7-185. A reconnaissance patrol employs many tactics, techniques, and procedures throughout the course of the patrol, one of which may include an extended period of surveillance. A reconnaissance patrol collects information and confirms or disproves the accuracy of information previously gained. The intent for this type of patrol is to avoid enemy contact and accomplish its mission without engaging in close combat. Reconnaissance patrols always try to accomplish their mission without being detected or observed. Because detection cannot always be avoided, a reconnaissance patrol carries the necessary arms and equipment to protect itself and break contact with the enemy. Platoons or squads generally perform three types of reconnaissance patrols: area reconnaissance, route reconnaissance, or zone reconnaissance.
Note. The main difference between the performance of reconnaissance operations and security operations is that reconnaissance operations orient on the enemy and terrain, while security operations (see chapter 6 section VII) orient on the friendly force, area, or facility. The reconnaissance fundamentals ensure continuous reconnaissance; do not keep reconnaissance assets in reserve; orient on the reconnaissance objective; report all required information rapidly and accurately; retain freedom of maneuver; gain and maintain enemy contact (find the enemy); and develop the situation rapidly (see FM 3-96 for additional information).
- Area reconnaissance—a form of reconnaissance operation that focuses on obtaining detailed information about the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area (FM 3-90).
- Route reconnaissance—a form of reconnaissance operation to obtain detailed information of a specified route and all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route (FM 3-90).
- Zone reconnaissance—a form of reconnaissance operation that involves a directed effort to obtain detailed information on all routes, obstacles, terrain, and enemy forces within a zone defined by boundaries (FM 3-90).
Note. Leaders orient their reconnaissance effort by identifying a reconnaissance objective—the most important result desired from that specific reconnaissance effort (FM 3-90)—within a patrol’s assigned area. The objective can be either threat or terrain based, depending on what type of operation its higher echelon is conducting. Every reconnaissance mission specifies a reconnaissance objective by priority, intent, and the information to obtain. For a platoon or squad, the reconnaissance objective is usually a small and narrowly defined area, such as a particular building, a bridge or suspected enemy position designated as a named area of interest (NAI).
- Essential Elements For A Reconnaissance Patrol
- Actions On The Reconnaissance Objective
- Area Reconnaissance Patrol
- Route Reconnaissance Patrol
- Zone Reconnaissance Patrol
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