TAR 101 Zone and Area Recon and Surveillance

Question 1

Types of Missions at the Objective

Answer 1

• Reconnaissance

- Surveillance

Question 2

Define Reconnaissance

Answer 2

An exploratory military survey of an area or zone

Question 3

Define Surveillance

Answer 3

The observation of an area or zone from one or several vantage points

Question 4

Vantage Point

Answer 4

An observation position for the objective

Question 5

Characteristics of Vantage Points

Answer 5

• Good observation of the objective
• Concealed positions
• Covered/concealed routes in and out of the point

Question 6

Types of Vantage Points

Answer 6

• Long range

- Short range

Question 7

Steps for Conducting Area Reconnaissance

Answer 7

1. TL establishes a final preparation point (FPP)
2. TL and PT conduct a leaders recon
3. TL returns to the FPP and issues frag order if necessary
4. Security teams, if used, are positioned prior to actual recon
5. Recon and security elements reconnoiter the objective until all required information is gathered
6. Recon team moves back to the FPP (now the ORP)
7. Security teams recalled once the recon team is clear of the objective
8. Teams link up at the ORP or rendezvous point (RDVU)
9. Send a radio report from the ORP or pre-selected comm site

Question 8

Final Preparation Point

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

Steps for Zone Reconnaissance

Answer 9

1. TL establishes the FPP
2. TL splits his patrol into several R&S teams
3. Assign a portion or a route to the objective to each of the teams
4. Designate the location and link up time of the FPP or RDVU

Question 10

Conducting Area Surveillance

Answer 10

• Same general setup as reconnaissance, but observe for required periods
• May move from position to position as required

Question 11

Conducting Zone Surveillance

Answer 11

• Conducted similarly to Area Surveillance
• Differs in that multiple teams are required
• Surveillance of an extended area rather than a small area

Question 12

When to Use Single Purpose Security Element

Answer 12

1. The objective is restricted in area
2. The objective is clearly defined
3. There are specific avenues of approach to the objective

Question 13

When to Use Dual Purpose R&S Elements

Answer 13

1. The objective is not clearly defined
2. The objective is not clearly located
3. There are no specific avenues of approach to the objective

Question 14

Ways Security Elements Can be Used

Answer 14

• Secure the ORP/FPP
• Provide early warning of enemy approach
• Protect the recon element

Question 15

Requirements of a Separate Security Element

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

Techniques for Zone Recon/Surveillance

Answer 16

• Converging routes
• Successive sectors
• Fan

Question 17

Actions if Compromised:

Security Element Discovered but Not Recon

Answer 17

• Security breaks contact and distract the enemy
• Recon finishes its mission
• Link up later at the ORP or rally point

Question 18

Actions if Compromised:

Both Security and Recon Discovered

Answer 18

• Both immediately return to the ORP

- Try again at a later time to finish the mission from a different position

Question 19

Actions if Compromised:

Recon Discovered but Not Security

Answer 19

• Security provides supporting fires to cover recon withdrawal
• Link up at the ORP
• Try again later from a different position

Question 20

Actions if Compromised:

Compromised During Withdrawal

Answer 20

• Break contact
• Move to the ORP
• Quickly move out of the area

Question 21

Keys to Immediate Action Success

Answer 21

1. Plan and rehearse your actions
2. Know where your teams are to avoid friendly fire
3. Maintain control of your teams by any communications means possible