Military

a.   Reconnaissance Planning.   Before an operation, the company commander determines what he must know about the enemy. He must first request the information needed from the next higher headquarters. If they cannot provide or gather the information needed, they will authorize the commander to send a reconnaissance element forward (METT-TC dependent). As an example of identifying information requirements before an operation, the company team commander determines he must find out if an enemy force is controlling a choke point through which the team must move during the next day's attack. The commander may decide to send a platoon's rifle squads to reconnoiter the choke point the night before the attack. Once the operation is under way, the commander continues to identify information requirements. An example is the need to find an assailable flank or other position of advantage over an identified enemy force while the company team develops the situation. In such a situation, the commander may dispatch a platoon or section to find a flank or position from which the team can effectively engage the enemy.

b.   Reconnaissance Execution.   Reconnaissance can be passive or ctive. Passive reconnaissance includes such techniques as map and photographic econnaissance and surveillance. Active methods include mounted and dismounted ground reconnaissance and reconnaissance by fire. Active reconnaissance operations are also classified as aggressive or stealthy.

c.   Reconnaissance Before and After Operations.   To be most effective, reconnaissance must be conducted continuously before, during, and after operations. Before an operation, the company team focuses its reconnaissance effort on filling gaps in its information about the enemy and the terrain. After an operation, the team conducts reconnaissance to maintain contact with the enemy and collect information for upcoming operations. Situations in which the platoon may conduct reconnaissance before or after an operation include the following:

• Reconnaissance by a quartering party of an assembly area and the associated route to it.
• Reconnaissance by platoons from the assembly area to and in the vicinity of the LD before an offensive operation.
• Reconnaissance by rifle squads to probe enemy positions for gaps open to an attack or infiltration.
• Reconnaissance by rifle squads to observe forward positions and guide mounted elements to key positions on the battlefield.
• Reconnaissance by rifle squads (normally with engineers) to locate bypasses around obstacle belts or to determine the best locations and methods for breaching operations.
• Reconnaissance by rifle squads of chokepoints or other danger areas in advance of the remainder of the company team.
• Reconnaissance by mounted patrols to observe forward positions or to clear a route to a forward position.
• Reconnaissance by platoons of defensive positions or engagement areas for conducting the defense.
• Reconnaissance by mounted or dismounted rifle squads as part of security operations to secure friendly obstacles, clear possible enemy OPs, or cover areas not observable by stationary OPs.
• Reconnaissance by sections or rifle squads to maintain contact with adjacent units.
• Reconnaissance by sections or dismounted rifle squads to maintain contact with enemy elements.

d.   Reconnaissance During Operations.   During offensive operations, platoon reconnaissance normally focuses on fighting for information about the enemy and the terrain, with the primary goal of gaining an advantage over the enemy. The platoon conducts this type of reconnaissance during actions on contact. As the platoon develops the situation, the platoon leader may dispatch mounted or dismounted patrols to identify positions of advantage or to acquire an enemy force. The information gained by the platoon in contact is critical to the success of its own mission and to the success of its higher headquarters.

e.   Forms of Reconnaissance.   In addition to reconnaissance performed as part of another type operation, there are four forms of reconnaissance conducted as distinct operations: route reconnaissance, zone reconnaissance, area reconnaissance, and reconnaissance in force. Although not optimally organized for reconnaissance, the company team can direct a BFV-equipped platoon to conduct route, zone, or area reconnaissance. (Reconnaissance in force is a limited-objective operation conducted by battalion-size and larger forces.)

The platoon may conduct a reconnaissance operation during preparation for another operation of its own (for example, performing zone reconnaissance before initiating a stationary guard operation), or it can conduct the reconnaissance to gain information for a higher headquarters.

In conducting a route, zone, or area reconnaissance, the platoon employs a combination of mounted and dismounted elements and reconnaissance by direct and indirect fires. Based on his evaluation of the factors of METT-TC, the commander establishes the role of assigned elements and support assets in his scheme of maneuver. Mechanized infantry platoons normally perform the reconnaissance role, taking advantage of their ability to use rifle squads to gather information on the ground.

In planning for route, zone, or area reconnaissance, the platoon leader receives the focus of the mission from the commander. The commander identifies whether the reconnaissance will be oriented on the terrain or on the enemy force. In a force-oriented reconnaissance operation, the critical task will be to find the enemy and to gather information about him. Terrain considerations of the route, zone, or area are only a secondary concern. The platoon generally is able to move more quickly in force-oriented reconnaissance than in terrain-oriented reconnaissance. The following paragraphs examine the specifics of route, zone, and area reconnaissance.

a.   Steps of the Linkup Operation.   The platoon conducts linkup operations independently or as part of a larger force. The platoon may lead the linkup force. The linkup consists of three steps:

b.   Planning Considerations.   When planning a linkup, the platoon leader follows standard troop-leading procedures.

a.   Planning Considerations. In planning a passage of lines, the platoon leader, must consider the tactical factors and procedures.

b.   Reconnaissance and Coordination. Detailed reconnaissance and coordination are critical in a passage of lines, both in dealing with the planning factors outlined previously and in ensuring the passage is conducted quickly and smoothly. The platoon leader normally conducts all necessary reconnaissance and coordination for the passage. At times, he may designate the platoon sergeant or squad leader to conduct liaison duties for reconnaissance and coordination. The following items of information are coordinated (an asterisk(*) indicates items that should be confirmed by reconnaissance):

• Unit designation and composition; type and number of passing vehicles.
• Passing unit arrival time(s).
• Location of attack positions or assembly areas. *
• Current enemy situation.
• Stationary unit's mission and plan (to include OP, patrol, and obstacle locations).
• Location of movement routes, contact points, passage points, and passage lanes. (The use of GPS [or POSNAV] waypoints may simplify this process and speed the passage.)
• Guide requirements.
• Order of march.
• Anticipated actions on enemy contact.
• Requirements for supporting direct and indirect fires, including the location of the RFL. *
• NBC conditions.
• Available CS and CSS assets and their locations. *
• Communications information (to include frequencies, digital data, and near and far recognition signals).
• Criteria for battle hand over and location of the BHL.
• Additional procedures for the passage.

c.   Forward Passage of Lines.   In a forward passage, the passing unit first moves to an assembly area or an attack position behind the stationary unit.

d.   Rearward Passage of Lines.   Because of the increased risk of fratricide during a rearward passage, coordination of recognition signals and fire restrictions is critical.

a.   Planning Considerations.   In planning a relief in place, the platoon leader—

• Issues a fragmentary order (FRAGO).
• Uses an advance party composed of key leaders to conduct detailed reconnaissance and coordination.
• As the relieving unit, adopts the outgoing unit's normal pattern of activity as much as possible.
• As the relieving unit, determines when the platoon will assume responsibility for the outgoing unit's position.
• As the relieving unit, collocates platoon headquarters with the relieved unit's headquarters.
• Maximizes operations security (OPSEC) to prevent the enemy from detecting the relief operation.
• Plans to transfer excess ammunition; wire; petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL); and other material of tactical value to the incoming unit.
• Controls movement by reconnoitering, designating and marking routes, and providing guides.

b.   Coordination.   The incoming and outgoing leaders must meet to exchange tactical information, conduct a joint reconnaissance of the area, and complete other required coordination for the relief. The two leaders must address passage of command and jointly develop contingency actions for enemy contact during the relief. The relief will be conducted on the communications nets of the outgoing unit. This process will normally include coordination of:

• Location of vehicle and individual fighting positions (to include hide, alternate, and supplementary positions).
• Enemy situation.
• The outgoing unit's tactical plan, to include graphics, platoon and squad fire plans, and individual vehicles' sector sketches.
• Fire support, including indirect fire plans and the time of relief for supporting artillery and mortar units.
• Types of weapon systems being replaced.
• Time, sequence, and method of relief.
• Location and disposition of obstacles and the time responsibility will be transferred.
• Supplies and equipment to be transferred.
• Movement control, route priority, and placement of guides.
• Command and signal information
• Maintenance, logistical support, and evacuation if necessary for disabled vehicles.
• Limited visibility considerations.

c.   Conducting the Relief.   The outgoing leader retains responsibility for the area of operations and the mission. He exercises operational control over all subordinate elements of the incoming unit while they complete their portion of the relief. Responsibility passes to the incoming commander when all elements of the outgoing unit are relieved and adequate communications are established. The two relief methods are sequential (elements relieved one at a time) and simultaneous (elements relieved all at once). Relief of individual elements can be conducted in one of two ways:

• By alternate element position. The relieving element occupies a position separate from the relieved element.
• By alternate vehicle and or individual position. The relieving element occupies vehicle or individual fighting positions in the same battle position as the relieved element.

a.   Ground Tactical Plan. The foundation of a successful air assault operation is the commander's ground tactical plan, around which subsequent planning is based. The ground tactical plan specifies actions in the objective area to accomplish the mission and address subsequent operations. The ground tactical plan contains essentially the same elements as any other infantry attack but capitalizes on speed and mobility to achieve surprise.

b.   Landing Plan. The landing plan must support the ground tactical plan. This plan sequences elements into the area of operations to ensure platoons arrive at designated locations and times prepared to execute the ground tactical plan.

c.   Air Movement Plan. The air movement plan is based on the ground tactical and landing plans. It specifies the schedule and provides instructions for air movement of soldiers, equipment, and supplies from pickup zones and landing zones.

d.   Loading Plan. The loading plan is based on the movement plan. It ensures soldiers, equipment, and supplies are loaded on the correct aircraft. Platoon integrity is maintained when aircraft loads are planned. Cross loading may be necessary to ensure the survivability of platoon leadership and to ensure that the proper mix of weapons arrive at the LZ in a ready-to-fight configuration. The platoon leader or squad leader should always ensure the aircraft is loaded so dismounting infantrymen react promptly and contribute to mission accomplishment. If not directed by the commander, the platoon leader must develop a bump plan. A bump plan ensures essential soldiers and equipment are loaded ahead of less critical loads in case of aircraft breakdown or other problems.

e.   Staging Plan. The staging plan is based on the loading plan and prescribes the arrival time of ground units (soldiers, equipment, and supplies) at the PZ in the order of movement. The staging plan includes the disposition of the vehicles left in the staging area and the platoon's linkup plan on return from the mission.

a.   When deploying for area security, the platoon generally moves into a coil formation around the point, area, or asset they must secure. They orient vehicle positions on likely enemy avenues of approach. If the platoon has engineer support, the engineers dig in the vehicle positions; if not, the vehicles occupy hasty fighting positions.

b.   To further improve the position, the platoon employs hasty protective minefields, wire, and other obstacles, as appropriate and available. They emplace wire obstacles outside grenade range of friendly positions. Once they set up vehicle positions and obstacles, the platoon develops a fire plan and submits the plan to higher headquarters. This plan includes integrated direct and indirect fires.

c.   In addition to setting up the platoon position around the asset to be secured, the platoon also employs patrols and OPs to enhance security (Figure 7-1). Reconnaissance patrols and combat patrols define the area of operations, gain information on enemy forces, and destroy small dismounted enemy reconnaissance elements. The platoon deploys OPs to observe likely avenues of approach, to provide early warning of enemy activity, and to aid in control of indirect fires.

a.   Route Reconnaissance. In this mission, the platoon leader focuses on the route's trafficability and on enemy forces that might influence the route. The platoon must plan to call for engineer assets to aid in breaching point-type obstacles. Command-detonated devices pose a major threat during route reconnaissance.

b.   Convoy Escort. The platoon may perform a convoy escort mission either independently or as part of a larger unit's convoy security mission. The convoy escort mission requires that the platoon provide the convoy with limited close-in protection from direct small arms fire. Platoon vehicles include military CSS and C2 vehicles and civilian trucks and buses. Leaders must carefully evaluate the threat before assigning a convoy escort mission to platoon-sized elements.

c.   Command and Control. Because of the task organization of the convoy escort mission, command and control is especially critical. The relationship between the platoon and the convoy commander must provide unity of command and effort if combat operations are required during the course of the mission. In most cases, the BFV platoon will execute the escort mission under the control of the security force commander, who is usually under operational control (OPCON) or attached to the convoy commander. It is vital that the convoy commander issues a complete OPORD to all convoy vehicle commanders before executing the mission because the convoy may itself be task-organized from a variety of units, and some vehicles may not have tactical radios. The order should follow the standard five-paragraph OPORD format, but special emphasis should be placed on:

• Route of march (to include a strip map for each vehicle commander).
• Order of march.
• Actions at halts.
• Actions in case of vehicle breakdown.
• Actions on contact.
• Chain of command.
• Communications and signal information.

d.   Tactical Disposition. During all escort missions, the convoy security commander and BFV platoon leader must establish and maintain security in all directions and throughout the platoon. As noted, several factors, including convoy size, affect this disposition. The key consideration is whether the platoon is operating as part of a larger escort force or is executing the escort mission independently. Additional METT-TC considerations include: the employment of BFVs by section and the employment of rifle squads during the mission (Length of convoy, terrain and the enemy will determine placement of sections and employment of rifle squads (fire teams riding in BFVs or in escorted vehicles). Maintain unit integrity in convoy vehicles at team or squad.

e.   Actions on Contact. As the convoy moves to its new location, the enemy may attempt to harass or destroy it. This contact usually will usually occur in the form of an ambush, often with the use of a hastily prepared obstacle. The safety of the convoy rests on the speed and effectiveness with which escort elements can execute appropriate actions on contact. Based on the factors of METT-TC, portions of the convoy security force, such as the BFV platoon or a BFV section, may be designated as a reaction force. The reaction force performs its escort duties, conducts tactical movement, or occupies an assembly area, as required, until enemy contact occurs and the convoy commander gives it a reaction mission.

f.   Actions at an Ambush. An ambush is one of the more effective ways to interdict a convoy. Reaction to an ambush must be immediate, overwhelming, and decisive. Actions on contact must be planned for and rehearsed so they can be executed quickly.

g.   Actions at an Obstacle. Obstacles are a major impediment to convoys. The purpose of reconnaissance ahead of a convoy is to identify obstacles and either breach them or find bypasses. In some cases the enemy or its obstacles may avoid detection by the reconnaissance element.

h.   Actions During Halts. During a short halt, the convoy escort remains alerted for possible enemy activity. If the halt is for any reason other than an obstacle, the following actions should be taken:

• The convoy commander signals the short halt and transmits the order via tactical radio. All vehicles in the convoy assume a herringbone formation.
• If possible, escort vehicles are positioned up to 100 meters beyond the convoy vehicles that are just clear of the route (Figure 7-10). Escort vehicles remain at the ready and establish local security.
• When the order is given to move out, convoy vehicles reestablish movement formation, leaving space for escort vehicles (Figure 7-11). Once the convoy is in column, local security elements (if used) return to their vehicles, and the escort vehicles rejoin the column (Figure 7-12).
• The convoy resumes movement.

a.   Purposes.   The platoon may be directed to establish a CP, roadblock, or OP for the following reasons.

• To show a military presence to all parties and to the population in the area.
• To survey all activity in the terrain, along roads, and in inhabited areas.
• To check and or inspect and register all personnel and vehicles in and out of the controlled area.
• To survey airspace, coastal areas, airfields, cease-fire lines, and borders.
• To deter illegal movement.
• To create an instant roadblock.
• To control movement into the area of operations or on a specific route.
• To prevent smuggling of contraband.
• To enforce the terms of peace agreements.
• To ensure proper use of routes by both civilian and military vehicles.

b.   Planning and Establishing. The layout, construction, and manning of CPs, roadblocks, and OPs should reflect the factors of METT-TC, especially the time available for emplacing them. The layout of a deliberate CP can be found in FM 71-1. The following procedures and considerations may apply:

• Position the CP or roadblock where it is visible and where traffic cannot turn back, get off the road, or bypass without being observed.
• Position a combat vehicle off the road, but within sight, to deter resistance to soldiers manning the CP. The vehicle should be in a hull-down position and protected by local security. It must be able to engage vehicles attempting to break through or bypass the CP.
• Place obstacles in the road to slow or canalize traffic into the search area.
• Establish a reserve.
• Establish wire communications in the CP area to connect the CP bunker, the combat vehicle, the search area, security forces, the rest area, and any other elements involved in the operation.
• Designate the search area. If possible, it should be below ground to provide protection against such incidents as the explosion of a booby-trapped vehicle. Establish a parking area adjacent to the search area.
• If applicable, CP personnel should include linguists.
• Establish an early warning system around the perimeter of the OP (trip flares, empty cans, dry branches, and so on).
• Prepare shelters and defensive positions.

Figure 7-13.   Example of a deliberate CP.