Previous: Section II – Observation Posts
D-19. Observation posts can be executed either mounted or dismounted. As they are complementary, if possible they should be used in combination.
D-20. The main advantage of a dismounted observation post is it provides maximum stealth hopefully preventing the enemy from detecting it. The two main disadvantages are it has limited flexibility, taking time to displace and limited firepower to protect itself if detected.
D-21. The main advantages of a mounted observation post are the flexibility coming from vehicle mobility as well as the additional combat power resident in the vehicle’s optics, communications, weapons, and protection. The main disadvantage is vehicles inherently are easier to detect and can prevent the unit from accomplishing its mission.
Next: D-22: Positioning of Observation Posts
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad