071-326-5805 (SL3) - Conduct a Route Reconnaissance Mission

1.   Plan the reconnaissance. Receive the order.

a.
Issue a warning order.

b.
Gather information and
prepare an operations order based on
the factors of METT-TC.

c. Ensure the plan is as detailed as possible and include the
exact information to be obtained,
the time by which the information is
to be reported, where the
information is to be reported, where
the information is to be sought,
action to be taken upon enemy
contact, and when the mission is to
be executed. Essential details
include:

(1) 
Pertinent information
on the enemy, friendly troops, and
the area of operations.

(2) 
Proposed plans of
higher commands, to include
anticipated traffic flow along the
route and types of vehicles to be
employed.

(3) 
When, where and how
information is to be reported.

(4) 
Time of departure.

(5)
Appropriate control measures.

(6)
Action to be taken when the
mission is completed.

(7)
Special equipment requirements.

(8)
Terrain considerations. Existing
routes and their physical
characteristics:

(a)
Gradients of slope and radii of
curvature.

(b)
Bridges.

(c)
Vehicular
fording, ferrying, and swimming
sites.

(d)
Tunnels, under passes,
and similar obstructions to
traffic flow.

(e)
Artificial obstacles,
such as areas of chemical,
biological, and radiological
contamination, roadblocks,
craters, and minefields.

 (f) 
Rock falls and slide
areas.

 (g)
Drainage.

 (h)
Other natural or manmade
features, such as wooded and
built-up areas, that may affect
movement.

2.   Supervise the preparation of the route
reconnaissance. Ensure soldiers-

 a.
Maintain equipment to vehicles and
weapons.

 b.
Conduct inspections.

 c.
Conduct rehearsals.

 d.
Issue the order.

 e.
Ensure rest plan is followed.

3.   Control the route reconnaissance.

a.
Ensure reconnaissance
commence from the flanks or rear
when no reconnoitering areas along
the route that is likely to be
defended by enemy detachments, such
as bridge approaches, defiles, or
buildup areas. Detailed observation
preceded actual reconnaissance, and
approach routes were checked for
mines, booby traps, and signs of
ambush.

b.
Ensure when time is
available, dismounted personnel are
sent forward first, covered by the
remaining elements of the unit. The
number of dismounted personnel sent
forward depends on the size of
objective and on available
approaches, cover, and concealment.
If the dismounted patrols find that
the near edge of the area is clear,
the remainder of the unit moves
quickly forward. The dismounted
patrols then continue the
reconnaissance, over watch and
follow closely by the remainder of
the unit.

c. When conducting a mounted
reconnaissance, part of the unit
remained mounted and moves forward
cautiously but rapidly, over watched
by the remaining mounted elements.
If the near edge of the area is
clear, the over watching elements
move forward quickly and the advance
continues.

4.   Reconnaissance by fire.

a. Reconnaissance by fire is accomplished by firing on likely or
suspected enemy positions in an
attempt to remove camouflage and to
cause the enemy to disclose his
presence by movement or return fire. 
During reconnaissance by
fire, positions being reconnoitered
must be observed continuously so
enemy activity can be quickly and
definitely located.

b.
Reconnaissance by fire
may be employed by route
reconnaissance teams as a security
measure when time is critical and
the loss of surprise is not
essential.

c.
If the enemy returns the
fire, the situation is further
developed. 
If the fire is not returned,
reconnaissance continues.  However, caution should be exercised, for reconnaissance by
fire often fails to disclose the
presence of a well-disciplined
enemy.

1.   Planned reconnaissance based on the intelligence
requirement.

—

—

2.   Issued the plan for the mission.

—

—

3.   Conducted hasty or deliberate reconnaissance based
on time available and detail
requirements.

—

—

4.   Used reconnaissance by fire when permitted by the
tactical situation.

—

—

5.   Avoided decisive engagement with enemy forces.

—

—

6.   Used proper movement techniques during the route
reconnaissance.

—

—

7.   Reported all items of military significance.

—

—

FM
3-21.71

FM
5-170

FM
7-7

FM
7-8

FM
7-20

FM
17-95

FM
3-90.1