Reconnaissance and logistics

Reconnaissance supports sustainment and mobility operations by identifying safe and efficient routes for friendly forces and logistics elements. Recon teams help sustain operations by locating suitable movement corridors, staging areas, and potential threats to supply lines.

Recon elements should prioritize route safety and survivability over speed. Clear routes that avoid enemy observation and fire zones are generally more valuable than the shortest possible path.

Recon teams supporting sustainment operations should coordinate reporting formats and timing with logistics and field leadership.

Evaluate terrain for trafficability:

• Consider slope, surface type, vegetation, and obstacles.
• Identify areas suitable or unsuitable for wheeled or tracked vehicles.
• Report terrain limitations affecting movement speed or safety.

• Locate open, defensible terrain suitable for logistics staging.
• Evaluate HLS and FOB suitability.
• Assess visibility, concealment, defensibility, and approach/departure paths.

• Identify likely ambush locations and chokepoints.
• Detect IED risks or damaged infrastructure.
• Report threats using standardized reporting formats.