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Successfully countering the enemy's mounted reconnaissance is the first and possibly most important step to ensuring a successful defense. Keeping the enemy scouts out of the task force sector presents a two part problem: How will the task force first acquire the enemy? How will it destroy him once he is acquired? This article identifies key points for counterreconnaissance planning and execution and provides options on how to kill the enemy after acquisition.

The counterreconnaissance plan must address how the enemy reconnaissance elements will be acquired and killed. The task force S2 identifies avenues of approach into the task force sector and identifies what type of reconnaissance assets might use them. He also identifies when the enemy mounted reconnaissance elements are most likely to move along these routes. The task force S3 uses this information to formulate the counterreconnaissance plan and to task units to execute it.

A successful counterreconnaissance plan is coordinated early, controlled by the task force S3, and is thoroughly rehearsed. Relying on the company teams to provide their own local security and on the scout platoon to acquire and destroy the enemy's mounted reconnaissance often results in gaps in the coverage through which the enemy will infiltrate. If the task force has a coordinated plan which efficiently uses all available assets, the enemy scouts encounter severe difficulties penetrating the defense.

Like all tactical plans, there are no hard and fast rules that say, "If this is always done, the task force will be successful." The following techniques offer some options to counter the regimental reconnaissance company.

Option 1: Attach a thermal-equipped tank platoon to the scouts and place it forward.

• Prior coordination between the platoon leader, S2, and scout platoon leader is crucial.

• The scouts and GSR acquire enemy targets and alert the tank platoon.

• The tank platoon, which is the destruction element, is positioned forward in the task force area to overwatch the enemy's most likely avenue of approach during hours of limited visibility.

• The tank platoon leader operates on the same net as the scout platoon leader and the S2 to rapidly receive instructions on the enemy location and direction.

• The tank platoon intercepts and destroys the enemy scouts.

Option 2: Use the scout platoon to acquire and destroy enemy reconnaissance elements.

• Scouts must man OPs and maneuver to destroy reconnaissance vehicles.

• More viable when scouts are M3 equipped because of the 25 mm cannon, but the platoon may be spread too thin and gaps may result.

• The only AT weapons that M113 equipped scouts have are TOWs and Dragons. Slow rate of fire and distinct signature compromise OP locations.

• May use artillery, but adjustment is slow and accurate targeting is difficult at night.

Option 3: Designate a company team to provide a reaction force. (NOTE: This option is most effective in M2 equipped units.)

• Repositions in and around the battle position based upon warning from the Scout platoon.

• Must be designated and notified well in advance. The platoon leader must conduct reconnaissance of potential routes and coordinate with the S2 and scouts.

• Platoon leader leaves the parent company net at dusk and enters the net the task force is using to coordinate counterreconnaissance activities.

• M1/M2 task force uses either a tank or a mechanized infantry platoon as a reaction force. The mechanized infantry platoon can also engage dismounted infiltrators.

Option 4: Designate "no movement areas" for company team battle positions.

• Companies can patrol to a certain limit beyond their positions; anything moving beyond these limits can be engaged.

• "No movement areas" must be covered by direct fire weapons. The boundaries must be tied to easily identified terrain. The boundary nearest friendly troops must be well marked. It may be difficult to tie boundaries to terrain features in some areas of operation, such as the desert. The task force can use man made markers, such as directional chemical lights or flashlights, as an alternative.

Option 5: Use a company team in a forward screen role. This provides a strong counterreconnaissance capability, gives a measure of deception, and facilitates early engagement. A company team has assets to deal with any enemy reconnaissance elements which dismount as well. This company team withdraws to its primary battle position to fight the main battle.

The most successful counterreconnaissance plans are those that are coordinated and controlled at the task force level by the S2 and S3. The S2 identifies the most likely avenues of approach into the task force sector, when the enemy is most likely to send his mounted reconnaissance elements along these routes, and what will be required to counter that effort. The S3 formulates the counterreconnaissance plan and tasks the necessary units to execute it. The TOC actively supervises the effort to ensure it is coordinated and executed. The result is that the enemy reconnaissance effort is blunted, and he is forced to attack without information on the friendly force's disposition. This makes it much easier for the task force to defeat the enemy's main attack and retain its combat effectiveness.

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