Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...

Security Operations
First technique. The troop crosses the LD separately from the protected force and conducts a
tactical foot march within an AO parallel to the force. It then deploys from an RP to the initial
screen positions and orientation. Platoons occupy OPs as they reach them. Small unmanned
aircraft systems can reconnoiter forward of the troop or assist in maintaining contact with the
protected force. Sensors can occupy OPs and provide long-range surveillance of threat avenues
of approach. This is the fastest but least secure technique. This technique is appropriate when the
protected force is moving very quickly, the LD is not the LC, or earlier intelligence indicates
threat contact is not likely in the area through which the DRT is moving.
Second technique. The DRT crosses the LD separately from the protected force and conducts a
zone reconnaissance within an AO parallel to the force. Screen positions are occupied when they
are reached. This technique is slower, but provides better security to the DRT and the protected
force. It is appropriate when the protected force is moving slower, the LD is not the LC, or
earlier intelligence indicates threat contact is possible in the troop AO.
Third technique. The DRT crosses the LD with the protected force and conducts a zone
reconnaissance out to the screen. This technique provides the most security for the troop and the
protected force, but requires more time. It is appropriate when the protected force is moving
slowly, the LD is the LC, or the threat situation is vague or expected.
4-45. In all three techniques, the DRT must maintain contact with the protected force, reorient the screen in
relation to the protected force’s maneuver, and conduct reconnaissance and screen in two directions
(forward of the troop and to the flank).
Repositioning the Screen
4-46. Movement along the screen is determined by the speed of the protected force, distance to the
objective, and the threat situation. Troop movement centers on a designated route of advance. This route is
parallel to the axis of advance of the protected force and is large enough to accommodate rapid movement
of the troop and to facilitate occupation of the screen. The route must be kept clear to ensure rapid
movement of the troop’s enablers, sustainment, and C2 assets. Sustainment elements should remain off the
main route unless moving or traveling on alternate routes in depth.
4-47. Three basic techniques of movement used by both ground and aerial reconnaissance assets are the
following: (See Table 4-3 for a summary of each technique.)
Continuous marching.
Bounding by platoons (alternate and successive).
Bounding by OPs (alternate and successive).
16 November 2010 ATTP 3-20.97 4-11