Marine Rifle Squad

8.30
Section IV. Reconnaissance Patrols
8401. General
The commander needs information about the enemy and the terrain he controls.
He must have accurate and timely information to assist him in making
tactical decisions. Reconnaissance patrols are one of the most reliable sources
for this information. A reconnaissance patrol is capable of carrying the search
for information into the area occupied by enemy forces, usually beyond the
range of vision or ground observation, and is capable of examining objects
and events at close range. Routinely, a reconnaissance patrol will not maintain
communication with its parent unit.
8402. Missions
Missions for reconnaissance patrols include gaining information about the
location and characteristics of friendly or hostile positions and installations,
routes, stream/river crossings, obstacles, or terrain; identification of enemy
units and equipment; enemy strength and disposition; movement of enemy
troops or equipment; presence of mechanized units; presence of nuclear, biological,
and chemical equipment or contaminated areas; and unusual enemy
activity.
8403. Types of Reconnaissance
a. Area Reconnaissance. An area reconnaissance (previously referred
to as a point reconnaissance) is a directed effort to obtain detailed information
concerning specific terrain or enemy activity within a specific location.
The objective of the reconnaissance may be to obtain timely
information about a particular town, bridge, road junction, or other terrain
feature or enemy activity critical to operations. Emphasis is placed
on reaching the area without being detected.
b. Zone Reconnaissance. A zone reconnaissance (previously referred
to as an area reconnaissance) is a directed effort to obtain detailed information
concerning all routes, obstacles (to include chemical or biological