Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...

Higher Headquarters Mission and Commander's Intent
Command and Control
2-50. The DRT commander determines the mission and commander’s intent of his commander and the
reconnaissance squadron. When these are unavailable, he makes decisions based on the information he has.
When he receives the actual mission and commander’s intent, he revises the plan, if necessary.
Reconnaissance Squadron’s Concept of Operations
2-51. The DRT commander examines the concept of operations to determine how the troop’s mission and
tasks contribute to the reconnaissance squadron’s success. He determines the details that will affect troop
operations such as control measures and execution times.
Specified, Implied, and Essential Tasks
2-52. From WARNOs and OPORDs, the DRT commander extracts the specified and implied tasks
assigned to the troop. He determines why each task was assigned to the unit to understand how it fits within
the commander’s intent and concept of operations. From the specified and implied tasks, he identifies
essential tasks. These are the tasks that must be completed to accomplish the mission. Failure to complete
an essential task results in mission failure.
Constraints and Limitations
2-53. The commander also identifies any constraints placed on the troop. Constraints can take the form of a
requirement (for example, detach one platoon to an Infantry battalion) or a prohibition on action (for
example, no reconnaissance forward of Line Bravo before H-hour). Limitations detail aspects of the
mission that may be unfeasible (e.g., the DRT can only occupy a certain number of listening posts and OPs
simultaneously). Limitations are based on the current capabilities of the unit.
Restated Mission
2-54. The product of the mission analysis is the restated mission. The restated mission is a simple, concise
expression of the essential tasks the troop must accomplish and the purpose to be achieved. The DRT
commander makes his assessment and constructs his mission statement. The mission statement states who
(the unit), what (the task), when (either the critical time or on order), where (location), and why (the
purpose of the operation).
ENEMY ANALYSIS
2-55. With the restated mission as the focus, the DRT commander continues the analysis with the threat.
He needs to know about the threat’s composition, disposition, strength, weaknesses, recent activities,
ability to reinforce, and possible COAs. Much of this information comes from the squadron. Additional
information comes from adjacent units and other leaders. Some information comes from the commander’s
experience. He determines how available information applies to troop operations. He also determines what
he does not know about the threat, but should. He can then identify these intelligence gaps to the squadron
or take action (such as sending out reconnaissance patrols) to obtain the necessary information.
TERRAIN ANALYSIS
2-56. Terrain profoundly influences operations. It is neutral and only favors the side that is more familiar
with or better prepared to operate in it. There are two types, natural and man-made. Even though man-made
structures dominate the terrain beneath them, natural terrain exerts a great influence.
2-57. The DRT commander considers terrain from both friendly and threat perspectives. The purpose is to
identify likely enemy positions and routes so that the DRT commander can properly allocate his
reconnaissance assets to accomplish the mission. A properly conducted terrain analysis provides the
commander with:
Probable enemy locations.
Tentative observation points and areas to patrol.
16 November 2010 ATTP 3-20.97 2-11