CHAPTER 9

Reconnaissance and Surveillance in Offensive Operations

Planning R&S missions in offensive operations requires close coordination between the S2, S3, FSO, and ALO. The chance of fratricide multiplies during these operations. The reason is R&S assets are usually conducting missions as the friendly units maneuver through these areas and engage possible enemy targets with direct or indirect fires.

Detailed reconnaissance is the initial requirement for offensive operations. Due to the limited time available to conduct detailed reconnaissance, it is imperative you use, with augmentation, all available reconnaissance assets. Recent training exercises reveal that many times S2s do not construct complete R&S plans for offensive operations. To make sure you construct complete R&S plans, consider three general areas when planning for offensive operations:

• Detailed reconnaissance.
• Surveillance of the objective.
• Ongoing R&S planning.

Detailed Reconnaissance

The first area of planning consideration stresses a detailed reconnaissance from the LD/LC to beyond the objective. During this phase you need to plan missions which answer the PIR and provide the commander and S3 with detailed information about the terrain and enemy that lie between them and the objective.

You should have assets first complete those missions designed to provide specific information that will answer PIR, so gathered information can reach the TOC in time for the commander and the S3 to make any changes to COAs or to finalize the OPORD. There are basically two areas in which to conduct this detailed reconnaissance: along the friendly AAs and at the objective.

Reconnaissance Along the Avenues of Approach

Typical reconnaissance missions along the AA are to:

• Detect, pinpoint, classify, and report location, dimension, and type of all obstacles (constructed or natural).
• Detect gaps or bypasses of obstacles.
• Provide surveillance and security of marks, gaps, breaches, and bypasses of obstacles.
• Report trafficability along AA.
• Establish OPs overlooking AA.
• Reconnoiter terrain and suspected enemy locations capable of overmatching and placing effective fire on the AA.
• Detect locations and strength of enemy R&S assets along the AA.

Reconnaissance of the Objective

Typical reconnaissance missions in the area of the objective are:

• Pinpoint fighting positions. Provide strength, weapon orientations, and description of fighting positions.
• Detect obstacles and prepare to mark. Detect breaches, gaps, and bypasses.
• Reconnoiter area around the objective (area depends on METT-T) to detect possible reinforcements or counterattack elements.
• Establish OPs to maintain surveillance of the objective.

As reconnaissance assets conduct these missions, you must ensure security, surveillance, and CR assets are providing coverage to the maneuver elements while they are preparing for this offensive operation. It appears to be two distinct R&S missions taking place at the same time. The first mission is providing support to the units that are preparing for the offensive OPORD. The second mission conducts R&S to answer PIR concerning the actual offensive operation.