International Legal Evangelism: Intelligence, Reconnaissance & Missions

Reconnaissance-in-force (RIF) is a type of military operation or military tactics used
specifically to probe an enemy's disposition. By mounting an offensive with considerable
(but not decisive) force, the commander hopes to elicit a strong reaction by the enemy
that reveals its own strength, deployment, and other tactical data. The RIF commander
retains the option to fall back with the data or expand the conflict into a full engagement.
Other methods consist of hit-and-run tactics using rapid mobility, and in some cases
light-armored vehicles for added fire superiority, as the need arises.
Reconnaissance-By-Fire
Reconnaissance by fire (or speculative fire) is the act of firing at likely enemy positions,
in order to cause the enemy force to reveal their location by moving or by returning fire.
Reconnaissance-Pull
Reconnaissance-pull is a tactic that is applied at the regiment to division level and
defined as locating and rapidly exploiting enemy weaknesses. It is the ability to
determine enemy positions and create exploitable gaps through which friendly forces
can pass while avoiding obstacles and strong points.
A textbook example of reconnaissance-pull was documented during the Tinian landings
of World War II, utilized by the United States Marine Corps's Amphibious
Reconnaissance Battalion, from V Amphibious Corps. Aerial photography and the
confirmation by the amphibious reconnaissance platoons determined that the Japanese
defenders had largely ignored the northern beaches of the island, focusing most of their
defensive effort on beaches in the south-west which were more favorable for an
amphibious landing. American forces quickly changed their landing location to the
northern beaches and planned a small and hasty "deception" operation off the southern
beach, which resulted in a complete surprise for the Japanese forces. As a result,
American forces were able to fight the Japanese force on land, where they had the
advantage, leading to light losses and a relatively short battle that lasted only 9 days.
Types
When referring to reconnaissance, a commander's full intention is to have a vivid picture
of his battlespace. The commander organizes the reconnaissance platoon based on:
1. mission,
2. enemy,
3. terrain,
4. troops and support available,
5. time available, and
6. civil considerations.
This analysis determines whether the platoon uses single or multiple elements to
conduct the reconnaissance, whether it pertains to area, zone, or route
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