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There are multiple principles when conducting area reconnaissance that we need to master to perform this task. Area reconnaissance is a form of reconnaissance that focuses on obtaining detailed information about the terrain or enemy activity within a prescribed area. This area may include a town, a ridge line, woods, an airhead, or any other feature critical to operations.
In military operations, reconnaissance or scouting is the exploration of an area by military forces to obtain information about enemy forces, terrain, and other activities.
Area reconnaissance refers to the observation, and information obtained, about a specified location and the area around it; it may be terrain-oriented and/or force-oriented. Ideally, a reconnaissance platoon, or team, would use surveillance or vantage (static) points around the objective to observe, and the surrounding area. This methodology focuses mainly prior to moving forces into or near a specified area; the military commander may utilize his reconnaissance assets to conduct an area reconnaissance to avoid being surprised by unsuitable terrain conditions, or most importantly, unexpected enemy forces. The area could be a town, ridge-line, woods, or another feature that friendly forces intend to occupy, pass through, or avoid.
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SHTF Field Manual
The SHTF Field Manual is your guide to plan, prepare, execute, and assess operations in a contested environment. From convoy operations, patrolling, defensive operations, tracking, counter tracking, and evasion principles. Offered only in a pdf format, 143 pages.