Infantry Drills

6-176: Fundamentals of Reconnaissance



Previous: 6-175: Control Measures

6-176. Leaders use the seven fundamentals of reconnaissance to organize their patrols into two forces: a reconnaissance element, and a security element. The seven fundamentals are—

  • Ensure continuous reconnaissance.
  • Do not keep reconnaissance assets in reserve.
  • Orient on the reconnaissance objective.
  • Report information rapidly and accurately.
  • Retain freedom of maneuver.
  • Gain and maintain enemy contact.
  • Develop the situation rapidly.

Next: 6-177: Reconnaissance Elements

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad