FM 3-34.22 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

Chapter 3
3-15. The formation of ERTs consequently degrades the capabilities of the organization from which the
personnel and equipment are drawn. The ENCOORD must understand the compromise between using
engineer assets in a reconnaissance role versus using them in a different M/CM/S role when making
recommendations to the BCT commander.
3-16. The ENCOORD must work together with the engineer unit commander providing ERTs to
understand specific unit capabilities, SOPs, and any augmentation they require (including integration
within the security and evacuation plan for the overall reconnaissance effort). The ENCOORD and unit
commander make the necessary coordination with the supported unit at the appropriate echelon to ensure
that ERTs are augmented with the necessary assets to accomplish the mission.
3-17. The ENCOORD must ensure the timely exchange of critical information pertaining to ERT
operations. Rapid information sharing between higher, lower, and adjacent units facilitates parallel
planning to get reconnaissance assets into a mission as early as possible. The ENCOORD must ensure that
the finalized ISR plan and other information provided to subordinate units in WARNORDs and OPORDs
allow the ERT leader to clearly understand the commander’s intent and know what is expected of the team
in each phase of the operation. The commander’s reconnaissance guidance, which is developed early in the
MDMP, provides clarity to subordinates in planning and executing the reconnaissance mission. This
guidance covers the following considerations (see FM 3-20.96 or FM 3-34.170 for further discussion):
� Focus. Information-gathering activities are concentrated by defining “where” and “what” and
provide linkage to answering the CCIR and filling additional voids in the IR.
� Tempo. The tempo can be stealthy or forceful, deliberate or rapid. The tempo allows the
commander to correlate time requirements for the reconnaissance with such factors as planning
time, movement formations, and operational methods, which influence the depth of detail that
the reconnaissance can yield.
� Engagement criteria. The engagement criteria can be aggressive or discreet. It describes
restrictions regarding lethal and nonlethal engagements that are important deviations from the
rules of engagement (ROE).
3-18. The ENCOORD must ensure that engineer-oriented ISR tasks are specific enough to facilitate
effective decisionmaking. The S-2 has the lead on developing specific information requirements (SIR)
based on IRs and indicators and works with the S-3 in translating them into ISR tasks. Though this process
is primarily an S-2 and S-3 function, the ENCOORD should be aware of the process and provide the
necessary engineer input when needed.
3-19. ERTs from adjacent engineer units operating within the BCT AO must coordinate their activities and
address terrain management considerations. The ENCOORD on the BCT staff is best-postured to assist the
engineer unit providing the ERT with the necessary coordination. The ENCOORD is also postured to assist
with coordination for operational-level reconnaissance missions which must occur in the BCT AO. These
missions may be assigned or identified by EAB units requiring specific information.
ENGINEER RECONNAISSANCE TEAM
3-20. An ERT is the baseline engineering reconnaissance element. The identified element may be a team,
squad, platoon, or larger unit. Highly trained personnel are required for obstacle and other engineer
tactical, reconnaissance operations. This not only requires the TTP necessary for tactical, reconnaissance
operations, but also requires knowledge and experience in the specific technical IRs.
3-21. ERTs are generally employed at the tactical level and in support of the combat engineer function.
ERTs conduct the basic tactical reconnaissance mission with an added focus on collecting the required
technical information. The ERT usually employs the same techniques and forms for their reconnaissance
mission as the supported reconnaissance or maneuver element. The technical information collected by an
ERT is an embedded part of a tactical, reconnaissance mission, and the ERT is most effective as an integral
part of (attached or under OPCON to) a tactical, reconnaissance element. Combat engineer units are more
likely to provide the ERT, especially when it is attached or OPCON to a supported reconnaissance element.
Combat engineer units organic to and typically augmenting the BCT, can more effectively integrate their
ERT operations and coordinate for required support.
3-4 FM 3-34.22 11 February 2009