TAR 101 Zone and Area Recon and Surveillance Flashcards
Types of Missions at the Objective
- Reconnaissance
- Surveillance
Define Reconnaissance
An exploratory military survey of an area or zone
Define Surveillance
The observation of an area or zone from one or several vantage points
Vantage Point
An observation position for the objective
Characteristics of Vantage Points
- Good observation of the objective
- Concealed positions
- Covered/concealed routes in and out of the point
Types of Vantage Points
- Long range
- Short range
Steps for Conducting Area Reconnaissance
- TL establishes a final preparation point (FPP)
- TL and PT conduct a leaders recon
- TL returns to the FPP and issues frag order if necessary
- Security teams, if used, are positioned prior to actual recon
- Recon and security elements reconnoiter the objective until all required information is gathered
- Recon team moves back to the FPP (now the ORP)
- Security teams recalled once the recon team is clear of the objective
- Teams link up at the ORP or rendezvous point (RDVU)
- Send a radio report from the ORP or pre-selected comm site
Final Preparation Point
- The location in the vicinity of the objective where the patrol makes final preparation to approach the objective
- Essentially the recon version of the attack/assault position
Steps for Zone Reconnaissance
- TL establishes the FPP
- TL splits his patrol into several R&S teams
- Assign a portion or a route to the objective to each of the teams
- Designate the location and link up time of the FPP or RDVU
Conducting Area Surveillance
- Same general setup as reconnaissance, but observe for required periods
- May move from position to position as required
Conducting Zone Surveillance
- Conducted similarly to Area Surveillance
- Differs in that multiple teams are required
- Surveillance of an extended area rather than a small area
When to Use Single Purpose Security Element
- The objective is restricted in area
- The objective is clearly defined
- There are specific avenues of approach to the objective
When to Use Dual Purpose R&S Elements
- The objective is not clearly defined
- The objective is not clearly located
- There are no specific avenues of approach to the objective
Ways Security Elements Can be Used
- Secure the ORP/FPP
- Provide early warning of enemy approach
- Protect the recon element
Requirements of a Separate Security Element
- Located where it can accomplish its mission
- Provide early warning of the enemy
- Have reliable communications with recon element
- Be em placed before the recon element starts its actions and withdraws
Techniques for Zone Recon/Surveillance
- Converging routes
- Successive sectors
- Fan
Actions if Compromised:
Security Element Discovered but Not Recon
- Security breaks contact and distract the enemy
- Recon finishes its mission
- Link up later at the ORP or rally point
Actions if Compromised:
Both Security and Recon Discovered
- Both immediately return to the ORP
- Try again at a later time to finish the mission from a different position
Actions if Compromised:
Recon Discovered but Not Security
- Security provides supporting fires to cover recon withdrawal
- Link up at the ORP
- Try again later from a different position
Actions if Compromised:
Compromised During Withdrawal
- Break contact
- Move to the ORP
- Quickly move out of the area
Keys to Immediate Action Success
- Plan and rehearse your actions
- Know where your teams are to avoid friendly fire
- Maintain control of your teams by any communications means possible
