1. Road Reconnaissance
MAJ MILLIGAN 1 1 1

2. Terminal Learning Objective
Action : Gain classroom knowledge in NYG Road Reconnaissance procedures for a post-disaster scenario.
Conditions : In a classroom environment
Standard : Correctly demonstrate procedures during classroom exercises. 2

3. Class Outline Introduction to Road Reconnaissance
Command and Support Relationships
Reconnaissance Types
Reconnaissance Planning
General Guidance
Conducting Hasty Recon
Exercise 3

4. Introduction to Rd Recon
Route Recon vs. Road Recon:
Route Reconnaissance:
An evaluation of an avenue of approach to determine feasibility of movement during a mission. Specific to mission requirements.
Road Reconnaissance:
An evaluation of a road to determine it’s physical deficiencies and identify requirements to repair the road so that it meets it’s intended requirements. Specific to the capabilities of the road. 4 2 2

5. Introduction to Rd Recon
Engineer Recon Team:
Engineer recon elements may consist of an engineer platoon, squad, team, or other element. During military operations, the engineers may be called on to assist the maneuver force during recon missions.
These missions are normally executed by engineer recon teams, which are organized according to unit SOPs. 5 2 2

6. Introduction to Rd Recon
Engineer Recon Team Missions:
An engineer recon team's primary mission is collecting tactical and technical information for the supported or parent unit. A technical recon is conducted in a low- threat environment.
Conduct limited marking of obstacles, routes, and demolition work.
Conduct limited reduction of obstacles in conjunction with maneuver units. 6 2 2

7. Introduction to Rd Recon
Engineer Recon Team Critical Tasks:
Find and report all hazards within the area.
Reconnoiter specific terrain within the area.
Report reconnaissance information. 7 2 2

8. Introduction to Rd Recon
Other tasks may include the following:
Reconnoiter all terrain within the area.
Inspect and classify all bridges within the area.
Locate fords or crossing sites near all bridges within the area.
Inspect and classify all overpasses, underpasses, and culverts.
Locate and clear all obstacles, and barriers in the area within its capability.
Locate a bypass around built-up areas, obstacles, and contaminated areas. 8 2 2

9. Command and Support Relationships
Attached:
When attached, a recon team is temporarily placed in the unit it supports. The commander of the supported unit exercises the same degree of C2 as he does over his organic units. In this relationship, the recon team receives all of its missions and support from the supported unit, not its organic engineer unit.
Additionally, the supported-unit commander may task- organize the recon team as he feels is appropriate. 9 2 2

10. Command and Support Relationships
Operational Control (OPCON):
In an OPCON relationship, a recon team receives all of its tasking and missions from the supported unit. The supported-unit commander retains the same authority over the recon team as over his organic units and may task organize the recon team as he feels is appropriate.
Logistical support comes from the parent engineer unit unless the engineer battalion has coordinated with the supported unit for certain classes of supply. 10 2 2

11. Command and Support Relationships
Direct Support (DS) and General Support (GS):
In a DS relationship, a recon team answers directly to the supported unit’s requests for support. Logistical support is provided by the parent engineer unit, and the recon team is commanded by its parent engineer unit commander.
In a GS relationship, a recon team receives missions and all support from its parent engineer unit. 11 2 2

12. Reconnaissance Types Mounted Recon:
Maneuver units frequently employ mounted recons. A fairly detailed recon can be conducted while maintaining speed and momentum. Normally, a mounted recon is used when—
Time is limited.
Long distances must be traveled.
A very detailed recon is not required. 12 2 2

13. Reconnaissance Types Mounted Recon:
In addition to speed, a mounted recon offers the advantages of a tactical vehicle. These advantages depend on the vehicle employed, but they can include increased navigational aids, communication capabilities, and thermal optics.
Recon teams must dismount and recon forward of their vehicles to provide safety measures (ground guides) before moving through dangerous areas such as hilltops, curves, or other blind spots. 13 2 2

14. Reconnaissance Types Dismounted Recon:
A dismounted recon’s primary purpose is to obtain detailed information about terrain features or obstacles. Engineer recon teams normally conduct a dismounted recon. A dismounted recon is conducted when—
A detailed recon is required.
Vehicle movement through an area is restricted by terrain.
Time is not limited. 14 2 2

15. Reconnaissance Types Dismounted Recon:
As a minimum, a recon team should carry the following when dismounted:
SOPs, to include templated information on anticipated obstacles.
Communications equipment/Radios.
Signal operating instructions (SOI) extracts.
Compasses/maps/GPS.
Binoculars (night-vision devices [NVDs], if necessary).
Seasonal uniform and load-bearing equipment. 15 2 2

16. Reconnaissance Types Deliberate reconnaissance:
Conducted when there is an adequate number of qualified personnel and time available is not factor. It provides detailed, technical information and overlays.
Example: A reconnaissance conducted by survey crews to determine the best location of new entrance way. 16 2 2

17. Reconnaissance Types Hasty reconnaissance:
Provides information of a limited and less technical nature when time available and personnel is limited.
Example: Determining the best route to move emergency supplies and equipment to the site of a major flood.
Most NYG reconnaissance is likely to be Hasty, but with slightly more time taken to generate technical information. 17 2 2

18. Reconnaissance Planning
METT-T:
Mission
Enemy
Terrain
Troops
Time Available 18 2 2

19. Reconnaissance Planning
Mission:
Commander’s and/or Customer’s intent must be thoroughly understood
Extent of area to be covered
Type of information required
The customer: civilian, military, law enforcement, etc.
Urgency of the Mission. Emergency situation or routine Operations?
Product required. Written reports, map overlays, etc.
Base maps and other references available 19 2 2

20. Reconnaissance Planning
Enemy:
Unlikely the NYG will operate in hostile environments
For METT-T planning, use “Other Obstacles” here
Examples:
Other operations in the area
HAZMAT issues 20 2 2

21. Reconnaissance Planning
Terrain (and Weather):
What vehicles and equipment are required
The time of year recon is conducted
How terrain will impact time required to complete
Hazard assessment and safety planning 21 2 2

22. Reconnaissance Planning
Troops:
How many qualified personnel available
How many qualified personnel required
C2 type/organization 22 2 2

23. Reconnaissance Planning
Time Available:
Will affect the scope of the mission and the Type of RECON conducted, i.e. hasty vs. deliberate
Hours of operation 23 2 2

24. General Guidance
The observations you make and record during the RECON must be accurate, concise, and portray the field conditions in terms such that someone who may never visit the A/O will have a clear understanding of the actual conditions by merely reading your report.
Make and record observations at beginning and end of RECON and at intervals during the course of RECON.
Make and record any obstructions, changes in road width condition, or other data as you observe them. Take photos as needed and note them on report. Take special care to record observations as accurately as possible on RECON report. Also record landmarks such as gate numbers, intersecting roads, etc. 24 2 2

25. General Guidance
Locate features. It is crucial that positive location of all features, obstructions, and other observations is made using both GPS and vehicle odometer readings.
Keep track of your odometer readings throughout the RECON since this is one of the only ways to locate the observations you make on the mileage chart of the RECON report. If you must proceed dismounted, you will have to rely on pacing off the distances. 25 2 2

26. General Guidance
Set GPS to proper map datum and coordinate system to Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) and 8 digit (10 meters) precision.
Record observations in miles and 8 digit coordinates on the mileage chart shown on the reverse of DA Form Insure GPS readings are hand written not just recorded on the GPS Unit.
Insure your team is equipped with an adequate supply of spare batteries for the GPS. 26 2 2

27. General Guidance
Keep track of your progress during the RECON on the map you are issued. In other words, know where you are at all times. This will allow you to accurately locate observed conditions, but will also allow you to report your team’s location to the TOC in case an emergency occurs. In addition, be familiar with the basic route you are assigned (on the map) such that you do not inadvertently take a side road or otherwise get off course. 27 2 2

28. General Guidance
Remember, your mission is to ascertain the basic condition of the road, needed repairs, and the overall capability of the road to move traffic. The roads will be used to safely transport troops to training areas, move fire and emergency equipment to remote areas, etc. The customer needs to know what these roads are capable of. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND STAY FOCUSED. 28 2 2

29. General Guidance
Insure that your notes and diagrams are neat and legible. Do not crowd them with less important data, but insure that they accurately portray the field conditions. Bear in mind that a road’s capability is limited by even one small area where the overhead clearance is reduced, the road is washed out; a culvert is flooded, etc. Our job is to identify these deficiencies such that they can be repaired.
The information we provide will have a considerable bearing upon the planned training and other activities of our customer. Hence, we need to do the best job we can in a limited timeframe. 29 2 2

30. Conducting Hasty Recon
Recon will normally be conducted using DA Form 1248
Hasty recon should cover, at a minimum, the following:
Route Width
Route Classification
Overhead Clearance
Grade
Curves
Constrictions
Drainage/Foundation/Surface Conditions
Other Obstructions 30 2 2

31. Conducting Hasty Recon
Route Width:
The route width is the narrowest width of traveled way on a route. This narrow width may be the width of a bridge, a tunnel, a road, an underpass, or other constriction that limits the raveled-way width.
The number of lanes is determined by the traveled- way width. The lane width normally required for wheeled vehicles is 3.5 meters; for tracked vehicles it is 4.0 meters. 31 2 2

32. Conducting Hasty Recon
Route Width: 32 2 2

33. Conducting Hasty Recon
Route Classification:
Limited access—Permits passage of isolated vehicles of appropriate width in one direction only.
Single lane—Permits use in only one direction at any one time.
Single flow—Permits the passage of a column of vehicles and allows isolated vehicles to pass or travel in the opposite direction at predetermined points.
Double flow—Permits two columns of vehicles to proceed simultaneously. Such a route must be at least two lanes wide. 33 2 2

34. Conducting Hasty Recon
Overhead Clearance:
The lowest overhead clearance is the vertical distance between the road surface and any overhead obstacle (power lines, overpasses, tunnels, and so forth) that denies the use of the road to some vehicles. Use the infinity symbol (¥) for unlimited clearance in the route-classification formula. (Points along the route where the minimum overhead clearance is less than 4.3 meters are considered to be an obstruction.) 34 2 2

35. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation:
The rise and fall of the ground is known as the slope or gradient (grade).
Slopes of 7 percent or greater affect the movement speed along a route and are considered an obstruction. The percent of slope is used to describe the effect that inclines have on movement rates. It is the ratio of the change in elevation.
It is important to express the vertical distance and the horizontal in the same unit of measure. Report all slopes greater then 5 percent. 35 2 2

36. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation:
The rise and fall of the ground is known as the slope or gradient (grade).
Slopes of 7 percent or greater affect the movement speed along a route and are considered an obstruction. The percent of slope is used to describe the effect that inclines have on movement rates. It is the ratio of the change in elevation.
It is important to express the vertical distance and the horizontal in the same unit of measure. Report all slopes greater then 5 percent. 36 2 2

37. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation: 36 2 2

38. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation - Map Method:
Use a large-scale map (such as 1:50,000) to estimate the percent of slope quickly. After identifying the slope on the map, find the difference in elevations between the top and bottom of the slope by reading the elevation contours or spot elevation. Then, measure and convert the horizontal distance (usually road distance) to the same unit of measurement as the elevation difference. Substitute the vertical and horizontal distances in the percent-of slope formula and compute the percent of slope). 37 2 2

39. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation - Map Method: 39 2 2

40. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation - Pace Method:
The pace method is a quick way to estimate percent of slope. Determine accurately, the height and pace of each soldier for each member of a recon team before using this method. As a rule of thumb, the eye level of the average soldier is 1.75 meters above the ground. The pace of the average soldier is 0.75 meter. 40 2 2

41. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation - Pace Method:
Perform the following procedures for the pace method:
Stand at the bottom of the slope with head and eyes level.
Sight a spot on the slope. This spot should be easily identifiable. If it is not, another member of the team should go forward to mark the location.
Walk forward and stand on the marked spot. Record the number of paces. Repeat this procedure until you reach the top of the slope (estimate fractions of an eye level). 41 2 2

42. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation - Pace Method:
Compute the vertical distance by multiplying the number of sightings by the eye-level height (1.75 meters). Compute the horizontal distance by totaling the number of paces and converting them to meters by multiplying by (or the known pace-to-meter conversion factor). 42 2 2

43. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Estimation - Pace Method: 43 2 2

44. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Symbols:
A single arrowhead along the trace of a route pointing in the uphill direction indicates a grade of at least 5 but less than 7 percent.
Two arrowheads represent a grade of at least 7 but less than 10 percent.
Three arrowheads represent a grade of at least 10 but less than 14 percent.
Four arrowheads represent a grade of 14 percent or more.
A symbol is not required for slopes less than 5 percent. 44 2 2

45. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Symbols:
The percent of slope is written to the right of the arrow. When the map scale permits, the length of the arrow shaft will be drawn to map scale to represent the approximate length of the grade.
NOTE: Slopes of 7 percent or greater are obstructions to traffic flow and are indicated by the abbreviation “OB” in the route-classification formula. 45 2 2

46. Conducting Hasty Recon
Slope Symbols: 46 2 2

47. Conducting Hasty Recon
Curve Calculations:
The speed at which vehicles move along a route is affected by sharp curves.
Curves with a radius of 25 meters and less are obstructions to traffic and are indicated by the abbreviation “OB” in the route-classification formula and identified on DA Form Curves with a radius between 25.1 and 45 meters are recorded but are not considered obstructions 47 2 2

48. Conducting Hasty Recon
Curve Calculations - Tape-Measure Method:
A quick way to estimate the radius of a sharp curve is by using a tape measure to find the radius.
Imagine the outer edge of the curve as the outer edge of a circle. Find (estimate) the center of this imaginary circle; then measure the radius using a tape measure. Start from the center of the circle and measure to the outside edge of the curve. The length of the tape measure from the center of the imaginary circle to its outer edge is the curve’s radius.
This method is practical for curves located on relatively flat ground and having a radius up to 15 meters. 48 2 2

49. Conducting Hasty Recon
Curve Calculations - Tape-Measure Method: 49 2 2

50. Conducting Hasty Recon
Curve Symbols:
Sharp curves with a radius of 45 meters or less are symbolically represented on maps or overlays by a triangle that points to the curve’s exact map location.
In addition, the measured value (in meters) for the radius of curvature is written outside the triangle . All curves with a radius of 45 meters are reportable.
A series of sharp curves is represented by two triangles, one drawn inside the other. The outer triangle points to the location of the first curve. The number of curves and the radius of curvature for the sharpest curve of the series are written to the outside of the triangle 50 2 2

51. Conducting Hasty Recon
Curve Symbols: 51 2 2

52. Conducting Hasty Recon
Constrictions:
Reductions in traveled-way widths (constrictions) include narrow streets in built-up areas, drainage ditches, embankments, and environmental damage. These constrictions may limit vehicle movement; therefore, the physical dimensions of the vehicles that will be using the route must be known and considered when conducting the route classification. 52 2 2

53. Conducting Hasty Recon
Constriction Symbols:
Constrictions in the traveled-way width below minimum requirements are depicted on maps and overlays by two opposing shaded triangles. The width of the usable traveled way (in meters) is written next to the left triangle. The length of the constriction (in meters) is written next to the right triangle.
NOTE: Constrictions of traveled-way widths below the minimum standard for the type and flow of traffic are obstructions and are indicated by the symbol “OB” in the route-classification formula. 53 2 2

54. Conducting Hasty Recon
Constriction Symbols: 54 2 2

55. Conducting Hasty Recon
Other Road Features: 55 2 2

56. Conducting Hasty Recon
Other Road Features:
Underpasses
An underpass is depicted on a map or overlay by a symbol that shows the structure’s ceiling. It is drawn over the route at the map location. The width (in meters) is written to the left of the underpass symbol, and the overhead clearance (in meters) is written to the right of the underpass symbol 56 2 2

57. Conducting Hasty Recon
Other Road Features: Underpasses 57 2 2

58. Conducting Hasty Recon
Other Road Features:
Tunnels
A tunnel is an artificially covered (such as a covered bridge or a snowshed) or underground section of road along a route. A tunnel recon determines essential information such as the serial number, location, type, length, width (including sidewalks), bypasses, alignment, gradient, and cross section. A tunnel consists of a bore, a tunnel liner, and a portal. Common shapes of tunnel bores are semicircular, elliptical, horseshoe, and square with an arched ceiling. 58 2 2

59. Conducting Hasty Recon
Other Road Features: Tunnels 59 2 2

60. Conducting Hasty Recon
Other Road Features: Overhead Clearance 60 2 2

61. Conducting Hasty Recon
Drainage:
Notes should be made in DA Form 1248 for the current drainage condition of the roadway overall and specific issues that may impact travel.
The following codes may be used:
10-1: Adequate ditches, crown/camber with adequate culverts in good condition
10-2: Inadequate ditches, crown, culverts or blocked culverts or ditches 61 2 2

62. Conducting Hasty Recon
Surface Description:
Notes should be made in DA Form 1248 for the surface description of the roadway overall and specific issues that may impact travel.
The following codes may be used:
12A-1: Free of potholes, bumps or ruts likely to reduce convoy speed
12A-2: Bumpy, rutted, or potholed and likely to reduce convoy speed 62 2 2

63. Conducting Hasty Recon
Surface Type:
Notes should be made in DA Form 1248 of the surface type for each section of roadway.
The following codes may be used:
12B-1: Concrete
12B-2: Bituminous
12B-3: Brick
12B-4: Stone Block
12B-5: Crushed Rock
12B-6: Waterbound Macadam
12B-7: Gravel
12B-8: PSP
12B-9: Dirt or other natural soil
12B-10: Other (describe) 63 2 2

64. Conducting Hasty Recon
Other Obstructions:
Notes should be made in DA Form 1248 for any other obstructions not previously in this training.
Examples:
Downed trees
Downed power lines
Disabled vehicles
Washed-in materials (sand, etc.)
Building Debris
Other (describe) 64 2 2

65. Exercise
Complete the exercise in your handout. 30 2 2

66. TRAINING COMPLETION RECORD Instructor: MAJ MILLIGAN
Student Name
Road Reconnaissance
Instructor: MAJ MILLIGAN
Training Date: 14 Jan 2017
Training Hours: 6
TCR 1 1