Take point In modern military parlance , to take point , walk point , be on point , or be a point man means to assume the first and most exposed position in a combat military formation , that is , the leading soldier / unit advancing through hostile or unsecured territory . The term can be applied to infantry or mechanized columns . The soldier , vehicle , or unit on point is frequently the first to take hostile fire . The inherent risks of taking point create a need for constant and extreme operational alertness . However , ambush es often intend to let the point element past the prime killing zone in order to be maximally effective . Point position is often rotated periodically so as not to overtax the individual soldier / unit . History . Origins . The term might be related to the Middle English phrase " in point " , which meant " in immediate danger or peril " . The modern use of the term derives from military tactics . During a military patrol or infantry operation , the point man walks several meters out in front of everyone else and is likely to be the first one to encounter enemy soldiers . It is a hazardous position that requires alertness and ability to deal with unexpected attacks . The term was used in the 19th century American Old West when the lead cowboy at the front of a herd of cattle was known as the pointer or point man . It may have come into common use because many of the cowboys in the late 1800s were veterans of the American Civil War . In cavalry terminology , the men scouting ahead of the main force were said to be " riding point " . This use was first recorded in 1903 . The concept seems to have been introduced to the American military at West Point by Professor Dennis H . Mahan , who taught most of the top officers on both sides in the Civil War . In his " Elementary Treatise on Advanced - Guard , Out - Post and Detachment Service of Troops ( 1861 ) " , he discussed the use of the column or V - shaped advance guard by the Greeks and Romans : In the section on " Advanced Guards and Advanced Posts " , Professor Mahan introduced the definition of the point man to the future American generals : Modern use . " Take point " came into common use during World War II by American ground forces ; its use continued through the Korean War , Vietnam War and Iraq War . This idiom , " take point " has entered the vernacular in many ways . " Taking point " is often used in describing pathfinding behaviors in non - military situations , or simply to mean " lead the challenge " , often in a business context . In some cases it has replaced the idiom " stalking horse " . More recently ( possibly originating from the late 1960s ) , the term has been extended to describe someone at the forefront of an issue . It can be used to refer to both the defender or the attacker of the position or idea . This use is most often used in a political context , as the point man is usually in the public eye . In recent American youth ( especially hip hop ) culture , the idiom " on point " refers either to someone who possesses abundant and various qualities of competence , leadership or style , or to specific acts which demonstrate such qualities . Especially profound lyrics , a particular musical performance or a philosophical position might be referred to as " on point . " This varies somewhat from the traditional meaning of the phrase , " directly applicable or dispositive of the matter under consideration . "