text: ________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 10
  ROUTE RECONNAISSANCE
  10-26. A primary goal of engineer reconnaissance at the operational level is
  to provide comprehensive information on the suitability of movement routes.
  Engineer reconnaissance, performed independently or with other reconnais-
  sance forces, plays a significant role in ensuring freedom of movement and
  access to various areas of the battlefield. Units performing engineer recon-
  naissance make the following determinations:
  • The degree of trafficability of the entire route.
  • The location and nature of obstacles and forces or assets needed to
  overcome them.
  • The condition of crossing sites over rivers, canals, streams, and ravines.
  • The location and quantity of material potentially useful for improving
  the movement route.
  • The nature of the terrain and location of areas without natural
  concealment.
  10-27. The purpose of route reconnaissance is to select suitable routes along
  the axis of movement and to identify suitable halt areas that provide con-
  cealment. Engineer reconnaissance can also identify possible infiltration
  routes. The reconnaissance patrol relays topographical and terrain informa-
  tion back to the unit that sent it out. Route reconnaissance can occur
  throughout the AOR, in offense or defense.
  OFFENSE
  10-28. During the offense, the primary engineer reconnaissance mission is to
  obtain more precise information on
  • Battle damage created both during offensive preparation and during
  the execution of the offense.
  • Troop movement routes and trafficability of off-road terrain.
  • Locations where the enemy established obstacles.
  • Locations for establishing obstacles during enemy counterattacks.
  • Water obstacles on friendly forces’ axes of advance.
  10-29. Engineer reconnaissance during the offense seeks to obtain informa-
  tion on the nature of enemy fortifications, defensive positions, and obstacles.
  The basic methods for obtaining this information are observation and aerial
  or ground photography.
  DEFENSE
  10-30. Engineers assist in reconnaissance and preparation of the defense by
  determining the protective and camouflage features of the terrain and by
  helping select positions for CPs and unit battle positions. Engineers also de-
  termine road and bridge conditions in the AOR, availability of local materials
  for construction of positions, and the status of the water supply.