3 Alpha ; 3 FoxtrotMaint. ; Recovery ; Supply Wrench ; 88 ; 4Medic Bones

All Scout elements and attachments will operate in the frequency hop mode on the Scoutplatoon net. The Scout net must be monitored at all times. If you do not have dual netcapability and need to talk on another net you must request permission to leave the net bycontacting the PL and let him know which net you are going to, and why. For example:“Shadow 6 this is Shadow 1, request permission to leave net to call for fire on mortar net,over. Shadow 1 this is Shadow 6, roger out.” Remember to wait for the PL’s reply beforechanging nets, and when you return to the Scout net notify the PL that you are back on thenet.

Reports and information about you or other friendly elements will always be transmittedby secure means.

Make maximum use of hand-and-arm signals and face-to-face communications. If you cancommunicate without using the radio DO SO !

Although it is extremely difficult and unlikely for an enemy to jam a SINCGARS infrequency hop mode or understand what we are saying, the radiated energy put out duringtransmission is able to be detected by the enemy and they can direction find you. Use thelowest power necessary to get your call through. The stronger your power output, the easierfor the enemy to direction find your location. Long messages also give an enemy more timeto find you. Keep all transmissions short and to the point. Writing down your messagebefore transmitting can help keep your message short.

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REPORTS

Important note: Different units require variations in the report formats of some reports,especially logistic/supply reports. The reports contained in this SOP provide the PL andPSG with the information they require to consolidate information and send reports higher.All vehicle commanders will have the SOP for our Battalion and any unit we may beattached to in their leaders packet. Normally reports to higher units are sent by the PL orPSG, but if any other person in our platoon has to send reports higher they will comply withthe higher units SOP.

Spot report - The most important of the reports a scout must know, it is used to sendinformation about what you observe and what action you are taking to the commander.The standard spot report consists of three elements as follows:

Who the observer is (if the observer is sending the report this line may be omitted)What was observed, where, and when (never say time now as the report may pass up thru several headquarters many hours later)What action the observer is taking

Remember to keep your report as short as possible while including all the importantinformation. Writing it down before sending it will help to keep your report short and willgive you a record of what you saw so when the TOC calls you 4 hours later wanting you torepeat the report because they lost it you will know what you sent. The spot report ismeant to be a flexible report and does not have to involve direct enemy activity (notice thesecond sample)

Be aware that during a battle there are going to be many elements trying to report on theradio at the same time so only include critical information. If there is very little radiotraffic then you should include more detailed information such as unit markings, type ofrifles, uniform, etc.

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Sample spot reports

“Ghostrider 1 this is Ghostrider 3 spot report, over”“This is Ghostrider 1 send it, over”“This is Ghostrider 3, two BRDM’s moving west inside the woodline, grid 113966, time 0515, continuing to observe, over”“This is Ghostrider 1, roger out”

“Ghostrider 1 this is Ghostrider 5 spot report, over”“This is Ghostrider 1 send it, over”“This is Ghostrider 5, destroyed bridge, grid 551151, time 2150, looking for bypass, over”“This is Ghostrider 1, roger out”

“Ghostrider 1 this is Ghostrider 7 spot report, over”“This is Ghostrider 1 send it, over”“This is Ghostrider 7, one MT-L, seven soldiers, grid 032441, time 0305, appear to be emplacing minefield, request to call for fire, over”“This is Ghostrider 1, switch to mortar net and call for fire, out”

Contact report - This report is used when you become involved in a situation the PL needsto be aware of, but you cannot send him an immediate detailed report. A contact reportmust be followed up by a detailed report as soon as possible. Contact reports normallyinvolve enemy forces you must react to for survival before you are able to send detailedinformation. The report consists of your callsign, nature of contact, and location (ifpossible).

Sample contact reports:

“This is Ghostrider 2, contact, BRDM, 100 meters west, out”

“This is Ghostrider 4, contact, minefield, out”

“This is Ghostrider 8, contact, troops, out”

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Situation Report (Sitrep) - A sitrep is used so the PL will know that what you are doingand your current capabilities matches what he believes about you and what you are doing.A full Sitrep consists of:

Your callsign (or section if you are reporting for both vehicles)Enemy activity summaryYour current strength (number of vehicles, personnel)Your location(s) and what you are currently doingYour current class I, III, V status (Green, Amber, Red, or Black. Refer to the chart on page 10)

An abbreviated Sitrep does not include your strength and supply status. Unless a fullSitrep is called for only send the abbreviated version.

Sample Sitreps:

“Ghostrider 7 this is Ghostrider 1, send full sitrep, over”“This is Ghostrider 7, Delta section, 1 BRDM moving north 0215hrs, no enemy currently under observation, I am 2 slant 6, grid 676897, established OP4, observing NAI 9, class I and V green, class III amber, over”“This is Ghostrider 1, roger out”

“Ghostrider 2 this is Ghostrider 1send sitrep, over”“This is Ghostrider 2, no enemy observed, I am 200 meters west of PL Seahawk, moving to CP 19, over”“This is Ghostrider 1, roger out”

Yellow Status - Combines the Battalions Yellow 2 (Ammo status), Yellow 3 (Fuel status),and MRE reports. Used to report amount of critical ammo types and fuel on hand. Referto the chart on page 10 to determine line #’s and color codes.

Sample Yellow 2:

“Ghostrider 9this is Ghostrider 4, send your yellow status, over”“This is Ghostrider 9, line 3 amber, line 7 red, all others green, over”“This is Ghostrider 4, roger out”

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Line # Ammo type / Full Basic Load Green 90-100% Amber 80-89% Red 60-79% Black </= 59%1 .50cal 1800 rds per M2 1620-1800 1440-1619 1080-1439 0-10792 40mm linked 350 rds per MK19 315-350 280-314 210-279 0-209 3 7.62mm 600 rds per M60 540-600 480-359 360-479 0-3594 M136 (AT-4) 4 rds per Veh 4 3 2 0-1 5 5.56mm 350 rds per M16 315-350 280-314 210-279 0-2096 40mmHEDP 48 rds per M203 44-48 39-4 3 29-38 0-28 7 Fuel tank + Fuel can 25 + 5 Gal per veh 27-30 24-26 18-23 0-178 Water 10 gal per veh 9-10 8 6-7 0-5 9 MRE 12 per man 11-12 9-10 6-8 0-5

Yellow Request - Combines the Battalions Yellow 2A (Ammo request) and Yellow 3A(Fuel request) reports. This report is used to request refill of your basic load of class I, III,and V. Refer to the Yellow status chart to determine how much you need to have a fullbasic load and use those line #’s for the request plus line 10 for any additional items youmay need. Line 10 is not limited to ammo or fuel items, but should be limited to missionessential items.

Sample Yellow Request:

“Ghostrider 4 this is Ghostrider 3, yellow request, over”“This is Ghostrider 4, send it, over”“This is Ghostrider 3, line 4, one, line 7, ten, line 10, one quart engine oil, one quart CLP, two SINCGARS batteries, over”“This is Ghostrider 4, roger out”

10Green 2 (Sensitive items report) - Sent to the PL / PSG daily at 0430 & 1630 after youhave confirmed by serial number that all sensitive items are still present. All items arepresent is reported as GREEN, any item missing is reported as RED followed by adescription and serial number of what is missing.

Sample Green 2:

“Ghostrider 4 this is Ghostrider 10, green 2 green, over”“This is Ghostrider 4, roger out”

“Ghostrider 4 this is Ghostrider 9, green 2 red, M16 serial 1145293 over”“This is Ghostrider 4, if that soldier doesn’t recover that rifle by the time I arrive I will rip his limbs from his body, disembowel him, and barbecue his nuts, out”

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OPERATIONAL TERMS / CODE WORDS / GLOSSARY

AA Assembly AreaALO Air Liaison OfficerAVLB Armored Vehicle Launched BridgeBimp BMP- Enemy Infantry Fighting

VehicleBirdum BRDM- Enemy Scout VehicleBlitz Move rapidly to a designated

locationBMNT Beginning of Morning Nautical

TwilightBP Battle PositionBSA Brigade Support AreaCandle Artificial illumination / flareCCIR Commanders critical Information

RequirementsCCP Casualty Collection PointCEV Combat Engineer VehicleCM Continue(ing) MissionCO Continue(ing) to ObserveCP Check Point ; Command PostCTCP Combat Trains Command PostDTG Date Time Group

(DayTimeMonthYear)Example- 312359Dec99

EENT End of Evening Nautical TwilightEstablished Position is occupied and fully

mission readyEPW Enemy Prisoners of WarFAC Forward Air ControllerFix LocationFSA Forward Support AreaFSO Fire Support OfficerGas Take protective measures for

chemical attackGeiger chase Conduct radiological survey or

monitorGeiger sweet No radiation detectedGeiger sour Radiation contamination detectedGSR Ground Surveillance RadarGreen Radios operating in secure modeHomestead Position is to be occupied for more

than 12 hoursICE Individual Chemical EquipmentIPB Intelligence Preparation of the

Battlefield

LD Line of DepartureLOA Limit of AdvanceLRP Logistic Resupply PointLZ Landing ZoneMOPP Mission Oriented Protective

PostureMoving (Set/Move technique) My element

is movingMSR Main Supply RouteNAI Named Area of InterestNFA No Fire AreaOccupied At a designated location but not

fully establishedOP Observation PostPCC / PCI Pre Combat Checks / Pre Combat

InspectionsPIR Priority Intelligence RequirementsPL Phase Line (don’t confuse with

PL- platoon leader)PMCS Preventive Maintenance Checks

and ServicesPP Passage PointPZ Pickup ZoneRed Radios operating in unsecure

modeRed air Enemy aircraftRP Release PointSet (Set/Move technique) My element

is ready to coveryour move

SIR Specific Information Requirements

SOI Signal Operating Instructions(containsfrequencies/passwords)

SP Start PointTAI Target Area of InterestTCP Traffic Control PointTits Up Vehicle / Equipment is destroyed

or not mission readyTOC Tactical Operations CenterTRP Target Reference PointUMCP Unit Maintenance Collection PointVisit Position is to be occupied for 12

hours or less

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Grid encryption codesSET 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9WOLF B L A C K H O R S EDOG B R A D L E Y S U XFOX D U M P R I V A T EBEAR I F O U N D T H E MSNAKE J O K E R I S B A DGATOR S H A D O W U N I THAWK U G L Y M O T H E R

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TACTICAL OPERATIONS

PRECOMBAT CHECKS / PRECOMBAT INSPECTIONS - Actions taken by thesoldiers to ensure all equipment is ready for any upcoming mission, and by all NCO’s toensure their equipment and soldiers are ready for any upcoming mission.

Driver responsibilities1. Ensure vehicle and radio operators manuals are present. 2. Perform Preventive Maintenance Checks and Service (PMCS) of vehicle and record

results on DA2404 / 5988-E daily. Dispatch vehicle and keep record of fuel / oil use.3. Ensure vehicle fuel tank is topped off at all times.4. Perform PMCS of radio system and set radio frequencies according to the

communications section of this SOP or according to the Operations Order if specified.Make radio check with PL vehicle.

5. Ensure vehicle is loaded by load plan to include: Basic issue items (BII) especially firstaid kit, fire extinguisher, and warning triangles (these three items must be present andserviceable prior to moving the vehicle) ; Fuel can and water cans are topped off ;Rations stowed ; Rags available ; Batteries for radio, nightvision goggles/sights,flashlights ; Personal baggage stowed.

6. Assist other crew members with their responsibilities.

Observer / Gunner responsibilities1. Ensure weapons operators manuals are present and all BII are present especially the

.50 caliber headspace and timing gage; M60 spare barrel; cleaning kits with rags,patches, and oil for all weapons; Ruptured cartridge case extractors for the .50 caliberand M60 machineguns; Blank firing adapters if required.

2. Perform PMCS of crew served weapons and clean / lubricate according to TM daily.3. Ensure vehicle is loaded by load plan to include: Weapons BII; Tripod with T&E

mechanisms; Ammunition; Night vision sights (AN/TAS-4, TVS-5, PVS-4, PVS-7);Mine detector; Demolition kit; PEWS; TA-1 / TA-312; Wire and reel; NBC equipment(M13 decon, M256, M8 alarm, CAM, IM174, AN/PDR27); Personal baggage stowed.

4. Load and test fire weapons ONLY ON ORDER from PL / PSG.5. Assist other crew members with their responsibilities.

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Vehicle Commander1. Ensure personnel, vehicle, and equipment are serviceable / mission ready. Report

deficiencies to the PSG / PL.2. Ensure vehicle is loaded by load plan to include Leaders packet. Assist crew as

required. Leaders packet will contain:FM 17-98 & FM17-98-1Scout leader notebook or FKSM 17-98-2Platoon & Battalion SOPMap with current overlayCurrent SOI extractGTA’s covering Route classification, Bridge classification,Demolitions, Mines, NBC reporting, Heat/Cold injuriesOverlay marking pens

3. Receive OPORD from PL / PSG.

AIR DEFENSE - The PL will use a two word code to indicate our air defense posture. Thefirst word will represent the possibility of attack - WHITE (attack not likely); YELLOW(attack possible); or RED (attack expected). The second word will determine our weaponresponse status - HOLD (do not fire unless attacked); TIGHT (may only fire at aircraftpositively identified as enemy); or FREE (may fire at any aircraft not identified asfriendly). Once the decision has been made to engage an aircraft, all weapons will fire atthe same target to mass our fire and increase the chance of hitting the target. The rule isto fire at the same target that your immediate leader engages. The idea is to create a wallof fire the aircraft must fly through.Important note: MK19 gunners must remain aware that their rounds must not be firedin the direction of friendly ground units as the grenades that miss the aircraft will explodeupon striking the ground. Bullets pose a similar risk but at a reduced level as they haveexpended almost all of their energy before they return to earth.

FIRE SUPPORT - Indirect fire using mortars, artillery, or aircraft should be a scoutsprimary method of engaging an enemy force as it does not reveal our location to the enemy.Smoke may conceal our movement and illumination may assist our night vision sights or ifdropped on the ground may “wash out” an enemies night vision sights. Indirect fire targetsshould be preplanned on likely areas the enemy might be at prior to our starting a missionto increase the response time. Once a scout has occupied a position it is important to callthe FSO and get a no fire zone established to prevent friendly fires from impacting onyou. All scouts need to know how to call for and adjust fire using the following format: Observer callsign and warning order (Adjust fire, Immediate suppression, fire for effect) Target Location (Grid, Polar, Shift from known point) Target description, method of engagement, method of fire & control (Methods areoptional except danger close must be called if friendlies are within 600 meters of target) Direction to target & adjustments (Add, drop, left, right) (Up, down used to adjust heightof Illumination rounds)

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End of mission & results

Sample call for fire: “Arrow 7 this is Ghostrider 1, adjust fire over” “This is arrow 7, adjust fire out” “This is Ghostrider 1, grid 733 805 over” “This is arrow 7, grid 733 805 out” “This is Ghostrider 1, 1 BRDM & 3 troops stationary in woodline over” “This is arrow 7, 1 BRDM & 3 troops stationary in woodline out” “Ghostrider 1 this is arrow 7, shot over” “This is shadow 1, shot out” “Ghostrider 1 this is arrow 7, splash over” “This is shadow 1, splash out” “Arrow 7 this is Ghostrider 1, direction 4050 mils magnetic, add 100, left 50 over” “This is arrow 7, direction 4050 mils magnetic, add 100, left 50 out” “Ghostrider 1 this is arrow 7, shot over” “This is Ghostrider 1, shot out” “Ghostrider 1 this is arrow 7, splash over” “This is Ghostrider 1, splash out” “Arrow 7 this is Ghostrider 1, fire for effect over” “This is arrow 7, fire for effect out” “Ghostrider 1 this is arrow 7, shot over” “This is Ghostrider 1, shot out” “Ghostrider1 this is arrow 7, splash over” “This is Ghostrider 1, splash out” “Arrow 7 this is Ghostrider 1, end of mission, BRDM destroyed, troops retreated over” “This is arrow 7, end of mission, BRDM destroyed, troops retreated out”

TACTICAL ROAD MARCHES - Movement by road is the most efficient way to get theplatoon from one location to another. March order is normally A sec, PL, B sec, C sec, Dsec, any attachments, PSG. The lead vehicle will maintain weapons orientation to thefront, second vehicle will cover the right front, following vehicles will alternate weaponorientation between left and right, PSG or last vehicle will cover the rear. Each vehicle willalso observe for aircraft. Unless the driver is the only person on the vehicle, vehicleweapon will be manned. Interval between vehicles will vary from 25 to 100 metersdepending on the situation. At night, in dense woods, or in urban areas the interval willclose to 25 meters. In day, open terrain, or dust the interval will open to 100 meters.Speed will be 45mph on paved roads, 25mph on gravel/dirt roads or urban areas. At notime will speed exceed a posted speed limit during training.

All crews are responsible for maintaining visual contact with the vehicle to their front andrear. In case of a break in contact, contact the PL, who will determine whether to slowdown or stop to regroup the platoon. In case of mechanical breakdown, pull off the road,direct other vehicles to pass, contact the PSG, and post warning triangle. All vehicles willcontinue past the broken vehicle. The PSG will either conduct or arrange for recovery. Incase the platoon needs to make a halt, the platoon will execute a herringbone formationwith vehicles pulling off the road as best as possible to alternating sides corresponding totheir weapon orientation. Security will be maintained and weapons manned during halt.

ASSEMBLY AREAS (AA) - The platoon will occupy an AA to prepare for futureoperations. If the platoon is to occupy as part of a larger element it may be required toprovide personnel to be part of a quartering party or the platoon may be tasked to be the

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quartering party. A quartering party’s primary duty is to reconnoiter and secure the AA,organize the area, mark or remove obstacles, mark entrances and positions, link up withthe occupying unit and guide them into position. Whether to use a quartering party or notdepends on the situation and size of the unit involved. Normally our scout platoon will“Occupy by force”.

When occupying an AA apart from other units the platoon will occupy either as a platoonmoving in from a road march or as individual sections/vehicles coming in from a mission.The direction of travel on the route into the AA is considered to be 12 o’clock. No matterwhich method of occupation is used, every vehicle will move to their designated place in theAA as follows: Section leaders will be to the left of their squad leaders; A section will coverfrom 12 to 3, B section will cover from 3 to 6, C section will cover from 6 to 9, D section willcover from 9 to 12, HQ section and all attached elements will occupy the center of the AA.When occupying from a march, the lead element will give the signal to coil as they reach thedesignated AA location. All vehicles will move to their designated positions while keepingtheir engines running and weapons manned. This allows the platoon to be ready to react toany enemy action during the initial occupation. If the area is unsuitable as an AA the PLwill direct the platoon to another location. If the PL feels the area is safe enough to beginAA activities he will make the radio call “This is Ghostrider 1, short count follows, 3, 2, 1”.On the word one, all vehicles will shut off their engines and begin the priorities of work.

If the AA is occupied by individual vehicles/sections linking up, the first elements arrivingwill secure the area and assist the following elements into position.

Once the AA is occupied it needs to become established by doing the following priorities ofwork in sequence:

1- Security: The PSG will organize a patrol or patrols to recon the area outside theAA perimeter to a distance of at least 100 meters and another patrol to recon within theperimeter looking for evidence of enemy activity, mines, or boobytraps. The platoon willmaintain REDCON 2 until the recon patrols have completed their missions. The PSG willalso supervise the emplacement of M8 alarms, PEWS, and any OP’s. Each vehiclecommander will provide the PL a copy of their range card. The PL will develop a platoonfire plan and determine if obstacles need to be emplaced.

2- Communications: While in the AA, radio listening silence will be adhered to.Crews will establish a wire hotloop to the vehicle on their right, with the A and D sectionsalso running the loop to the HQ section.

3- Maintenance (PMCS): All vehicles, weapons, radios, and night sights will receiveoperator maintenance and 2404 turned in to PSG.

4- Resupply: If supplies are available each vehicle will restore its basic load of classI, III, and V. If supplies are not available vehicles will cross level supplies to ensure aneven distribution throughout the platoon.

5- Rest plan started.

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PASSAGE OF LINES/COORDINATE WITH ADJACENT UNITS - Scout missionsfrequently send us forward of friendly lines. Without proper coordination there is a highchance of being shot at by friendly units mistaking us for the enemy. The battalion mayalso task scouts to man passage lanes or contact points. The following steps will minimizethe hazards.

1- Establish long distance contact while outside of friendly direct fire range.Confirm that ALL units in the area are aware of your approach. You could confirm yourapproach with another unit and still be killed by his OP if they haven’t talked to eachother. The same is true for other friendly units attempting to approach you.

2- Stop in a position that provides cover & concealment from the other unit and senda small element (one vehicle or two dismounts) to establish close contact. Coordinate aneasily recognized visual signal to identify yourself as you approach. Common signalsinclude VS-17 panels, colored flags, colored flashlight, hand signals, and weaponorientation.

3- Make face to face coordination/information exchange according to the needs of themission. Common subjects include: number and type of vehicles, SOI information,friendly/enemy situation, obstacles, timeline, fire support, handling of EPW’s, medevac,maintenance/recovery support, routes, guides, actions on contact, and battle handover.

SCREEN - There are five critical tasks required during a screen:Maintain surveillance of all NAI’s and avenues of approachProvide early warning of enemy approachGain and maintain enemy contactIdentify and assist in destroying enemy recon elementsImpede and harass the enemy using indirect fires.

A screen may be either moving or stationary. Scout focus on a screen is: NO ENEMYELEMENT GETS THROUGH UNDETECTED. For a stationary screen the scout platoon isusually assisted by a tank/infantry platoon or company and dedicated mortar / artillerysupport. Scouts will establish OP’s to observe the avenues of approach and designatedNAI’s. If possible a zone recon will be conducted up to and past the screen line duringwhich scouts look for likely routes the enemy will use, places where a hasty obstacle mightbe effective, places suitable for employing PEWS, and positions the scouts could use asOP’s. OP’s should have interlocking fields of view if possible. If interlocking fields of vieware not possible, notify the PL to determine if Mounted / Dismounted patrols should beemployed. Scout sections will establish communications with the tank/infantry elementresponsible for destroying the enemy in their sector and coordinate/rehearse tracking andhanding over the enemy. Scouts will identify alternate and subsequent OP locations androutes to them, and ensure the killer elements know how to recognize them from the enemyif they have to move. Moving screens usually involve bounding from OP to OP on the flanksof the task force to provide early warning. A moving screen normally does not get anydedicated killer or indirect fire assets. Throughout either mission scouts should adhere tothe five fundamentals common to security missions:

Orient on the main body (the friendly main body you are screening for)

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Perform continuous reconnaissanceProvide early and accurate warningsProvide reaction time and maneuver spaceMaintain enemy contact

OBSERVATION POSTS - An OP is the scouts primary means of maintainingsurveillance of an assigned area, avenue of approach, or NAI. When selecting an OP site,look for the following characteristics: Unobstructed observation of the assigned area; Doesnot attract attention (towers, lone buildings, hilltops, etc.) or skyline the OP; Has cover &concealment and covered & concealed routes to and from the OP. The situation will varythe method used to get to the OP position ie the team may move up mounted, dismounted,or be air inserted. If moving mounted, halt and hide the vehicles short of the positionkeeping out of possible enemy view. All OP’s will consist of at least two soldiers with thefollowing equipment:

Personal weapons, MOPP suit & mask, M256 kitRadio, SOI, map, compass, notebook, flashlightBinoculars, Night vision sight, spare batteries for all equipment3 MRE & 4 quarts water per man (increase if OP is to homestead)

To improve the survivability of an OP you should install wire communications, build adirectional antenna, dig in the position with 18 inches of overhead cover, emplace earlywarning devices in deadspace and on enemy avenues of approach to the OP. The OP can beconsidered established only after they have: Confirmed they can observe assigned area,Established commo & reported their location to the PL, the PL has called the FSO andestablished a no fire box around the OP, at least one man is actually observing theassigned area continuously.

RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS - There are six fundamentals that apply to allreconnaissance missions:

Use maximum reconnaissance force forwardOrient on the reconnaissance objectiveReport all information rapidly and accuratelyRetain freedom to maneuverGain and maintain enemy contactDevelop the situation rapidly

There are eight critical tasks to accomplish during all reconnaissance missions:Locate all enemy forces and activityEvaluate terrain informationEvaluate all bridges, tunnels, underpasses, overpasses, & culvertsLocate suitable fording or crossing sites near all bridgesEvaluate all primary and lateral routesLocate and evaluate all obstaclesDetermine the extent of all NBC contaminated areas and mark themLocate / mark bypasses around obstacles and contaminated areas

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ROUTE RECONNAISSANCE - A route recon is to gather information to determine theenemy situation along a specific route and to determine trafficability of the route. Theplatoon will operate as follows: Alpha section will be responsible for security on the left flank, checking lateral routes tothe left, and checking all terrain within direct fire range to the left of the route. Bravo section will be responsible for forward security. Charlie section will be responsible to measure and evaluate the route and all obstacles& restrictions on the route. Information will be reported to the PL, who will report higher. Delta section will be responsible for security on the right flank, checking lateral routesto the right, and checking all terrain within direct fire range to the right of the route. HQ section will travel where necessary to maintain command & control.

C section will travel on the route, the security sections will try to keep one terrain featureforward. As obstacles are encountered on the route, C section will move forward to providenearside security and overwatch as B section recons the far side. If necessary B & C willconsolidate their personnel to conduct dismounted reconnaissance. Once the site is secure,B section will move forward to provide security as C section gathers any data required. A& D sections will recon for bypasses.

AREA RECONNAISSANCE - An area recon is to gather specific information of an area /NAI. There is usually specific information we have to confirm or deny such as whetherthere are any tanks in an NAI. Stealth is usually critical to the success of an area recontherefore maximum use will be made of dismounts. Sections should use temporary OP’s toobserve the Area from a distance as they maneuver towards it.

ZONE RECONNAISSANCE - A zone recon is the most time consuming and unlessstated otherwise, all reconnaissance mission critical tasks must be completed. The zonewill be defined by a LD, LOA or Objective, and lateral boundaries. The platoon willnormally be given a zone 3-5 KM wide and will divide this using section boundaries. Thesections will be on line with A on the left, then B, C, and D on the right. HQ section willmaneuver in accordance with their needs to maintain command & control and support.

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NBC OPERATIONS - In addition to the platoons basic responsibility to take appropriateprotective measures to reduce the effects of an enemy NBC attack, the scout platoon is alsothe battalions NBC reconnaissance platoon.

All soldiers will comply with the following MOPP uniform chart

MOPPLevel Suit Boots Mask Gloves0 Available Available Carried Available1 Worn * Carried Carried Carried2 Worn * Worn Carried Carried3 Worn * Worn Worn ** Carried4 Worn Worn Worn Worn* Suit is worn open or closed based on the temperature. ** Hood is worn open or closedbased on the temperature.

All MOPP suits will have a strip of M9 paper around the right ankle and the left wrist. Allvehicles will have a strip of M9 paper at least 6 inches long attached to both the fronttowing rings, both of the side mirrors, and both of the rear towing rings. To reducecontamination all equipment and supplies not being used will be kept in their containersand wrapped in plastic bags if available.

If nuclear attack is expected, all electrical equipment will be turned off, especially radios,and antennas removed and stored. The A section leader will keep one radio on platoon netand the PSG will keep one radio on higher net. All other radios will remain off with theantenna cable disconnected except to make a quick radio check at 10 and 40 minutesafter the hour or if weapons / artillery fire is observed or enemy contact is made. All looseequipment will be secured. Fighting positions will be dug in with at least 18 inches ofoverhead cover.

If the platoon needs to cross a contaminated area, personnel will stay in MOPP4, all doors& windows will remain shut, vehicles will increase the interval between them, speed willbe adjusted to cross rapidly yet keeping dust to a minimum.

The PL will coordinate for decontamination and determine if the platoon will conduct hastydecontamination and MOPP gear exchange. DS2 is highly corrosive and is not to be usedon personnel or MOPP gear. DS2 can produce violent reactions when combined with otherdecon substances.

Unmasking procedures will be started only if the area, equipment, uniform, and personnelare determined to be free of contamination. Once that criteria is met, unmaskingprocedures are as follows:

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With M256 Kit : Check area with M256 detector. Move a couple soldiers to a shadylocation and have them unmask for 5 minutes. Have them remask and observe them for10 minutes. If no symptoms, then give all clear. Continue to observe all soldiers fordelayed symptoms. Without M256 Kit : Move a couple soldiers to a shady location andhave them take a deep breath and hold it then break the seal on their mask for 15 secondswhile keeping their eyes open. Observe them for 10 minutes then have them break theirmask seal and take 2-3 breaths. Observe them for 10 minutes then have them unmask for5 minutes & remask. Observe them for 10 minutes before announcing all clear. Continueto observe all soldiers for delayed symptoms.

NBC reconnaissance will normally be done as a Zone recon. The scout platoon will identifythe type of contamination and determine & mark its perimeter. Sampling will be done bypadding and securing the M8 alarm to the front bumper to sample the air, and affixing M8& M9 paper to a long stick to sample suspected liquids. For radiation the IM174 will bemonitored continuously. Sections will move on line and whencontamination is detected all elements will halt. The section making the detection willsend an NBC-4 report and move back out of the contamination checking every 20023meters until a negative test result is achieved. The section will mark the spot and wait asthe PL directs another section to linkup there. Once the two sections linkup they willproceed in opposite directions. As they identify the contamination, back out 200 meters ata time until getting a negative result, and marking the spot until the perimeter isdetermined. Unless directed otherwise, scouts will only enter the contaminated area farenough to confirm its existence and type.

AIRMOBILE OPERATIONS - Note: This SOP alone is not sufficient training to allowyou to prepare a sling load. This is intended as a safety guide for new soldiers and hastyreference for those who are airmobile qualified. Sling loads must be done inaccordance with FM 10-450-3 & FM 10-450-4 and must be supervised by an NCO whomeets the certification criteria contained in those FM’s.

Helicopters can rapidly get us past the enemy screening force or extract us back to friendlylines. Vehicles may or may not be taken along. Establish radio contact and confirm withthe pilot how you have marked the PZ / LZ, which direction he will be approaching from,and any mission changes. When marking with smoke, ensure it blows away from the PZ /LZ; If using lights, that they won't blind the pilot; and if using other objects such as VS-17's, that they are secured and won't blow upwards into the blades. All soldiers to boardwill line up in a column facing the PZ / LZ. All weapons will be cleared so no rounds arechambered, rucksacks will be carried not worn, and all equipment will be secured toprevent loss during flight. Move to the aircraft only when signaled by the crew chief, staylow to avoid getting hit by the blades. Never approach from the rear of the aircraft, thecrew cannot see you there and the tailrotor can kill you. Inside, keep all weapons pointedmuzzle down. Don't exit until signaled to do so by the crew chief as they may make several

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false insertions. When exiting, stay low, move about 10-15 meters to the side of theaircraft and drop prone until the aircraft departs.

When preparing vehicles for sling load ensure that EVERYTHING is tied down andsensitive items are double tied down (doors have come open while in the air). Removethe antenna and secure it inside the vehicle. Fuel tank and cans can be no more than _ full.Ensure wheels point straight ahead, transmission is in neutral, parking brake is set, thenlock the steering wheel. During training, secure the crew served weapon inside. Torig the vehicle, position the apex fitting above the vehicle and route the legs as follows: 1-left front; 2- right front; 3- left rear; 4- right rear. At the top of the hood route the chainthrough the lifting rings and insert the 80th link from the end into the grab hook. Routethe chain at the rear through the tailgate to the lifting shackles and back through thetailgate then insert the 3rd link from the end into the grab hook. Secure all excess24chain with tape or 550 cord. Wrap the chain with felt and tape where it contacts the rearshell. Raise the apex and tape breakaways so the sling does not tangle as the helicopterlifts it. Hookup team needs to use static discharge probe (with gloves) prior to insertingapex into helicopters hook. The apex is inserted into the hook so that leg 1 is to thehelicopters left and leg 2 is to the right. A piece of tape fixed to leg 1 will help identify it.

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MEDEVAC - Because we operate spread out and at further distances than any otherelement in the Battalion, medical support and evacuation is extremely difficult. Since amedic will not normally be available to the section, every scout will be trained as a combatlifesaver. The PSG is the primary medevac for the platoon. Requests for medevac go firstto the PSG. If the PSG cannot perform the medevac or cannot be contacted then try insequence: Coordinating with the closest company team; Requesting on Battalion A/L netfor ground or air evac; Conduct self evacuation to the nearest CCP. Use the followingformat when making a medevac request:

Your callsign, request MEDEVACGrid location for pickupNumber of casualties by type: Urgent- must be evac’ed within 2 hours to save life, limb or eyesight; Priority- should be evac’ed within 4 hours or condition will deteriorate to Urgent; Routine- requires evacuation but is stable and will probably remain stable for up to 24 hoursAdditional medical information

Sample MEDEVAC:

“Ghostrider 4 this is Ghostrider 3, request Medevac over”“This is Ghostrider 4, send it over”“This is Ghostrider 3, grid 463885, 1 urgent, 1 routine, over”“This is Ghostrider 4, roger over”“This is Ghostrider 3, urgent has gunshot to upper arm with arterial bleeding and broken bone, routine has gunshot to left thigh, over”“This is Ghostrider 4, roger out”

PRISONERS (EPW) - All enemy will be treated in accordance with the Geneva & Hagueconventions and the law of land warfare. An enemy that knows he will be treated accordingto those conventions is more likely to surrender rather than fight a fanatical battle to thedeath causing us higher casualties. EPW’s will be handled according to the five S’s: Search;Silence; Segregate; Safeguard; Speed to the rear.

When searching an EPW ensure the searcher does not get in the line of fire of the personcovering the EPW. Take everything from the EPW except his ID card/tags, uniform, helmet,mask/MOPP suit. Place everything taken in a bag and mark to identify which EPW itcame from. Tag the EPW with the following information: Capturing unit; DTG of capture;Location of capture; Circumstances of capture; Name; Rank; Serial Number; Date of birth.After searching, EPW’s will have their hands tied behind their back and depending on thesituation may be gagged and blindfolded. The PSG will arrange for evacuation of EPW’s.Wounded EPW’s will be given medical treatment to the best of our ability.

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RECOVERY FROM FIELD - Prior to departing the field location all personnel &sensitive items will be accounted for and all Class V will be turned in. Upon return togarrison, vehicles will be washed free of mud / major dirt and topped off. PMCS will bedone and DA2404 turned in for all vehicles, weapons, radios, and sensitive items. Removeall batteries from radios, sensitive items, and MILES. All weapons and sensitive itemswill be wiped down and turned in. All BII and other equipment including TA-50 isaccounted for and secured.

The PSG will determine the timeline for the full recovery based on availability of resourcessuch as the washrack. Recovery is based on accomplishing tasks, not a set number of days.The following list is our normal priority of work but if you are delayed in doing a task don’tsit around doing nothing, get busy on another task.

Detailed cleaning of all vehicles, weapons, radios, and sensitive items Detailed cleaning of any MILES equipment and turn-in Clean all other platoon equipment Update DA 2404’s. Ensure parts are placed on order and repairs are done Clean and DX TA-50 Conduct layout of all equipment and TA-50 for command inspection

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BATTLE DRILLS

Combat action most often occurs very suddenly and violently, not giving any time for you tothink about how you want to react. Battle drills can help you survive in combat becausethe thinking has already been done and all you have to do is REACT when you find yourselfin a situation. SURVIVING the initial contact is the key to being able to develop a courseof action that allows you to complete your mission. Battle drills need to be practiced andrehearsed over and over until they become an automatic reaction you take. The followingbattle drills will be learned by all members of this platoon. Other drills will be developedand modified depending on where we deploy, as what works well in the desert may notwork at all in the jungle.

ENEMY CONTACT - Once the enemy knows where you are, the silence of your weapons isas effective as a baby covering his eyes and saying “you can’t see me”. If you are being shotat or if it is obvious the enemy is about to engage you, engage using all your availablefirepower. At the same time maneuver to a covered position and send a contact report tothe PL. If the enemy is within 50 meters, charging into them may cause enough confusionand disruption to allow you to overwhelm them before they destroy you. Your goal is toeither destroy the enemy or place enough suppressive firepower on him to cause his shotsto be inaccurate long enough for you to reach cover and develop the situation.

If the enemy does not observe you, immediately halt and assume a concealed position fromwhich you can continue to observe from. Send a spot report to the PL and prepare to call forfire or guide other friendly forces to engage the enemy.

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INDIRECT FIRE - If you are moving and receive indirect fire, you are being observedby the enemy. You must move out of the impact area immediately. Using IPB, determinewhere the enemy observers likely position is and move rapidly to a position that willconceal you from his view. Use as much smoke as you can to conceal your move. Send acontact report to the PL as soon as possible.

If you are stationary or in an OP, the enemy may see you or may be conducting recon by fireto try and get you to reveal youself. Signs of a recon by fire include not using a lot of roundson a single position and firing many widely spread engagements using few rounds. If youassess the enemy sees you then follow the steps in the above paragraph otherwise assumethe best covered position you can and wait for the enemy to cease or shift fire. Send acontact report to the PL as soon as possible.

OBSTACLES / MINEFIELDS - Always assume the enemy is observing any obstacle theyconstruct. As soon as you encounter one immediately back off to a covered and concealedposition and send a contact / spot report to the PL and prepare an indirect fire mission(normally smoke) to support your continued recon. (If stealth is required, prepare but donot fire the indirect unless the enemy takes action against you.) Prepare a recon team tomove dismounted to recon the minefield / obstacle and a security team to overwatch therecon team. Do not move the recon team forward until the overwatch is in position toprovide cover and the indirect support is prepared to fire their mission. Determine andreport the extent of the obstacle / minefield.