1. Squad Tactics-Reconnaissance

2. Lesson Objectives
Describe the five point contingency plan used during a reconnaissance mission
Describe the three types of reconnaissance
Describe the various techniques and methods used during reconnaissance
Plan a reconnaissance patrol

3. Reconnaissance Operations Defined:
Reconnaissance operations are undertaken to obtain (by visual observation or other detection methods) information about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy. They are designed to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographical, or geographical characteristics and the indigenous population of a particular area (FM 1-02).
REF: FM , Chapter 1, Section 1-225, Page 1-42 (Mar 07)
Reconnaissance is conducted to provide the commander with information that has tactical value concerning the enemy, terrain, weather, and civil considerations within an AO.
FM , Reconnaissance and Scout Platoon, Chapter 3, page 3-1 Introduction.(3 August 2009)
Define Recon:

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

5. Common Reconnaissance Terms
PIR-Priority Information Requirements
IR- Information Requirements- Terrain, Enemy, Civil
CCIR- Commander’s Critical Information Requirements
ORP- Objective Rally Point
OP- Observation Post

6. Types of Reconnaissance
Area
Zone
Route
*Reconnaissance in Force
* NOTE: Although the FM The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad, lists a fourth type of reconnaissance,
Reconnaissance in Force, Cadets will concentrate on the three listed above (area, zone, and route)

7. Area Recon
“Area reconnaissance is a directed effort to obtain detailed information concerning the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area”
Common Steps
Establish and secure ORP
Employ Security and Surveillance Teams to observe objective/observation plan
Deploy Recon Team(s)
Reassembling Teams at ORP
Disseminate information to all team members
Reporting
Return to friendly lines 4

8. Area Recon (2) Cloverleaf method: Starting from 6 o’clock position12
Cloverleaf method: Starting from 6 o’clock position
Team A moves clockwise 6-12 o’clock
Team B moves counter-clockwise 6-12
Both teams meet at 12 distribute PIR/IR
Then continues clock direction
Meet at 6, distribute PIR/IR return to ORP
Team B
Team A
Team B
Team A 6 16

9. Area Recon (3) 17

10. Zone Reconnaissance
Conducted to obtain information on all the enemy, terrain, and routes within a specific zone defined by set boundaries
Three Methods
Moving Elements
Fan
Box
Converging routes
Successive sector
Stationary Teams
Multiple Area Recon

11. Zone Recon- Moving Elements-Fan Method19

12. Zone Recon- Moving Elements- Box Method

13. Zone Recon- Moving Elements- Converging Routes Method23

14. Zone Recon- Moving Elements- Successive Sector Method24

15. Route Reconnaissance
A route reconnaissance is conducted to obtain detailed information on one route, a route recon provides:
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, CBRN contamination, and so forth

16. Route Recon Considerations
Preferred method is fan; intersecting routes must be reconnoitered for a distance greater than enemy direct fire weapons
Conditions likely to affect friendly movement:
Presence of the enemy.
Terrain information.
Location and condition of bypasses, fords, and obstacles.
Choke points.
Route and bridge conditions.
Platoon should use a different return route.
Roads should be treated as a danger area.
Patrol report submitted in overlay format.

17. Fan Method of Route Recon

18. Reconnaissance Commonalities
Movement
Avoid paralleling the objective
Maintain stealth
Don’t cross the LOA
Use cover + concealment
Dissemination of Information
Reconnaissance Log
Panoramic sketch
Terrain sketch
SALUTE Report

19. Reconnaissance Commonalities (cont)
Five Point Contingency Plan

20. Reconnaissance Commonalities (cont)
What to Report

21. Closing
Summary
Review
Questions??? 25