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Editor's Note: The article below describes well-refined tactics, techniques, and procedures for using an engineer reconnaissance team (ERT) while fighting in compartmented terrain at the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC). Many engineer commanders in the field use a similar ERT concept to improve the quality of engineer reconnaissance information and more.fully integrate mobility/ countermobility/sustainability priority intelligence requirements into the supported units reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S) plan. Readers should understand that ERTs are not resourced in unit modified tables of organization and equipment and that the use of ERTs is not taught at the U.S. Army Engineer School as a doctrinal approach. Certainly, real innovation comes from the field and often turns into doctrine. But we need to be disciplined in our approach so these innovations complement and do not undermine existing tactics. As always, we encourage our readers to continue submitting articles as such and share ideas that build upon our warfighting skills.
Engineer Recon Teams
Engineer battalions deploy to the CMTC with the intent of using ERTs to gather engineer-specific intelligence on the battlefield. An ERT is an excellent asset when used appropriately.
It is important to understand the concept of an ERT, given that the current engineer force structure does not provide personnel dedicated for reconnaissance purposes. Although a battalion may choose to use more assets for reconnaissance, the ERT is the base engineer recon element. Its arrival method may vary from dismounted (air insertion or ground) to mounted (wheeled or tracked). An ERT can vary from three to five people, depending on whether they will be mounted or dismounted. A mounted recon consists of five people. An assistant recon team leader and a vehicle operator remain with the vehicle and the other three conduct the recon dismounted. The recon team leader typically moves with the dismounted element. The mounted element's primary mission is to maintain communication with the dismounts and the supported unit. Its secondary mission is to be prepared to go forward and conduct a recon if the dismounted element is unsuccessful. The dismounted element's mission is to report all information required by the supported commander, according to the R&S plan. It reports directly to the supported unit's headquarters or, if part of a mounted...