Re: [SG2] [DS2] Aussie Recon Platoon Organisation

Thomas Barclay wrote:

> The recon patrols are five man. The sniper pairs are twos. How big is
> the surveillance det? 5 man?
>

Scouts in the US....Back when I was a scout our para-scout platoon
(organic to a parachute bn was organized as follows:
Note we had gun jeeps but also did missions dismounted....
1xHQ element.
1LT
1PSG
2 RTO/Drivers
2 x sections each with the following
4x 3 man recon team. (1 SGT, one SP4, 1 PFC)
Total:28 men and 8 jeeps (6 w/ M60 MGs)

Then there was the LRSD (Long Range Surveillance Detachment) (A
division-support element). In the 82d this started out as a platoon
sized element then expanded to company sized and was handed off to 18
the ABN Corps where it remains <I think> Though the 82d now has its own
LRSD again..TOE changes so much!) the organization for a platoon was:
PLT HQ
LT, PSG 2xRTO
3xsections each with 2x3man R&S teams. Note : that the section was sent
on a mission together though sometimes it was 3 man teams. Almost never
was the platoon deployed n force. largest weapon was an M203.

EMPLOYMENT OF BN level and DIV level Reconnaissance.
Both had recon as primary function. Bn recon operated closer to the FEBA
(Forward Line of Battle Area) in direct support of bn missions. The
Div/Corp recon operates much deeper. Bn recon also picked up screening
missions like protecting bn flanks during attacks etc, as well as trip
wire during bn defense. Sometimes they operate with attached TOW plt
elements. The occasional rear area raid is also the purview of the bn
scout platoon. The scout platoon only takes the "best" of the bn's
infantryman after analyzing records and performance. You normally
wouldn't see a guy come right out of repl depot into the scouts. For
officers, you needed to have already had line platoon command time. The
scout platoon leader is the most prestigious LT position in the
battalion. The scout platoon works directly for the bn S-2 (intel
officer)

The Div LRSD (or corps) works directly for Div or Corps S-2. They
operate solely in small detachments unlike the scouts which could find
themselves operating in platoon strength. There is seldom or never
combat operations tasked to them. They are too valuable. There's usually
a rigorous selection process and a special course for LRSD types, and
most if not all usually go to RANGER school.

Hope this helps...
Los

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