7-189. The actual reconnaissance begins at the designated transition point and ends with a follow-on transition to tactical movement away from the reconnaissance objective. Leaders mark the follow-on transition point with a control measure like the first transition point, using a linkup point, an LOA, or a phase line. During this phase, leaders execute one of the three types of reconnaissance (area, zone, or route). These types of reconnaissance are distinguished by the scope of the reconnaissance objective. The general types of reconnaissance patrols Infantry units conduct are area, zone, and route. (See figure 7-21.)
Figure 7-21. Types of reconnaissance patrols
Organization-Tasks To Subordinate Units
7-190. Regardless of how reconnaissance (and/or surveillance) and security elements are organized, each element always maintains responsibility for its own local security. In a small reconnaissance patrol, the patrol headquarters may form a part of one of the subordinate elements rather than being a separate element. The number and size of the various teams and elements must be determined through the leader’s mission analysis. There are three ways to organize reconnaissance and security elements.
7-191. The first technique is to organize the reconnaissance (and/or surveillance) elements separate from security elements. This technique is used when the security element can support the reconnaissance element from one location. This requires the reconnaissance objective to be defined clearly and the area to be fairly open.
7-192. The second technique is to organize the reconnaissance (and/or surveillance) elements and security elements together into reconnaissance and security teams. This technique is used when the reconnaissance objective is not defined clearly, or the teams are not mutually supporting, and each reconnaissance element potentially needs its own security force. Within the reconnaissance and security team, the reconnaissance can be done by one or two individuals while the rest of the element provides security. The number of Soldiers in a reconnaissance and security team varies depending on the mission. Usually a fire team (three to four Soldiers) is required for an adequate reconnaissance and still provide local security.
7-193. The third technique is to establish reconnaissance (and/or surveillance) and security teams with an additional separate security element. The separate security element also can act as a quick reaction force.
Reverse-Planning Process
7-194. The patrol leader uses a reverse-planning process to plan for a reconnaissance patrol. The leader first determines the reconnaissance objective, an information requirement corresponding to the terrain or enemy in a specific area, route, or zone; it may be designated by a control measure such as named area of interest (NAI), target area of interest, checkpoints, objective, route, phase lines, or boundaries. Once the patrol leader has clarified the reconnaissance objective, the leader determines the observation plan enabling the patrol to obtain the information required. After determining the observation plan, the leader determines the tactical movement necessary to position the elements of the patrol to achieve the plan.
Information Requirements
7-195. Information requirements are the basis for the development of the CCIRs, the answers to which are needed to allow commanders to make tactical decisions. The controlling headquarters must clearly define the information requirements it wants the patrol to determine. The patrol leader must clarify these information requirements prior to conducting the mission. Table 7-4 on page 7-60 illustrates an example matrix used to capture the information requirements for the headquarters’ collection plan.
Table 7-4. Infrared collection matrix, example
7-196. Information requirements can be enemy-oriented, terrain-oriented, civil-oriented, or a combination. It is important the leader clarifies the requirement prior to conducting the reconnaissance. Knowing this orientation enables the leader to use disciplined initiative to meet the higher commander’s information requirement.
7-197. Terrain-oriented information requirements focus on determining information on the terrain of a particular area, route, or zone. While the unit looks for enemy presence, the overall intent is to determine the terrain’s usefulness for friendly purposes. For example, the company commander may send out a squad-sized reconnaissance patrol to identify a location, for example, the company’s future TAA or battle position(s). The patrol leader may send out a squad or team-sized reconnaissance patrol to obtain information about a bridge on a proposed infiltration route.
7-198. Enemy-oriented information requirements focus on finding a particular enemy force. The purpose of enemy-oriented reconnaissance is to confirm or deny planning assumptions. While the unit may be given a terrain feature as a reference point, the overall intent is to find the enemy. This means if the enemy is not in the location referenced, the leader must demonstrate the initiative to find the enemy force within the mission parameters.
7-199. Civil-oriented information requirements focus on determining information on the human environment in a particular area, route, or zone. A civil-oriented information requirement is a larger, vaguer category requiring more clarification than the other two categories. Examples of civil-oriented information requirements are the physical infrastructures; service infrastructures such as sewer, water, electric, and trash; the political situation; demographics; and dislocated civilians.
Observation Plan
7-200. Once the patrol leader understands the information requirement, the leader develops an observation plan to obtain the information. The leader captures the observation plan as part of the patrol leader’s COA sketch. This is done by asking two basic questions:
- What is the best location to obtain the information required?
- What is the best way to obtain the information without compromising the patrol?
7-201. The answer to the first question is: all vantage points and observation posts from which the patrol can best obtain the required information. A vantage point is a temporary position enabling observation of the enemy. It is meant to be occupied only until the enemy activity is confirmed or denied. The answer to the second question is: use the routes and number of teams necessary to occupy the vantage points and/or observation posts. An observation post is a position where military observations can be made, and fire can be directed and adjusted. Observation posts must possess appropriate communications. The observation post can be short-term (12 hours or less) or long-term, depending upon guidance from higher. Unlike a vantage point, the observation post normally is occupied, and surveillance is conducted for a specified period.
7-202. The patrol views the reconnaissance objective from as many perspectives as possible, using whatever combinations of observation posts and vantage points are necessary. The leader selects the tentative locations for patrol’s vantage points, observation posts, and movement after analyzing METT-TC (I). These locations are proposed and are confirmed and adjusted as necessary by the actual leader on the ground. After analysis, the leader determines how many vantage points and observation posts must be established and where to position them. After deciding on these general locations, the leader designs the routes for necessary movement between these and other control measures (such as the release point[s] and linkup point[s]). Positions should have the following characteristics:
- Covered and concealed routes to and from each position.
- Unobstructed observation of the assigned area, route, or zone. Ideally, the fields of observation of adjacent positions overlap to ensure full coverage.
- Cover and concealment. Leaders select positions with cover and concealment to reduce their vulnerability on the battlefield. Leaders may need to pass up a position with favorable observation capability but no cover and concealment to select a position affording better survivability.
- A location not attracting attention. Positions should not be sited in such locations as a water tower, an isolated grove of trees, or a lone building or tree. These positions draw enemy attention and may be used as enemy artillery TRPs.
- A location not sky lining the observers. Avoid hilltops. Locate positions farther down the slope of the hill or on the side, provided there are covered and concealed routes into and out of the position.
7-203. The locations selected by the patrol leader are either long-range or short-range. Long-range positions must be far enough from the objective to be outside enemy’s small-arms weapons, sensors, and other local security measures. Long-range positions are the most desirable method for executing a reconnaissance because the patrol does not come in close enough to be detected. If detected, the patrol can employ direct and indirect fires. Therefore, it is used whenever METT-TC (I) permits the required information to be gathered from a distance. Security must be maintained by—
- Selecting covered and concealed observation posts.
- Using covered and concealed routes in and around the AO.
- Deploying security elements, including sensors, to give early warning, and providing covering fire, if required.
7-204. Short-range positions are within the range of enemy local security measures and small arms fire. When information required cannot be obtained by a long-range position, reconnaissance elements move closer to the objective. The vantage points and routes used during short-range observation should be planned carefully and verified prior to using them. Doing so prevents detection by the enemy or friendly units from stumbling into one another or covering ground already passed over by another element.
7-205. Once a subordinate element establishes the observation post, the occupying element prepares a sector sketch for the position. Figure 7-22 is a similar sketch to an individual fighting position sketch but with some important differences. At a minimum, the sketch should include:
- A rough sketch of key and significant terrain.
- The location of the observation post and alternate observation post.
- The location of the hide position.
- Routes to the observation post and fighting positions.
- Sectors of observation.
- Direct and indirect fire control measures.
Figure 7-22. Observation post sector sketch
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