text: Offensive Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  Reconnaissance Patrols
  5-200. This type of patrol collects information and confirms or disproves the accuracy of information
  previously received. They are used to locate insurgent units and base camps, to reconnoiter specific
  locations, locate leaders, and gather intelligence. Reconnaissance patrols provide the commander with
  timely, accurate information of insurgents, the population, and the terrain. This information is vital
  in making tactical decisions. Leaders must ensure that no pattern is established that would allow an
  insurgent force to ambush reconnaissance units. Reconnaissance patrols are further classified into two
  types.
  Route Reconnaissance Patrols
  5-201. These are a form of reconnaissance that focuses along a specific line of communication, such as a
  road, railway, or cross-country mobility corridor. It provides new or updated information on route
  conditions, such as obstacles and bridge classifications, insurgent and civilian activity, and traffic patterns
  along the route. A route reconnaissance includes not only the route itself, but also all terrain along the route
  from which the insurgent could influence the friendly force’s movement.
  Zone Reconnaissance Patrols
  5-202. These are conducted to obtain information on enemy, terrain, people, and routes within a specified
  zone. The commander may require information of an extended area, or may desire information of several
  locations within an area. A zone reconnaissance patrol secures this information by reconnoitering the area,
  maintaining surveillance over the area, or by making the coordinated area reconnaissance of designated
  locations within the area.
  Area Reconnaissance Patrols
  5-203. This is conducted to obtain information on a specific location or small specific area, usually a
  known or suspected position or activity. An area reconnaissance patrol secures this information by
  reconnoitering the location or by maintaining surveillance over the location.
  5-204. In addition to reaching the objective without discovery, a reconnaissance patrol also tries
  to conduct its reconnaissance or surveillance without being discovered. Stealth, patience, and maximum
  use of concealment are mandatory. A reconnaissance patrol must be prepared to fight to protect itself.
  5-205. Continual technological improvements have a significant impact on reconnaissance abilities.
  Sensors and video cameras can be emplaced to be remotely monitored. Computer and electronic
  technology must be leveraged to extract information from a wide array of technological systems.
  Day and Night Patrols
  5-206. These use about the same techniques as other patrols. The main differences are—
  • Day Reconnaissance requires greater use of concealment. The patrol is more likely to be seen
  than at night and usually will not be able to move as close to the objective.
  • Night Reconnaissance requires stealth. Sounds carry farther at night, and reduced visibility
  usually requires a closer approach to the objective.
  Combat Patrols
  5-207. In counterinsurgency operations, the term security patrol has often been used; however, this is still
  a combat patrol. A combat patrol provides security and harasses, destroys, or captures enemy troops,
  equipment, and installations. A combat patrol also collects and reports information, whether related to its
  mission or not. Combat patrols in a counterinsurgency include raids, ambushes, security, saturation,
  and satellite patrols. Regardless of the name, all counterinsurgency combat patrols have the general mission
  of seeking out and attacking targets of opportunity.
  Raid and Ambush Patrols
  5-208. Raids and ambushes were discussed earlier in Chapter 5.