Data gathered from different training exercises and the training centers indicate maneuver battalions typically overuse the scouts. Very often the scout platoon is the only R&S asset actively collecting on the battlefield. This usually results in a dead scout platoon, and many unanswered PIR. To increase the effectiveness of the scout platoon, other R&S assets, and the overall collection capability, you should augment or task organize as many R&S missions as possible.
Augmenting and task organizing are two different concepts that strive for the same end result. In this field manual, the term “augmenting” is used to describe using numerous assets at the same time to support the R&S plan. You task with independent or dual R&S missions to augment the R&S effort; units are not augmented.
There are circumstances in which you do not want to place R&S assets under C2 of some of your subordinate units; you or the S3 want to maintain control of these assets to task or move them quickly without disrupting the other units.
There may be times when you or the S3 want R&S assets under the C2 of subordinate units. Both of these concepts—augmenting and task organizing—can be used to implement productive R&S plans. The following examples provide augmented or task organized R&S missions and what each accomplishes.
In this example you want to deny or confirm enemy activity at NAI 1 and to check on obstacles and booby traps along the road. You also want to see if the enemy has begun to prepare a possible fording site at NAI 2. Based on key intelligence you have provided, the S3 decides to send a mounted patrol for this mission. To increase mission effectiveness, the S3 also attaches some engineers and artillery FOs. Figure 8-1 is a sample R&S task organization with engineers and artillery FOs attached to reconnaissance patrol.
The engineers will be able to inform you of tampered-with obstacles and adjusted roadside booby traps. The FOs will be able to call for indirect fire if the patrol finds any prepared fording or bridging sites along the river. In this example you have three elements, each complementing the overall effectiveness of the reconnaissance mission. The reconnaissance element must receive instructions to clear, mark, breach, and/or bypass instructions before mission execution.
Figure 8-1. Sample R&S task organization with engineers and artillery FOs attached to reconnaissance patrol.