Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL
RECONNAISSANCE
Threat forces have large arsenals of chemical and suspected biological weapons, and from all
indications are prepared to use them. Contamination from chemical and biological weapons poses a
hazard to US forces. Chemical and biological reconnaissance may be required to determine the
extent of contamination. Proper planning of biological or chemical reconnaissance is essential in
determining if a mission is needed and to the efficient conduct of needed missions. The purpose of
chemical and biological reconnaissance operations is to gather information upon which commanders
may form plans, make decisions, and issue orders. Chemical and biological reconnaissance
missions are necessary to reduce the uncertainties of battle, such as finding contaminated terrain
before a force blunders through it. Reconnaissance squads, detachments, and survey parties locate,
report, and mark contaminated areas. This information is reported to the control party, where it is
processed and plotted on a situation map.
In this subcourse you will learn the elements of reconnaissance, how to supervise preparations for
chemical and biological reconnaissance missions, and how to check for chemical and biological
agents. You will also learn how to supervise and conduct chemical and biological reconnaissance
missions.
ELEMENTS OF CHEMICAL
AND BIOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE
Reconnaissance squads, detachments, and survey parties may conduct chemical and biological
reconnaissance missions. To properly supervise a reconnaissance mission, you must know the
elements of reconnaissance and the units which are trained and capable of conducting the mission.
In Lesson 1, you will learn about the elements of chemical and biological reconnaissance.
In order to understand the elements of chemical and biological reconnaissance,
you must be able to:
1.
Describe fundamentals of reconnaissance.
2.
Identify movement techniques.
3.
Describe types of reconnaissance.
4.
Describe troop-leading procedures.
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