Reconnaissance — basics

Purpose of reconnaissance

Reconnaissance is not a combat operation: it is an information operation. Success is measured by the quality of the report delivered to command, not by the number of enemies observed or engaged. A recon patrol that engages has typically failed its primary mission.

• Determine composition, disposition and activity of the enemy
• Identify key terrain points (lines, obstacles, cover)
• Verify intelligence from other sources (drone, COMINT, civilian)
• Identify targets for fires (artillery, ATGM, MLRS)
• Map avenues of approach and reinforcement routes
• Confirm or refute assumptions in the operational plan

Types of reconnaissance

NATO doctrine distinguishes recon types by scope and profile. The choice depends on the mission and the acceptable risk to obtain the information.

In the Ukrainian context, overt recon (reconnaissance in force) is rarely used due to artillery and FPV saturation: a unit that exposes itself becomes a target. Stealth recon integrated with aerial ISR dominates instead.

Reporting discipline

A useful recon report is specific, distinguishable (what is observed vs what is inferred), and timely. The standard structure is SALUTE; many Ukrainian units use equivalent formats with slightly different priorities.

• Distinguish fact from inference: 'saw 3 BMP-2' vs 'probable mechanised company'
• Coordinates always in MGRS or system agreed with command
• Zulu time or stated local — never ambiguous
• Numbers always comparable: '5 personnel' is better than 'a few'
• Report reliability: indicate direct observation or hearsay
• Report priority: PRIORITY (immediately relevant), ROUTINE (for analysis)
• Negative (null) reports: 'nothing observed in sector X between Y and Z' — useful information

Recon OPSEC

Effective recon begins before going out: OPSEC of preparation, approach and return determines survival. A 'compromised' recon patrol feeds the enemy more than it gathers.

• Briefing in a closed space, away from windows and unnecessary personnel
• No communication of the plan via WhatsApp/Telegram, no team photos
• Kit checked (noise, reflections) before going out
• Personal IDs left at the unit (generic dog tags, no personal documents)
• Comms in scheduled window only, no 'check-in' transmissions
• Return at a different point than exit; immediate debrief in closed space
• No social, no recounting of the patrol to third parties, no team photos after return

Integration with ISR

Modern reconnaissance is rarely foot-only: it is integrated with recon drones, COMINT sensors, counter-battery radars, commercial satellites. The foot patrol is a node in the system, not the only source. Understanding your role in the system is essential.

• ISR drone provides the general picture, the patrol confirms the detail
• COMINT identifies units by radio traffic, the patrol confirms visually
• Civilian sources (residents, tips) indicate zones of interest, the patrol verifies
• Aerial ISR finds targets, the patrol confirms for fires
• The foot patrol sees what ISR does not: inside buildings, under dense cover, in basements

FPV considerations in recon

The recon patrol operates under permanent drone surveillance. Even a small patrol (3-5 soldiers) is detectable to thermal FPV. Signature considerations are identical to a combat patrol's, but priority is reversed: recon always prefers to abandon the mission rather than be seen.

• Move only in natural or artificial cover
• Frequent halts, never continuous movement
• No EM devices on unless strictly necessary
• Thermal discretion: no fire, no cooking, distance from heat sources
• Plan an evasion route in case of discovery — this is the rule, not the exception
• If observed by drone, immediate subterranean or dense vegetal cover, no movement

Manual limits

Common mistakes

• Confusing recon with combat patrol: engaging when one should observe
• Ambiguous reports ('lots of soldiers', 'going east') without precision
• Transmitting too much from the field instead of gathering and reporting on return
• Relying on memory instead of taking discreet notes (encrypted)
• Showing off recon kit (NVG, thermal, long antennas) in civilian areas
• Posting post-mission photos, even days after return
• Forgetting the null report when 'nothing observed' — it is crucial information
• Treating the mission as autonomous rather than integrated with ISR and fires

Lessons learned Ukraine

Reconnaissance on the Ukrainian front is dominated by integration between drone, COMINT, civilian sources and foot patrol. Units like HUR and SSO operate in mixed format: the foot element confirms and verifies what the drone has already partially indicated. The international volunteer in recon works as part of a larger system and accepts that their contribution is complementary, not central. Reporting discipline, OPSEC and the humility of staying hidden are value — the heroism of being detected to engage is negative for the mission.