What reconnaissance patrols look for
The list of relevant intel 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.
