[Brian61]

For long range observation, I prefer to use foot scouts but initially mount them on light vehicles to a dismount site out of los from suspected enemy positions. The turn *after* dismount, I move them one hex into position, disable their weapons and let them sit for the duration unless the enemy comes too close. The effective distance for these long range observers depends quite a bit on their experience, pretty pointless to try with green scouts.

Some locations can be tricky to get to without exposing your movement. If you have sufficient artillery, you can drop a smoke screen early somewhere between suspected enemy route of advance and the approach route to your intended observation point(s).

Once my long distance observers are in place, I sometimes send a couple light tanks, scout vehicles, or motorcycle scouts towards suspected enemy locations to draw fire. It is tough to both spot the enemy and survive to retreat even with cover and smoke available. Recon by fire works well with this approach.

When scouting, turning off auto rally can help recover scouts that draw too much fire. If they get suppressed enough, don't try to rally them, just let them retreat automatically toward their rally point.