scope:

ATP 38, Amphibious Reconnaissance, provides information concerning the planning and conduct of amphibious reconnaissance operations, their communications and reporting procedures. While it contains techniques and methods which have been developed as a result of experience gained on previous operations in amphibious reconnaissance, it is not intended that it should prevent any commander from initiating and issuing special instructions to his command, or from conceiving and developing new operational procedures. Its purpose is to obtain basic uniformity while permitting the flexibility and initiative required by the tactical situation.