Recon Quiz

ABCT Recon PLT Org

4 Sections - HQ = 2 trucks with MK19s - A/B/C = 1 BFV, 1 truck with .50

SBCT Recon PLT Org

4 Strykers (2 sections) - 2 with .50s - 2 with MK19s

IBCT Recon PLT Org

6 Trucks (3 sections) - HQ section, A, and B - A and B have .50 and TOW - HQ has 2 MK19s

Reconnaissance Methods

Aerial. Sensor. Mounted. Dismounted.

Directed effort of obtaining detailed information concerning the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area.

Area Recon

OP guidance

Blend in Low to ground Unexpected sites Exfil routes Silhouetting

What element conducts an extended screen?

Company

OP Equipment

Compoass Weapons Optics Radios Maps Seasonal SOI (Signal Operating Instructions)

Integration of one or more types of recon or surveillance systems to provide follow on information. (2 assets, 2 systems)

Cueing

Tempo: Entails slow, detailed, broad-based operations where the platoon may accomplish several tasks. Mounted reconnaissance platoon leaders ensure that subordinates understand the slower tempo and the use of dismounted scouts to collect the required information.

Deliberate Reconnaissance

5 Steps of Obstacle reconnaissance

Detection Local security and reconnaissance Reconnaissance of obstacles Selection of a COA Recommendation/execution

Fundamental: When a reconnaissance asset encounters an enemy force or an obstacle, it must quickly determine the threat it faces. For an enemy force, it must determine the enemy's composition, dispositions, activities, and movements and assess the implications of that information.

Develop the situation rapidly

Fundamental: When committed, reconnaissance assets use all of their resources to accomplish the mission. This does not mean that all assets are committed all the time. The commander uses available reconnaissance assets based on their capabilities and the mission variables of METT-TC to achieve the maximum coverage needed to answer the CCIR.

Do not keep recon assets in reserve

Establish which targets and circumstances the platoon is expected to defeat, and which targets they are expected to hand off to higher elements.

Engagement Criteria

Fundamental: The commander conducts reconnaissance before, during, and after all operations. Before an operation, reconnaissance fills gaps in information about the enemy, the terrain, and civil considerations. During an operation, reconnaissance provides the commander with updated information that verifies the enemy's composition, dispositions, and intentions as the battle progresses.

Ensure Continuous Recon

Tempo: Involves mounted tasks conducted at a faster pace. Because the units are less concerned with being detected by the enemy, CFV and motorized reconnaissance platoons are better suited for this type of reconnaissance. Dismounted reconnaissance platoons may need vehicle augmentation. A platoon conducting aggressive reconnaissance uses movement to rapidly develop the situation.

Forceful Reconnaissance

Fundamental: Once a unit conducting reconnaissance gains contact with the enemy, it maintains that contact unless the commander directing the reconnaissance orders otherwise or the survival of the unit is at risk. This does not mean that individual scout and reconnaissance teams cannot break contact with the enemy. The commander of the unit conducting reconnaissance is responsible for maintaining contact. That contact can range from surveillance to close combat.

Gain and maintain enemy contact

# of OPs I/S/A BCTs can setup for exetnted duration

I: 2 S: 2 A: 3

# of OPs I/S/A BCTs can setup for long duration

I: 2 S: 2 A: 4

# of OPs I/S/A BCTs can setup for short duration

I: 3 S: 4 A: 4

Fundamental: Contact once gained is not broken unless otherwise directed. Although contact does not have to be maintained by the individual section or team, the reconnaissance platoon stays in contact collectively and continuously by maintaining the capability to use direct and indirect fires, freedom to maneuver, and depth of observers in time and space.

Maintain enemy contact

Mixing

One recon team using different systems to collect info on the same IR

Fundamental: The reconnaissance platoon focuses all of its actions on securing the protected force or facility, and providing maximum early warning of enemy activity. It operates between the protected force and known or suspected enemy elements. The reconnaissance platoon moves as the protected force moves.

Orient on the force, area, or facility to be protected

Fundamental: Commanders of subordinate reconnaissance elements remain focused on achieving this objective, regardless of what their elements encounter during the mission. When time, unit limitations, or enemy action prevents a unit from accomplishing all the tasks normally associated with a particular form of reconnaissance, the unit uses the reconnaissance objective to focus the reconnaissance effort.

Orient on the recon obj

Fundamental: Security comes from detailed knowledge about the enemy and terrain within the assigned AO. This comes from ongoing reconnaissance that supports the overall unit surveillance and reconnaissance plan. As it attempts to determine enemy COAs by focusing on the enemy and key terrain, the platoon uses combinations of OPs, Army aviation, the UAS, patrols, and other intelligence collection assets to perform continuous reconnaissance.

Perform continuous reconnaissance

Fundamental: Detecting the enemy force quickly and reporting the information provides early, accurate warning to the protected force commander. This allows the time, space, and details needed to retain the tactical initiative, enabling the commander to choose the time and place to concentrate against the enemy.

Provide early and accurate warning

Fundamentals of Security

Provide early and accurate warning Provide reaction time and maneuver space Orient on the force, area, or facility to be protected Perform continuous reconnaissance Maintain enemy contact

Fundamental: The security force operates as far from the protected force as possible, consistent with the factors of METT-TC. Greater distances generally yield greater reaction time and maneuver space for the protected force commander. If necessary, the reconnaissance platoon fights to gain time and space for the commander.

Provide reaction time and maneuver space

Tempo: Focuses on collecting a few key pieces of information required by the troop commander. CFV and motorized reconnaissance platoons are better suited for this type of reconnaissance. Dismounted reconnaissance platoons may need vehicle augmentation.

Rapid Reconnaissance

Defers committing to a specific plan or COA prior to deployment of reconnaissance elements. It focuses on collecting enemy strength and weakness information that is critical in formulating the future plan or COA. emphasizes opportunity at the expense of a detailed, well-rehearsed plan. Upon discovering enemy strengths and weaknesses, the platoon, as part of the reconnaissance squadron and brigade, pulls the brigade combat team (BCT) along the path of least resistance into positions of tactical advantage.

Reconnaissance Pull

Emphasizes development of a detailed plan to focus the effort on an evolving maneuver sequel, or several sequels, prior to the deployment of the reconnaissance assets. The plan often encompasses several branches or COAs that are understood by leaders at all levels and are well rehearsed.

Reconnaissance Push

This is a squadron-level mission. The investigating platoon conducts area, zone, and route reconnaissance in support of the unit conducting the mission.

Reconnaissance in Force

2 or more like assets observing the same IR

Redundancy

Fundamental: Information may quickly lose its value. Reconnaissance units report exactly what they see and, if appropriate, what they do not see. Seemingly unimportant information may be extremely important when combined with other information. Reports of no enemy activity are as important as reports of enemy activity. Failing to report tells the commander nothing.

Report information rapidly and accurately

Fundamental: Reconnaissance assets must retain battlefield mobility to successfully complete their missions. If these assets are decisively engaged, reconnaissance stops and a battle for survival begins. Reconnaissance assets must have clear engagement criteria that support the commander's intent. They must employ proper movement and reconnaissance techniques, use overwatching fires, and follow SOPs.

Retain Freedom of maneuver

Fundamentals of Recon

Retain freedom of maneuver Report all information rapidly and accurately Ensure continuous recon Develop situation rapidly Do not keep recon assets in reserve Orient on recon objective Gain and maintain threat contact

Gain detailed information about a specific road or axis. This includes the terrain on both sides of the route that the enemy could use to influence movement.

Route Recon

Forms of security, and what size element conducts each

Screen (PLT) Guard (Squadron) Cover (BCT) Area (PLT) Security Local Security (anyjuan)

Tempo: occurs when the platoon conducts a methodical, time-consuming mission that minimizes chance enemy contact. It is usually conducted dismounted, and stealth is strongly emphasized.

Stealthy reconnaissance

Recon Focus

Threat/enemy Society Terrain Infrastructure

Reconnaissance forms

Zone Area Route Recon in force

Detailed information before maneuvering forces through a region defined by boundaries is needed. This information provides the commander with a detailed picture of how the enemy plans to defend the zone, enabling the commander to choose the appropriate COA.

Zone Recon