Combat reconnaissance
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The combat reconnaissance (Gef Aufkl), English tactical reconnaissance, belongs to the field of tactical reconnaissance and is carried out by all combat troops, primarily the tank and armored infantry troops as mechanized reconnaissance troops and the hunter troops as reconnaissance troops on foot - in contrast to reconnaissance , which carried out by reconnaissance forces.
Reconnaissance is used to gain information about the enemy, his strength, location, behavior and armament. The battle reconnaissance belongs in the broader sense to the battlefield observation, which is guaranteed by fuses, advanced observers as well as field and listening posts . It is time-consuming, has to be started at an early stage and is one of the constant tasks of the combat troops and serves to protect their own forces. The battle reconnaissance is led and ordered by the superordinate battle group. In contrast to the reconnaissance of reconnaissance troops, combat reconnaissance does not or seldom penetrate into enemy space, but clarifies enemy forces and their deployment in the FLET (Forward Line of Enemy Troops).
In their respective operational area, however, all other troops carry out reconnaissance by means of scouting troops, alarm posts and patrols - for example, logistic troop units in the supply room of an association or large association.
In contrast, exploration should determine knowledge about the nature of the terrain as well as the passability of terrain and waters.
aims
In all types of operations - attack , defense and delay - combat reconnaissance is part of the constant task of all responsible units and serves to obtain information directly for the troops. The troop leader formulates the reconnaissance objectives in the form of individual commands that he needs to make his decision:
- Enemy troops
- Firing positions of heavy weapons
seldom and as far as can be explained
- Position of command posts
- Position of field (fighting positions) and engineer reinforcements (mines and barriers)
- Logistic facilities
- Anti-aircraft forces
The combat reconnaissance serves to obtain information about the situation, movement and assumed intent of the enemy. It is generally used to determine enemy forces, their weapon effects and lines of movement in the observed apron. The depth of reconnaissance is determined by the means used and is generally less than 5 km.
Importance of reconnaissance in the attack
The objectives of the reconnaissance before an attack can be defined as follows:
- Course of the VRV
- Strength and grouping of the enemy
- Flanks, gaps and seams of the defender
- Terrain obstacles and barriers
- Opportunities for your own approach
- Focus of anti-tank weapons
- Artillery positions and mortars
- Command posts
- Reserves
- Direction of possible counter attacks
execution
Combat reconnaissance to determine the whereabouts and movement of the enemy can either be carried out by a standing observation post or by scouting parties who are mounted or dismounted.
The task of a scouting party is to establish, through unnoticed reconnaissance, the intent, strength and armament of the enemy, and also to determine whether certain areas are enemy-free or occupied, or to keep in touch with the enemy.
Combat reconnaissance and reconnaissance can be linked. So a scout team can z. B. be given the task of whether a certain terrain is passable or not.
The reconnaissance by reconnaissance forces plays a special role in the surveillance of flanks in order to be protected from a surprise attack by the enemy.
During reconnaissance through combat, the enemy strength and deployment are cleared up by a separate attack that is limited in time and space.
Mounted scouting party
The use of combat vehicles (reconnaissance platoon or half platoon, at least two for mutual surveillance) enables reconnaissance through combat and was the main task of the tank reconnaissance troops in the past . The mounted scouting party enables greater depths of penetration into enemy territory and marches on previously defined movement lines towards the reconnaissance target. The movements for this can be caterpillar-like or overturning, depending on the situation and enemy pressure. The observation stop is usually made by cover and in the end the reconnaissance goal is often achieved dismounted.
Dismissed patrol
Detached patrols are often deployed in confusing terrain or when visibility is limited. They move from observation point to observation point on foot, taking advantage of natural cover. The patrol leader orders the route and assembly points at which scattered soldiers who leave after surprising enemy contact or after a fire attack can be picked up. Contact with the enemy, including encounters with enemy scouting troops, enemy security, enemy-occupied outskirts, is avoided as far as possible. At the reconnaissance target, the scouting team takes an all-round security and collects the required information through eye reconnaissance (eyes or optical aids such as DF binoculars and night vision devices) and eavesdropping.
Difference between reconnaissance and combat reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is ordered by the higher level tactical command and carried out by a specialized type of troops (tank reconnaissance, army reconnaissance and long-distance scout) in greater depth of reconnaissance. The task of the reconnaissance is usually to localize the enemy, to identify them according to type (type of weapon, number of combat vehicles) and size (troop strength) and, depending on the type of information gathering, to remain at the enemy for a certain period of time and then return to the units to be picked up. In this context, combat reconnaissance is rarely an option. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that there will be minor skirmishes and skirmishes with the enemy vanguard, combat reconnaissance or flank security.
Combat reconnaissance is generally carried out by combat troops (tanks and armored infantry) at a lower penetration depth of a maximum of 5 kilometers in front of their own lines. One of the most important tasks is to get in touch with the enemy. In contrast to reconnaissance, reconnaissance through combat plays a greater role here. Armored reconnaissance troops (MBT or AFV), or reinforced heavy reconnaissance troops, have the firepower to fight enemy reconnaissance or combat reconnaissance. Furthermore, important knowledge about the security of the opponent, his locks, flanks and gaps should be gained. Combat reconnaissance can simulate stronger forces and force the enemy to develop at an early stage in order to be able to fight him better.
literature
- Train close to war. Help for the combat service of all troops. Army Office 1985
- Bundeswehr pocket card, combat reconnaissance booklet