In combat, the soldier who takes point; the soldier who assumes the first and most exposed position in a combat military formation; the lead soldier/unit advancing through hostile or unsecured territory
By extension, a most trusted assistant or associate; the person to whom one would most rely upon
person in the forefront; one who goes ahead to survey an area; one who investigates the possibilities
a soldier who goes ahead of a patrol someone who is the forefront of an important enterprise; "he is the president's point man on economic issues