text: Team Operations
  ROUTE RECONNAISSANCE
  4-88. Route reconnaissance is a directed effort to obtain detailed information of a specified route and
  all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route (FM 1-02).
  4-89. Route reconnaissance obtains information about enemy activity, obstacles, route conditions, and
  critical terrain features along a specific route. It is generally beyond the capability of a LRS team to
  obtain precise data for road curves, widths and heights of underpasses, and dimensions of tunnels.
  However, they can report the types of vehicles that use the roads, or that enter or exit the tunnels. From
  this, intelligence personnel can estimate the weight limits, widths, and other information about the roads,
  tunnels, and underpasses. The LRS team follows the example report formats provided in FM 5-170.
  Example intelligence requirements for a LRS route reconnaissance include--
  • The available space (in meters) in which a force can maneuver without having to bunch up to
  avoid obstacles. The size of trees and the density of forests are reported due to the effect on
  vehicle movement.
  • The locations of all obstacles and of any available bypass(s).
  • Any enemy forces that can influence movement along the route.
  • The observation and fields of fire along the route and adjacent terrain.
  • The locations along the route that provide good cover and concealment.
  • Trafficability along the route.
  • Landing and pickup zones along the route.
  • Any bridges by construction and type, estimated dimensions of each, and any vehicles crossing
  the bridge. This helps intelligence personnel estimate its load classification.
  BRIDGE CLASSIFICATION
  4-90. This is not a separate category of reconnaissance, but it might be a necessary part of an area,
  zone, or route reconnaissance. The team follows procedures to ensure that they provide the dimensional
  data needed to analyze the bridge's structure for repairs, demolition, or military-load classification.
  Seldom can a team obtain precise measurements. However, if possible, they report the type and number
  of vehicles that cross the bridge. Intelligence can then estimate the weight, height, and weight limit of the
  bridge (FM 5-170).
  LEADER RECONNAISSANCE
  4-91. The leader plans and reconnoiters all primary and alternate surveillance and hide sites. The
  criteria for selecting these sites is similar, except that the hide site must be sited to allow for long-range
  communications, and the surveillance site must allow round-the-clock surveillance. Leaders evaluate all
  primary and alternate sites based on the following criteria, then they establish and disseminate rally
  points and break out plans for all sites:
  HIDE SITE
  • Does the site facilitate long-range (HF or UHF TACSAT) communications?
  • Does the area provide concealment as well as routes of ingress and egress?
  • Are dominant or unusual terrain features located nearby?
  • Is the area wet, does it have adequate drainage, or is it prone to flooding?
  • Is the area a place that the enemy would want to occupy?
  • Is the site silhouetted against the skyline or a contrasting background?
  • Are roads or trails located nearby?