Reconnaissance

1
Reconnaissance
2
Reconnaissance Operations Defined
Reconnaissance operations are undertaken to
obtain (by visual observation or other detection
methods) information about the activities and
resources of an enemy or potential enemy. They
are designed to secure data concerning the
meteorological, hydrographical, or geographical
characteristics and the indigenous population of
a particular area (FM 1-02). The four forms of
reconnaissance are route zone area and
reconnaissance in force.
Define Recon
REF FM 3-21.8, Chapter 1, Section 1-225, Page
1-42 (Mar 07)
3
Recon

• Environmental
• Road conditions
• Bridges, Tunnels
• Structures,
• Soil Trafficability
• Significant terrain features (lakes, mountains,
  etc.)

• Enemy
• Strength of force
• Force structure
• Physical condition
• Nature of weapons/ equipment
• Pattern of activity

4
The Four Fundamentals

• Gain information
• Avoid Detection
• Employ security measures
• Task organize

5
Five Point Contingency Plan
6
Recon - Four Types

• Area
• Zone
• Route
• In Force

7
Area Recon

• This is a recon conducted to obtain information
  concerning a specific location and the area
  immediately around it

8
Leaders Recon
9
Movement

• Avoid paralleling the objective
• Maintain stealth
• Dont cross the LOA
• Use cover concealment

10
Establish Security
11
Return to Rally Point

• Gathered all PIR
• Reached the LOA
• Allocated time elapsed
• Contact has been made

12
Dissemination

• Recon Log
• Panoramic sketch
• Terrain sketch
• SALUTE Report

13
What to Report
14
Routine Equipment Carried

• Uniform
• Soft Cap
• LBE
• Sheath Knife
• Smoke Grenades
• Compasses
• Pen Light
• Ruck Sacks
• Ponchos
• Notebooks

• Gloves
• Socks
• At least one weapon with automatic fire
  capability
• Ammo / Individual weapon
• Chow / Water
• Maps
• Wire Cutters
• Flashlights
• Commo Gear

15
Special Equipment Carried

• Night Vision Devices
• Camera
• Binoculars
• GPS
• UAV

16
Zone Recon Techniques

• Moving Elements
• Fan
• Box
• Converging routes
• Successive sector
• Stationary Teams
• Multiple Area Recon

17
Moving Elements - Fan Method
18
Box Method
19
Converging Routes Method
20
Successive Sector Method
21
Route

• Trafficability
• Enemy activity
• NBC contamination
• Adjacent terrain

22
Route Considerations

• Preferred method is fan consider extensive
  intersections.
• Platoon should use a different return route.
• Roads should be treated as a danger area.
• Patrol report submitted in overlay format.

23
Questions?