Tactical Reconnaissance and Security for the Armor Battalion Commander: Is the Scout Platoon Combat Capable or Combat Ineffective?
Abstract
This monograph examines whether the scout platoon can perform the required tactical reconnaissance and security missions for the armor battalion commander. Accurate reconnaissance and security operations provide the commander the necessary information to mass his force and exploit the enemy's weakness. This study traces the historical evolution of the scout platoon from its reconnaissance platoon origins of World War II through changes made as recently as 1990. This summary provides a backdrop to highlight finding of the reconnaissance and counterreconnaissance studies conducted between 1985-1988. Additionally, 31 National Training Center Take Home Packets from rotations conducted between October 1986 through April 1990 were assessed to determine whether the performance of scout platoons has improved recently. This paper suggests that our scout platoon does not conduct successful reconnaissance or security. Our doctrine asks the scout platoon to accomplish more than is humanly possible. This monograph concludes that a company-sized reconnaissance organization is needed to perform the necessary reconnaissance and security missions for the battalion commander.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 27, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA233108
Entities
People
- Terry A. Wolff
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College