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Previous: 6-207: Route Reconnaissance Execution

6-208. Route reconnaissance is conducted to obtain and locate the following:

• Detailed information about trafficability on the route and all adjacent terrain.
• Detailed information about an enemy activity or enemy force moving along a route.
• Sites for emplacing hasty obstacles to slow enemy movement.
• Obstacles, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination, and so forth.

6-209. The Infantry platoon and squad also can be tasked to survey a route in a planned infiltration lane. After being briefed on the proposed infiltration, the patrol leader conducts a thorough map reconnaissance and plans a series of fans along the route. (See figure 6-16.) The coverage must reconnoiter all intersecting routes for a distance greater than the range at which enemy direct-fire weapons could influence the infiltrating forces.

6-210. The platoon reports conditions likely to affect friendly movement. These
conditions include:

• Presence of the enemy.
• Terrain information.
• Location and condition of bypasses, fords, and obstacles.
• Choke points.
• Route and bridge conditions.

6-211. If all or part of the proposed route is a road, the leader must treat the road as a danger area. The platoon moves parallel to the road, using a covered and concealed route. When required, R&S teams move close to the road to reconnoiter important areas. The platoon plans a different route for its return.

Next: 6-212: Control Measures

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