ATP 3-20.98 — Scout Platoon (this Item Is Published W/ Basic Incl C1)
ATP 3-20.98 governs the tactical employment of scout platoons conducting reconnaissance and security operations.
- Publication number: ATP 3-20.98
- Title: SCOUT PLATOON (THIS ITEM IS PUBLISHED W/ BASIC INCL C1)
- Date: 12/04/2019
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ATP 3-20.98 on armypubs.army.mil
ATP 3-20.98 covers scout platoon roles, organizations, command and control, reconnaissance, security, basic scout skills, enablers, and sustainment. It provides combined arms tactics, framework, techniques, and procedures for these missions, whose application is controlled by rules of engagement and operational variables.
Applies to: ATP 3-20.98 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Scout platoon organizations
- Mission command and troop leading procedures
- Reconnaissance tasks and handover
- Security tasks
- Basic scout skills
- Combat force enablers
- Sustainment and resupply
Questions and answers
What is the mission of the scout platoon?
The scout platoons mission is to conduct reconnaissance and security operations to answer the commanders information requirements and provide early warning to the protected force. (paragraph 6-0)
What does a scout platoon do to satisfy commanders' information requirements?
Specifically, it conducts tasks to satisfy the commanders critical information requirements (CCIRs) before the latest time the information is of value (LTIOV) expires. (paragraph 6-0)
What capabilities does the Infantry battalion scout platoon have?
Provides all weather, continuous, accurate, and timely reconnaissance and security in complex terrain. Conducts stealthy reconnaissance and security tasks. Assesses situations rapidly and directs combat power, reconnaissance, and security capabilities to support answering CCIRs. Employs integrated and synchronized reconnaissance to detect threat deception, decoys, and cover and concealment. Conducts insertion by ground, water, and air. (paragraph 1-124)
How long should a security halt last?
The security halt should not exceed five minutes. (paragraph 5-95)
What actions must a patrol take to cross a danger area?
To cross a danger area, a patrol must take these actions: Designate near side and far side rally points. Secure the near side. Secure the far side. Cross the danger area. (paragraph 5-99)