Previous: Section IV: Reconnaissance Patrols
6-167. Area reconnaissance patrols focus on obtaining detailed information about the enemy activity, terrain, or specific civil considerations within a prescribed area. This area may include a town, a neighborhood, a ridgeline, woods, an airhead, or any other feature critical to operations. The area may consist of a single point (such as a bridge or an installation). Areas are normally smaller than zones and not usually contiguous to other friendly areas targeted for reconnaissance. Because the area is smaller, units conduct an area reconnaissance quicker than a zone reconnaissance. Other unique techniques falling under an area reconnaissance patrol include:
- Point.
- Contact.
- Civil.
- Tracking.
Next: 6-168: Point Reconnaissance
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad