Having recently written the excellent Military Reconnaissance, veteran Alexander Stillwell provides a step-by-step guide to pulling of a successful reconnaissance mission.
Scroll down for the exclusive look at everything from the role of HQ to the planning and execution of this essential military strategy.
Purpose of Reconnaissance: “To confirm what you think you know, and to find out what you don’t.”US Rangers
Reconnaissance teams reconnoitre the objective area once the security teams are in place. Recon patrols provide timely and accurate information on the enemy and terrain.
HQ Actions
- Identify Priority Information Requirements (PIR)
- Develop a reconnaissance and surveillance matrix
- Brief the reconnaissance platoon leader on the specifics of the reconnaissance mission.
Leader’s Reconnaissance of the Objective
- Create a five-point contingency plan before departing on your mission.
- Pinpoint the objective.
- Select reconnaissance security, support and assault positions.
- Adjust the plan based on your personal observation of the objective.
- Issue orders to your team based on the information you have gathered.
- Give your team time to make their preparations and obtain mission-specific equipment.
- Avoid detection
- Employ security procedures
- Task organisation
- Decide on area or zone recon
- Actions on the objective
Priorities
- Avoid Detection by the Enemy
- Communicate level of risk to your platoon
- Designate the security element to provide cover for those who are gathering information
Planning
- Plan of movement
- Actions at the objective
- Equipment
- Contingency plans for e.g. contact with the enemy or casualties
- Withdrawal plan
Military Reconnaissance: The Eyes and Ears of the Army
By Alexander Stilwell
Since records began, scouting and renaissance have been essential for military commanders to obtain a picture of the tactical situation and make informed decisions. As military warfare evolved over the centuries, so did methods of reconnaissance; however, it always remained true to the spirit of the scout: light on their feet, taking only what they need and returning with information that could turn defeat into victory. This book provides a concise but revealing picture of the art of military reconnaissance from the Spartan warriors, through the middle ages to the Napoleonic Wars, to the role of the scout in modern warfare.
Alexander Stilwell is an experienced writer and editor who has worked for several leading publishers, primarily in the fields of military history, politics and international affairs. He has also worked for Jane’s Information Group and is the author of several books. He served for six years in the British Territorial Army.
9781612009506 | Hardback | Casemate | £20.00 | May 2021
SPECIAL OFFER: £16.00
Available to order through Casemate UK
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