by Attack37 » Fri Nov 28, 2014 5:47 am
Ok... I can tell you my experience as the lead element in an Infantry company (3 years exp). Mission of the pointman is to get the unit to a designated location without the enemy knowing, or to find the enemy before they find you.
1) Land navigation; this is critical because you are choosing the best path, identifying possible ambush areas, and working with the PL to determine the best method of movement.
2) Slow is smooth, smooth is fast; take your time. If you can spot the enemy before they spot you, you have the advantage. If you do spot them, relay back to your PL, let them make the choice of what to do....don't feel bad about backing up a little to develop your plan without being noticed.
3) Use hand and arm signals as much as possible. Voices carry better than people think.
4) Weapons; anything is good. I would suggest something that can suppress the enemy quickly. You don't need a M249 yourself, but have one close to you.
As far as being a scout....that mission is different. A scout's primary mission is to gather intel. The hide in a good location and report troop movement, positons, troop strength, and avenues of approach.
Scouts will use all of the above skills to get into their "hide". Once there, they will set up OP's (observation points) nearby.
1) If they are discovered, they break contact. Most scout sections travel light, so they are not equipped to engage an enemy for any period of time.
2) They only engage the enemy as part of a deliberate attack, after they have sent up their information to higher HQ. Once they engage, they are useless on the battle field until they can get resituated. That is tough to do once the enemy knows what area you are operating in.
Ok....that's my 2 cents.