The troop commander positions himself well forward to observe one scout platoon or the other. His position is usually located where he expects initial enemy contact or difficult situations. Also the TOW takes time to employ, so reaction time is slower than with the tank. During movement to contact, the light troop commander must be able to execute his actions on contact very quickly to maintain the momentum of the operation. A technique the light troop might use is outlined below.
Scouts make contact with an enemy force.
The troop commander immediately moves one AT platoon forward to overwatch the scouts as they develop the situation. If the situation dictates, the AT platoon suppresses with direct fires to allow the scouts to maneuver. Once the situation is developed, the troop positions to either fix the enemy for the follow-on force or destroy it by a hasty attack. The troop is ordered to reestablish contact with elements of a withdrawing enemy mechanized infantry platoon. The scout platoons determine the trafficability of high-speed routes within their zones, and search for the enemy in areas that dominate the routes.