Military

A tactical recon is conducted to gain information forward of friendly lines or to provide current, accurate information about terrain, resources, obstacles, and the enemy within a specified AO. This information provides the follow-on forces with an opportunity to maneuver to their objective rapidly. Engineer recon teams are involved in three types of tactical recon: route, zone, and area. During a tactical recon, engineers may also be involved in various technical recons such as road, tunnel, and bridge recons.

There are six fundamentals common to all successful tactical recon operations. Every engineer leader should keep these fundamentals in mind when planning and executing recon missions.

• Using maximum recon force forward. During a recon, every scout, every engineer, and every pair of eyes make a difference. Engineer recon teams must not be kept in the reserve. They must be employed, executing their portion of recon tasks as soon as possible.
• Orienting on the recon objective. A recon team's scheme of maneuver is focused toward a specific objective or a set of objectives. An engineer recon team must know where to look for enemy obstacles and enemy engineer activity at the objective. The objective may be a terrain feature, a specific area, or an enemy force; it may be designated by an NAI, a checkpoint, or an objective symbol. A recon team must maintain its orientation toward the objective until the mission is complete. The overall objective for an engineer recon team's mission is located in the supported commander's priority intelligence requirements (PIR), the R & S plan, and/or the commander's intent paragraph in the operations order (OPORD). It is critical that all recon personnel understand the purpose of a recon mission.
• Reporting all information rapidly and accurately. Commanders base their decisions and plans on the battlefield information that scouts, engineers, and other recon assets find and report. Information loses value over time. Scouts and engineers must report all information exactly as they see it and as fast as possible. They must never assume, distort, or exaggerate; inaccurate information is dangerous. Information that an enemy or an obstacle is not in a certain location is just as important as where the enemy or obstacle is.
• Retaining freedom of maneuver. All recon elements must be able to maneuver on the battlefield. If a recon element is fixed by the enemy, the element must regain its ability to maneuver or it can no longer accomplish its mission. Recon teams must continually maintain an awareness of tactical developments. They must employ proper movement techniques and react to unexpected situations appropriately. When contact is made, the recon team leader must develop the situation and retain the initiative and the ability to continue the mission.
• Gaining and maintaining enemy contact. Recon elements employ sound tactical movement, target-acquisition methods, and appropriate actions to make contact with an enemy, undetected, thereby retaining the initiative and control of the situation. Recon elements use the terrain and weather to their advantage to avoid detection. Examples include selecting covered and concealed routes, moving during rain, avoiding roads and danger areas, and selecting unlikely routes to their objectives. Once scouts find the enemy, they maintain contact using all available means (sensors, radar, sound, and visual) until the commander orders them to do otherwise or as required by their specific instructions.
• Developing the situation rapidly. Whether recon elements detect an obstacle or the enemy, they must analyze the situation quickly. If they detect the enemy, the recon elements determine the enemy's size, composition, and activity and locate the enemy's flanks. Scouts and engineers find any obstacles protecting the enemy's position. The engineers (with scout assistance) find and mark a bypass, perform an unopposed obstacle reduction, or conduct a detailed obstacle recon. It is imperative that any reduction/marking does not jeopardize the recon effort. It is also important that the engineers gain enough detail about the obstacle for future breaching operations. This must be done quickly with minimum guidance from higher headquarters. During a recon, time is a precious resource; it cannot be wasted if mission success is to be achieved.

Recon techniques achieve a balance between the acceptable level of risk and the security necessary to ensure mission accomplishment. This balance is often a tradeoff between speed and security. The faster the recon, the more risk a recon team accepts and the less detailed recon it conducts. A recon team must use all available resources when conducting its mission. The primary tools for any engineer recon team are its senses--particularly, sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Recon equipment supplements and complements these senses. The following are some examples of how these senses are used during recon missions:

• Sight. An engineer recon team looks for--

• Hearing. An engineer recon team listens for--

• Touch. An engineer recon team feels for the presence of trip wires or AHDs.
• Smell. An engineer recon team smells for--

To reduce vulnerability on the battlefield, an engineer recon team rehearses recon techniques in detail. The knowledge and rehearsal of recon techniques, combined with an understanding of a mission's particular METT-T requirements, allow the recon team leader to mix and choose the methods that maximize security and mission accomplishment.

This section discusses several recon methods that have proven to be effective in most situations. They form the foundation for tactical recon. Use common sense when analyzing a given situation and employing or modifying the method based on METT-T.

Maneuver units frequently employ mounted recons. A fairly detailed recon can be conducted while maintaining speed and momentum. Normally, a mounted recon is used when--

• Time is limited.
• Long distances must be traveled.
• A very detailed recon is not required.
• Enemy locations are known.
• Enemy obstacles are known or not expected.
• Enemy contact is not likely.

In addition to speed, a mounted recon offers the advantages of a tactical vehicle. These advantages depend on the vehicle employed, but they can include firepower, armor protection, increased navigational aids, communication capabilities, and thermal optics. Recon teams must dismount and recon forward of their vehicles to provide security before moving through dangerous areas such as open areas, hilltops, curves, wadis, or other blind spots on the battlefield. Disadvantages include the loss of stealth due to the vehicle's visual, noise, and thermal signatures and the loss of some detail because of restricted vision and impairment of the senses of smell and hearing. These disadvantages increase the risk to personnel as they conduct a recon.

A dismounted recon's primary purpose is to obtain detailed information about terrain features, obstacles, or enemy forces. Engineer recon teams normally conduct a dismounted recon. A dismounted recon is conducted when--

• A detailed recon is required.
• Stealth is required.
• Enemy contact is expected or visual contact has been achieved.
• Vehicle movement through an area is restricted by terrain.
• Time is not limited.
• Security is the primary concern.

Recon teams set up short- or long-duration observations posts (OPs). Dismounted personnel must provide security for each other when moving. They should work together in pairs when operating dismounted. When only one person dismounts, he should never move out of supporting distance of the vehicle.

As a minimum, a recon team should carry the following when dismounted:

• SOPs, to include templated information on anticipated obstacles.
• Personal weapons.
• Communications equipment.
• Signal operating instructions (SOI) extracts.
• Maps.
• A compass.
• Binoculars (night-vision devices [NVDs], if necessary).
• Seasonal uniform and load-bearing equipment.
• A global positioning system (GPS).
• Radios.

In a recon by fire, a recon element places direct/indirect fire on positions where there is a reasonable suspicion of enemy occupation. The goal is to cause an enemy to disclose his presence by moving or returning fire. Recon elements conduct a recon by fire when enemy contact is expected and time is limited or when they cannot maneuver to develop the situation. This method eliminates any element of surprise the scouts may have had, and it is likely to give the enemy detailed knowledge of their location. However, it may reduce the chance of being ambushed within established kill zones. Recon by fire does not work in all cases. For example, disciplined troops in prepared positions will not react to the scout's fires. Examples of situations in which a recon by fire may be employed include--

• The presence of a natural or man-made obstacle.
• The existence of an obvious kill zone.
• A suspected enemy position that fits the SITEMP.
• Signs of recent activity (tracks, marks, or trash).
• Bunker complexes that may or may not be occupied.

When such evidence exists, the scouts should maneuver to observe from different directions. When the decision is finally made to conduct a recon by fire, weapons should be used in the following priority:

• Indirect fire.
• Dismounted machine gun.
• 25-millimeter (mm) chain gun, MK19, and mounted machine gun.
• Tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missile (TOW).

Engineer recon teams do not normally provide a key weapon system during a recon by fire. They are better employed as an observation asset to the firing team.

A recon by fire does not mean indiscriminately using direct and indirect fires at all wood lines and hilltops in the hopes of causing the enemy to react. The enemy will recognize this for what it is; he will not react to it. This also wastes valuable ammunition.

Scouts can employ recon by indirect fire (see Figure 3-1). This technique provides them security because they do not disclose their exact position, and they are all available to observe the effects of fire.

A recon by indirect fire has disadvantages as well. Indirect fire requires more coordination and communication than direct fire. Indirect fire is subject to considerations beyond a recon team's control such as the supporting unit's Class V supply status, counterbattery threats, and command approval. Also, the effects of indirect fire may obscure a scout's vision.

Scouts can use their organic weapons to place accurate direct fires on suspected enemy positions. This technique is likely to provoke a rapid enemy response, but it reveals the scout's position. Scouts must work together when employing direct fire. A scout who fires is normally not in the best position to observe because of obscuration and the necessity to move to a covered and concealed position after firing. Another scout must observe for an enemy reaction. The recon leader should also plan on placing indirect fires on suspected positions for use as suppression if the enemy responds in strength.

An aerial recon is not normally available except in division cavalry organizations or when supporting an armored cavalry regiment. When available, however, an aerial recon can be employed to complement and augment a ground recon. An aerial recon, as conducted by air-cavalry elements, is the fastest form of recon. It is also terrain-independent and thus able to access areas that may be difficult or impossible for ground scouts to reach.

The advantage gained by employing air-cavalry assets is multifaceted and flexible enough to accommodate a broad range of ideas and missions. Refer to FMs 1-114 and 17-95-10 for more complete information.

The recon team will use either aggressive or stealth recon techniques, based on METT-T. A stealth approach is time-consuming and emphasizes avoiding contact and engaging the enemy. To be effective, a stealth approach must rely on a dismounted recon and maximum use of covered and concealed terrain. An aggressive recon emphasizes the rapid identification of the enemy's combat power and is characterized by a mounted recon and a recon by fire.

During a route recon, a recon element must accomplish a specified number of tasks unless directed to do otherwise. Based on time available and the commander's intent, the recon element may be directed to conduct a route recon to acquire specific information only. The recon leader must clearly understand which of the following critical tasks must be accomplished:

• Determining the route's trafficability. (For further information see Chapter 5.)
• Reconning to the limit of direct-fire range and terrain that dominates the route.
• Reconning all built-up areas along the route (includes identifying bypass routes, construction supplies and equipment, ambush sites, evidence of booby traps, and suitable sites for C²/CSS facilities).
• Reconning all lateral routes to the limit of direct-fire range.
• Inspecting and classifying all bridges on the route.
• Locating fords or crossing sites near all bridges on the route (includes determining fordabilty and locating nearby bypasses that can support combat and CSS units, marking bridge classifications and bypass routes, and being prepared to provide guides to the bypasses).
• Inspecting and classifying all overpasses, underpasses, and culverts.
• Reconning all defiles along the route.
• Locating obstacles along the route. (Cavalry units may be required to clear routes of obstacles. See FM 17-95.)
• Locating bypasses around built-up areas, obstacles, and contaminated areas.
• Reporting route information.
• Finding and reporting all enemy forces that can influence movement along the route.

Because of the number of critical tasks that must be accomplished, a scout platoon with an engineer recon team can conduct a detailed recon of only one route. A scout platoon may be able to handle two routes if the recon is limited to trafficability only. The following discussion outlines one technique of accomplishing all tasks as rapidly and securely as possible.

The scout platoon leader receives an order specifying the route the platoon must recon and defining the route from start point (SP) to release point (RP). Additionally, the order may specify platoon boundaries, phase lines (PLs), lines of departure (LDs), and a limit of advance (LOA) or recon objective. These control measures specify how much terrain on both sides of a route that the platoon must recon and where the operation must begin and end. The boundaries are drawn on both sides. They include the terrain that dominates the route, usually extending out 2.5 to 3 kilometers. This ensures that the scouts recon all terrain that the enemy could use to influence movement along the route. An LD is drawn from one boundary to the other behind the SP. This allows the platoon to cross the LD and be fully deployed before reaching the route. An LOA or objective is placed beyond the RP on the last terrain feature dominating the route or out to about 3 kilometers (see Figure 3-2).

The recon platoon leader may add additional PLs, contact points, and checkpoints to the graphics he receives from his commander. PLs are used to help control the platoon's maneuver. The contact points ensure that the teams maintain contact at particular critical points. Checkpoints are used along a route or on specific terrain to control movement or to designate areas that must be reconned. The engineer recon team leader should obtain this information during the scout platoon OPORD briefing.

The recon platoon leader will also coordinate with the FSO and plan artillery targets on known or suspected enemy positions and on dominant terrain throughout the AO. The engineer recon team leader must ensure that this information is included on his overlay.

The recon platoon leader evaluates the METT-T factors and organizes his platoon with an engineer recon team to meet mission needs. He ensures that at least one team is responsible for reconning a route. A three-team organization is usually the type best suited to recon a route. Team A recons the terrain left of the route, Team B covers the terrain right of the route, and Team C and the engineer recon team recon the route and controls the movement of the other two teams. In this organization, the platoon leader's team has specific responsibility to clear the route (see Figure 3-3). The engineer recon team's tasks will likely include a technical recon of the route (including bridge load classification and possible locations for employing SCATMINEs).

The following example of a route recon is for a cavalry scout platoon with an engineer platoon attached.

Maneuver units and scouts, with the assistance of engineers, conduct zone recon missions to gain detailed information about routes, terrain, resources, and enemy forces within a zone defined by lateral boundaries. Commanders normally assign a zone recon mission when they need information before sending their main-body forces through the zone. The recon produces information about the enemy situation and about routes and cross-country trafficability within the zone. Engineers play a primary role in obtaining route and cross-country trafficability information. This is the most thorough and complete recon mission; therefore, it is very time intensive. It is common for scouts executing a zone recon with engineer assistance to advance at only 1.5 kilometers per hour.

During a zone recon, a recon element must accomplish a specified number of tasks unless directed to do otherwise. The recon leader must clearly understand which of the following critical tasks must be accomplished:

• Reconning key terrain in the zone.
• Inspecting and classifying all key bridges within the zone.
• Locating suitable fording or crossing sites near all bridges within the zone.
• Inspecting and classifying all overpasses, underpasses, and culverts.
• Locating obstacles in the zone; determining how to reduce obstacles (assets and time) when needed. (Cavalry units may be required to clear the zone of obstacles. See FM 17-95.)
• Locating bypasses around built-up areas, obstacles, and contaminated areas.
• Reporting enemy forces in the zone.
• Reporting recon information.

A zone recon is a very time-consuming operation. Unless the orders specify otherwise, all critical tasks listed above are implied in the zone recon mission statement. Commanders who want a faster tempo of operations need to modify the mission statement and ensure that the recon element knows what its primary recon tasks are. For example, the TF commander may have critical bridges that need classification to ensure that the main body can move with freedom. However, he may have two other bridges within the zone that will not be used by the TF and do not need to be classified.

Mounted maneuver units and TF scouts with engineers can effectively recon a zone that is 3 to 5 kilometers wide. The zone's width is determined by the road network, terrain features, anticipated enemy activity, and time available to accomplish the mission. If the zone is wider than 3 to 5 kilometers, the recon element quickly loses the capability to accomplish the critical tasks and move securely.

When a recon leader receives a zone recon mission, the order will define the zone by lateral boundaries, an LD, and an LOA or objective. The parent unit may include additional PLs or other graphic control measures within the zone to help control the maneuver of the units.

The recon leader analyzes the mission to determine what must be accomplished. He analyzes any information about the enemy during the IPB to determine what enemy activity he should expect to encounter. The engineer commander should work with the recon leader, the S2, and the S3 to ensure that engineer recon tasks are identified and that enough engineers are attached to the recon element to accomplish the mission. The engineer commander will help analyze the terrain by--

• Assisting the S2 in map recon.
• Examining aerial photographs.
• Using an automated terrain-visualization tool.

Depending on the type of recon element, the experience of the attached engineer recon team, and METT-T considerations, the element can conduct the zone recon using a two-, three-, or four-team organization. The recon element must deploy to cover the entire zone. It usually operates in a zone it knows very little about, so the COA must allow for flexibility, responsiveness, and security as it moves. The recon leader deploys the scout teams on line across the LD. He uses PLs, checkpoints, contact points, or TIRS points to ensure that the element recons the entire zone and that teams maintain contact with each other. He ensures that scout teams remain generally on line, which prevents significant gaps that a moving enemy could exploit. Scouts and engineers dismount as necessary to gather detailed information, clear danger areas, or move through areas that are not accessible to the vehicles. The element continues to recon the zone until it reaches the LOA or the final recon objective.

The following example of a zone recon is for a battalion scout platoon augmented with an engineer recon team.

Before moving forces into or near a specified area, commanders may call on their scouts or other recon element to conduct an area recon to avoid being surprised by unsuitable terrain conditions or unexpected enemy forces. The area could be a town, a ridgeline, woods, or other features that friendly forces intend to occupy or pass through. Area recon is frequently required for objective areas to confirm the IPB templates and provide detailed information regarding enemy dispositions. In addition, area recon within a zone of operation can be used to focus the scouts on the specific area that is critical to the commander. This technique of focusing the recon also permits the recon to be accomplished more quickly. Therefore, an area recon can be a stand-alone mission or a task to a team or platoon within the larger context of a platoon or troop recon mission.

• Reconning all terrain within the area.
• Inspecting and classifying all bridges within the area.
• Locating suitable fording or crossing sites near all bridges within the area.
• Inspecting and classifying all overpasses, underpasses, and culverts.
• Locating obstacles in the area.
• Locating bypasses around built-up areas, obstacles, and contaminated areas.
• Finding and reporting all enemy forces within the area. (Cavalry units may be required to clear the area of obstacles. See FM 17-95.)

The order to conduct an area recon mission identifies the area to be reconned within a continuous boundary. A recon leader completes his troop-leading procedures using METT-T. He also plans the movement to and, if necessary, from the area, following the basic rule of using different routes in and out of the area. The routes are specified for the recon element when it works as part of a larger unit such as a cavalry troop. The element's primary concern during movement to the area is security rather than recon. During movement to the area, it may be appropriate (depending on the commander's intent) for the recon element to avoid contact.

The recon leader encloses the given area within a zone; he uses boundaries, an LD, and an LOA. The recon leader can divide the area further by placing boundaries on identifiable terrain. This ensures that each team is responsible for specific terrain areas. The recon leader may also choose to orient and focus teams on checkpoints for both movement and recon. PLs may also be used to help control movement to the area. The recon leader places contact points at the intersections of PLs and boundaries and any other places he wants physical contact and coordination between his teams. He uses TIRs as necessary. He works with the FSO to plan indirect fires to support the element's scheme of maneuver.

The recon leader deploys his teams abreast across the LD to accomplish their recon tasks. Formations are often not appropriate to this mission because of the irregular shape of the area and the wide variety of METT-T considerations.

The following example of an area recon is for a battalion scout platoon augmented by an engineer recon team.