Group

Reconnaissance fundamentals

The purpose of Reconnaissance units is find, understand and communicate information and intelligence on the enemy ahead of a force to enable informed command decisions. Reconnaissance is a continuous activity focused on reducing uncertainty and answering METT-TC considerations as the situation evolves.

Reconnaissance elements operate ahead of the main force, often without support, and must adapt to changing conditions over time. Their employment is shaped by the need to observe, assess, and reposition as required to maintain relevance and survivability.

The primary value of reconnaissance lies in the recommendations derived from collected information. All team members contribute observations to inform Enemy, Terrain, and Civilian considerations, while the Field Leader makes the final assessment. These recommendations support planning and decision-making rather than directing action.

While planning a patrol, the ARSE acronym can be used as an aid for a commander:

Area: The specific geographic area being reconnoitred, including its terrain features and any enemy presence.
Routes: Key routes for movement, assessing both friendly and enemy trafficability.
Security: Evaluating potential threats, available cover, and positions for ambush or defence.
Environment: Environmental factors like weather, visibility, and terrain that could affect the patrol.

• Identify terrain or infrastructure changes.
• Record new obstacles, roads, or structural changes.
• Share updated information with command and planning elements.

Convert observations into operational recommendations:

• Identify and report enemy vulnerabilities, weak points, or high-value targets.
• Recommend positioning for support elements when appropriate.

• Move using natural terrain for concealment.
• Utilize vegetation, elevation, and structures to reduce visual and auditory detection.
• Identify and evaluate danger areas.
• Assess open ground, chokepoints, road crossings, and other high-risk movement zones.
• Record and report intelligence using standardised formats.
• Include enemy activity, terrain features, and environmental factors.

Most reconnaissance patrols depend on avoiding detection while still gathering valuable intel. Operating in stealth requires practice however there are some fundamentals can that be followed:

Movement Discipline

• Move slowly in hostile areas to reduce noise and visibility
• Stay low in open terrain and use terrain features for concealment
• Limit unnecessary weapon handling, reloading, or sprinting near enemy positions

Visual & Thermal Camouflage

• Wear appropriate camo based on the environment (woodland, urban, desert)
• Use natural shadows, foliage, and structures to remain hidden
• Be aware that some enemies may have thermal optics or night sights

Noise & Light Discipline

• Keep flashlights, lasers, and unnecessary lights off
• If using voice chat, whisper mode can help to prevent noise detection
• Avoid firing weapons unless absolutely necessary

Gold Standard
A comprehensive reconnaissance of the Area of Operations (AO), thoroughly exploring all available reconnaissance methods and producing a detailed patrol report. This is a dedicated operation focused solely on intelligence gathering.
 

Silver Standard
Only the most critical and obvious terrain features are assessed, with key findings communicated directly to the Field Leader. This involves the reconnaissance team joining the operation early, focusing on essential intel.
 

Bronze Standard
Limited to the axis of advance and its immediate surroundings, with information passed to relevant callsigns. Typically involves scouts moving ahead of an advancing force or focussing on specific areas of interest such as an amphibious landing zone to gather basic intel reporting back to the most relevant callsign.

• A reconnaissance patrol is not an assault force. It is not tasked with seizing terrain, destroying enemy forces, or holding ground. Prolonged or decisive engagement is out with their remit and compromises their effectiveness.
• A reconnaissance patrol is not a force that sits on top of a hill exclusively. It does not rely on obvious, dominant, or silhouetted terrain for observation. Effective reconnaissance uses concealment, standoff, angles, and movement to observe without being detected.
• A reconnaissance patrol is not intended to fix or delay the enemy. If contact occurs, the patrol disengages, breaks contact, and reports rather than attempting to win the fight.
• A reconnaissance patrol is not a security screen. While it provides early warning through reporting, it does not absorb contact or protect the main force through combat.
• A reconnaissance patrol is not unfocused. It does not collect information indiscriminately; reconnaissance is driven by defined information requirements and command intent.

The list of relevant information that could be gathered is non exhaustive as it can be anything that is relevant to the mission but some examples for what each kind of reconnaissance patrol may look for is below:

Area Reconnaissance

• Enemy force size, equipment, likely intentions, and other capabilities
• Location of enemy bunkers and their sightlines
• Location and extent of minefields
• Obstacles such as restrictive terrain and anti-tank defences
• Potential axis of advance, e.g., bypassing defences using a ditch
• Dead ground for manoeuvring out of enemy sight
• Density of woodblocks for concealed movement
• Good locations for MG support or overwatch squads
• Locations for friendly logistics

Route Reconnaissance

• Detailed information about trafficability on the route and adjacent terrain
• Enemy activity or enemy forces moving along the route
• Sites for emplacing hasty obstacles to slow enemy movement
• Obstacles such as bridges, chokepoints, fords, and other barriers
• Location and condition of bypasses and alternative routes

Close Target Reconnaissance (CTR)

• Target assessment: size, composition, and capabilities of the enemy
• Locations of dead ground for manoeuvre
• Avenues of advance to bypass defences
• Areas for undetected movement (e.g., dense woodblocks)
• Enemy morale, training, and discipline

Reconnaissance in Force (RIF)

• Initial estimates of enemy force size and capabilities
• Avenues of approach and potential exit routes
• Identification of enemy weaknesses (e.g., gaps in defences)
• Signs of enemy morale, readiness, and discipline
• Engagement indicators through contact

Observation Post (OP)

• Monitoring enemy movements, positions, and changes
• Key sightlines and areas for exploitation
• Signs of enemy presence through civilian movement or avoidance
• Locations of enemy defensive positions or weapons
• Civilians avoiding certain areas indicating IEDs or enemy activity

Reconnaissance Screen

• Early indicators of enemy movements and intentions
• Identification of areas for potential delay or blocking enemy forces
• Observing enemy morale, readiness, and potential vulnerabilities

• Analyze mission objectives before movement.
• Consider terrain, likely enemy presence, and expected threat routes.
• Select movement routes, security elements, and observation priorities.