Armoured reconnaissance
Encyclopedia
Terrestrial reconnaissance
Terrestrial reconnaissance, or ground recon, is a type of reconnaissance that is employed along the elements of ground warfare. It is the collection of intelligence that strictly involves routes, areas, zones ; and the enemy...
by soldiers in reconnaissance vehicle
Reconnaissance vehicle
A reconnaissance vehicle, also known as a scout vehicle, is a military vehicle used for forward reconnaissance.- Design :Smaller caliber weapons help reduce the vehicle's profile and noise signatures...
s. The mission of armoured reconnaissance is to gather intelligence about the enemy.
Australia
In the Australian ArmyAustralian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
the main reconnaissance vehicle is the ASLAV
ASLAV
The Australian Service Light Armoured Vehicle , is an Australian version of the Light Armoured Vehicle designed and manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada for the U.S. Marines. The initial design was the MOWAG Piranha 8x8, however the vehicle was re-designed to meet North American...
, which is the Australian version of the LAV 25
LAV 25
The LAV-25 is an eight-wheeled amphibious reconnaissance vehicle used by the United States Marine Corps. It was built by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada and is based on the Swiss MOWAG Piranha I 8x8 family of armored fighting vehicles....
. The Army Reserve regiments use the Light Cavalry Patrol Vehicle, aka the Regional Force Surveillance Vehicle, which is a variant of the Land Rover Perentie
Land Rover Perentie
The Land Rover Perentie is a vehicle in use by the Australian Army, produced in Australia and based on the Land Rover Defender 110. It was introduced in 1987 to replace the ageing fleet of Series 2A and 3 Land Rovers, and is still in service...
.
Armoured reconnaissance regiments in the Australian Army
Regular
- 2nd Cavalry RegimentAustralian 2nd Cavalry RegimentThe 2nd Cavalry Regiment is a cavalry regiment of the Australian Army. The second most senior regiment in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, 2 CAV serves in an armoured reconnaissance role and is attached to the 1st Brigade, based in Darwin in the Northern Territory.-History:The regiment was...
- 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment2nd/14th Light Horse RegimentThe 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment is a regiment of the Australian Army and forms part of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. The regiment was formed in 1952 though sentimentally traces its lineage to 1860...
(Queensland Mounted Infantry)
Reserve
- 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers1st/15th Royal New South Wales LancersThe 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers is a current Australian Army Reserve Light Cavalry Regiment. The regiment is based at Lancer Barracks in Parramatta, New South Wales. The regiment has recently re-equipped with 4x4 Land Rover patrol vehicles as part of the conversion to a Light Cavalry ...
- 3rd/9th South Australia Mounted Rifles
- 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light HorseThe 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse is a cavalry regiment of the Australian Army. The regiment in its current composition was formed in 1948 when the Citizens Military Force was re-raised after the completion of the demoblisation process following the end of the Second World War and it was...
- 10th Light Horse Regiment10th Light Horse Regiment (Australia)The 10th Light Horse Regiment is a light cavalry regiment of the Australian Army. Tracing its lineage back to 1900, it predecessor units served during the Second Boer War and the First World War. Today consisting of only a single squadron, the regiment is part of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps...
Belgium
The Belgian ArmyBelgian Army
The Land Component is organised using the concept of capacities, whereby units are gathered together according to their function and material. Within this framework, there are five capacities: the command capacity, the combat capacity, the support capacity, the services capacity and the training...
has two armoured reconnaissance regiments
- 1st Regiment Mounted Rifles - Guides
- 2nd/4th Regiment Mounted Rifles2nd/4th Regiment Mounted RiflesThe 2nd/4th Regiment Mounted Rifles is a cavalry regiment in the Land Component of the Belgian Armed Forces. The regiment is the armoured reconnaissance regiment of the 7th Brigade.-History:...
Canada
In the Canadian Army, each regular force armoured regiment maintains both tank and reconnaissance (recce) capacities. While Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Lord Strathcona's Horse is a regular armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces. Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, the regiment is part of Land Force Western Area's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group...
is a tank heavy Regiment, both the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada
12e Régiment blindé du Canada
The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada is a Canadian Forces armoured regiment based in CFB Valcartier, on the outskirts of Quebec City...
and the Royal Canadian Dragoons are recce heavy Regiments.
All armoured regiments in the Reserve Force are roled as armour recce.
Armoured Reconnaissance Regiments in the Reserve Force.
- The Governor General's Horse GuardsThe Governor General's Horse GuardsThe Governor General's Horse Guards is an armoured reconnaissance regiment in the Primary Reserve of the Canadian Army, part of Land Force Central Area's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. Based in Toronto, it is the most senior reserve regiment in Canada, and the only Household Cavalry regiment of...
- The Halifax Rifles (RCAC)The Halifax Rifles (RCAC)The Halifax Rifles is a Canadian Army regiment that served between the years of 1860 and 1965 before being placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle, which meant that they were reduced to nil strength. The regiment was reactivated on May 10, 2009, as a reserve force unit performing the role of...
- 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's)8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's)The 8th Canadian Hussars is one of the longest serving armoured regiments in the Canadian Army. A Squadron being Regular Force served in CFB Gagetown and B, C and HQ Squadrons served in Sussex, Moncton and Sackville...
- The Ontario Regiment (RCAC)The Ontario Regiment (RCAC)The Ontario Regiment is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces Land Force Command. The unit is based in downtown Oshawa, Ontario...
- The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC)The Queen's York Rangers R.C.A.C. is a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve regiment based in Toronto and Aurora. The regiment is part of Land Force Central Area's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment consists of two reconnaissance squadrons, A Sqn in Aurora and B Sqn in Toronto, and a Headquarters...
- Sherbrooke HussarsSherbrooke HussarsThe Sherbrooke Hussars is a Primary Reserve armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces.-Sherbrooke Regiment:The Sherbrooke Regiment was initially formed in 1866 as the Sherbrooke Battalion of Infantry, becoming the 53rd Battalion in 1867. The regiment provided volunteers for the 12th Battalion,...
- 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (Milice)12e Régiment blindé du CanadaThe 12e Régiment blindé du Canada is a Canadian Forces armoured regiment based in CFB Valcartier, on the outskirts of Quebec City...
- 1st Hussars1st HussarsThe 1st Hussars is an armoured Primary Reserve regiment of the Canadian Forces, currently based in London, Ontario and Sarnia, Ontario.-Foundation and organisation:...
- The Prince Edward Island Regiment (RCAC)The Prince Edward Island Regiment (RCAC)The Prince Edward Island Regiment is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces, Land Force Atlantic Area, 36 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment is based in Charlottetown and Summerside.-Perpetuations:...
- The Royal Canadian Hussars (Montreal)The Royal Canadian Hussars (Montreal)The Royal Canadian Hussars is a Primary Reserve armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces. The unit is based in Montreal.-Lineage:...
- The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own)
- The South Alberta Light HorseThe South Alberta Light HorseThe South Alberta Light Horse, or SALH, is an armoured reconnaissance unit of the Canadian Forces Army Reserve based in Medicine Hat and Edmonton, Alberta...
- The Saskatchewan Dragoons
- The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC)The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC)The King's Own Calgary Regiment , or KOCR, is an armoured unit of the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve based at the Mewata Armoury in Calgary, Alberta....
- The British Columbia DragoonsThe British Columbia DragoonsThe British Columbia Dragoons is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces. It is based in Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton, British Columbia...
- The Fort Garry HorseThe Fort Garry HorseThe Fort Garry Horse is a Canadian Army Reserve Armoured Regiment based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is currently part of Land Force Western Area's 38 Canadian Brigade Group.- History :...
- Le Régiment de Hull (RCAC)Le Régiment de Hull (RCAC)Le Régiment de Hull is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment is based in Hull, Quebec near Ottawa...
- The Windsor Regiment (RCAC)The Windsor Regiment (RCAC)The Windsor Regiment is a Primary Reserve armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment, which was founded in 1936 as The Essex Regiment , is based in Windsor, Ontario. During World War II, the regiment was designated as the reconnaissance regiment for the 7th Canadian Infantry Division...
Denmark
There is only one armoured recce regiment in the Danish army.- 3rd Battalion, Guard Hussar Regiment (GardehusarregimentetGardehusarregimentetThe Guard Hussars , abbreviated GHR, is a special cavalry unit, the primary task of which is to place mounted escorts and commando forces at the service of the regent, and to train the guard hussars for various functions in the mobilisation force...
)
Germany
In 2005 the reconnaissance units of the German ArmyGerman Army
The German Army is the land component of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. Following the disbanding of the Wehrmacht after World War II, it was re-established in 1955 as the Bundesheer, part of the newly formed West German Bundeswehr along with the Navy and the Air Force...
were restructured. The former Panzeraufklärungstruppe ("armored reconnaissance corps"), Fernspähtruppe ("long range reconnaissance corps"), Feldnachrichtentruppe" and UAV units of the Artillerietruppe ("artillery corps") haven been combined to the new Heeresaufklärungstruppe ("army reconnaissance corps").
Now the German Army is operating five reconnaissance bataillons and five independent companies:
- Armoured Reconnaissance
- Aufklärungslehrkompanie 90, Munster
- Aufklärungskompanie 210, Augustdorf
- Longe Range Reconnaissance
- Fernspählehrkompanie 200, Pfullendorf
- Airborne Reconnaissance
- Luftlandeaufklärungskompanie 260, Zweibrücken
- Luftlandeaufklärungskompanie 310, Seedorf
Reconnaissance Bataillons:
- Aufklärungslehrbataillon 3, Lüneburg
- Aufklärungsbataillon 6, Eutin
- Aufklärungsbataillon 8, Freyung
- Aufklärungsbataillon 13, Gotha
- Gebirgsaufklärungsbataillon 230, Füssen
Reserve units:
- Aufklärungsbataillon 910, Gotha
- Aufklärungsbataillon 911, Füssen
- Aufklärungsbataillon 912, Lüneburg
Every Bataillon (except the Aufklärungslehrbataillon 3) is structured in four companys:
1./HQ & support company
- The first company provides the bataillon with communication, maintenance and transport.
2./armoured reconnaissance company
- The armoured reconnaissance operates all Fennek vehicle of the bataillon. They are organized in six platoons of each four vehicle. Two Fennek form a scout squad", called ,,Spähtrupp".
3./light reconnaissance company
- The light reconnaissance company includes three HUMINT platoons and one scout platoon equipped with six Dingo.
4./UAV company
- The fourth company operates the two UAV platoons with LunaX and KZO. There is also a radar platoon, equipped with eight Dingo and the new radar system BÜR.
Netherlands
The Dutch Army has one regiment, the Regiment Huzaren van BoreelRegiment Huzaren Van Boreel
The Regiment Huzaren van Boreel is an armoured regiment of the Royal Netherlands Army, named for Willem Francois Boreel. It currently serves in the armoured Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance role; the regiment provides two armoured reconnaissance squadrons assigned to...
which was named after Willem Francois Boreel. The Regiment consists of 4 squadrons: 2 squadrons belong to the ISTAR battalion and the other 2 each belonging to 1 of the 2 Netherlands Mechanised Brigades.
The difference in organisation between the ISTAR squadrons and the brigade squadrons is that the ISTAR squadrons each have a Tactical Air Control Party for Close Air Support and the 2 brigade squadrons each have an anti-tank platoon which operate with Fennek vehicles with Gill anti-tank weapons. All squadrons are trained to operate completely independently. They have their own logistical support and all patrols have special forces medics for emergencies. The training and operation procedures of all squadrons are very similar although the ISTAR squadrons focus more on long range reconnaissance operations. Recently all squadrons have been on combat operations in the south of Afghanistan.
New Zealand
The New Zealand ArmyNew Zealand Army
The New Zealand Army , is the land component of the New Zealand Defence Force and comprises around 4,500 Regular Force personnel, 2,000 Territorial Force personnel and 500 civilians. Formerly the New Zealand Military Forces, the current name was adopted around 1946...
only has one squadron that performs armoured reconnaissance. This is also the only reserve armoured squadron.
- 4th Waikato Mounted Rifles4th (Waikato) Mounted RiflesThe 4th Mounted Rifles was formed on March 17, 1911. They were mobilised during World War I and formed part of the Auckland Mounted Rifle Regiment, and served in the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I and first saw action during the Battle of Gallipoli.As a part of the larger New Zealand...
part of 6th Hauraki Battalion Group
Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka Army has five recce regiments attached to the Sri Lanka Armoured CorpsSri Lanka Armoured Corps
The Sri Lanka Armoured Corps is currently a collection of six regular regiments and a volunteer regiment. It has an independent Armoured Brigade and provides the armour capability of the Sri Lankan Army, with vehicles such as the T-55, T-55AM2, and Type 69 main battle tanks, the BMP infantry...
.
- 1st Reconnaissance Regiment SLAC
- 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment SLAC
- 5th Reconnaissance Regiment SLAC
- 6th Reconnaissance Regiment SLAC
- 8th Reconnaissance Regiment SLAC
South Africa
There is only one armoured recce regiment in the South African ArmySouth African Army
The South African Army is the army of South Africa, first formed after the Union of South Africa was created in 1910.The South African military evolved within the tradition of frontier warfare fought by commando forces, reinforced by the Afrikaners' historical distrust of large standing armies...
, and it is designated an armoured car reconnaissance regiment.
- Light Horse RegimentLight Horse RegimentThe Light Horse Regiment , formerly the Imperial Light Horse , is a reserve unit of the South African Army. The regiment is an armoured car reconnaissance unit...
United Kingdom
In the British ArmyBritish Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
armoured reconnaissance units carry out "formation reconnaissance" for higher level formations. In the British Army these Formation reconnaissance regiment
Formation reconnaissance regiment
The Formation Reconnaissance Regiment is one of two organisations currently provided by cavalry regiments of the British Army. Until recently, it was known as the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment....
s are usually providing reconnaissance for a division or a heavy brigade. In a large-scale defensive operation, they would delay attacking forces, whilst screening heavier units as they moved to engage the enemy. The regiments are, currently, almost entirely equipped with vehicles of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)
Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)
The Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance —or CVR—is a family of armoured fighting vehicles s in service with the British Army and others throughout the world...
- CVR(T) - family. Some of the armoured regiments of the British Army are known as formation reconnaissance instead of armoured.
Formation reconnaissance regiments in the British Army
- Household Cavalry RegimentHousehold Cavalry RegimentThe Household Cavalry Regiment is a cavalry regiment of the British Army, and is one of two regiments that are formed from the Household Cavalry. It was formed in 1992, under the Options for Change reforms, by the amalgamation of The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. Both regiments were...
- The Life Guards
- The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons)
- Royal Armoured CorpsRoyal Armoured CorpsThe Royal Armoured Corps is currently a collection of ten regular regiments, mostly converted from old horse cavalry regiments, and four Yeomanry regiments of the Territorial Army...
- 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards is a cavalry regiment of the British Army. Nicknamed The Welsh Cavalry, the regiment recruits from Wales, Herefordshire, and Shropshire, and is the senior cavalry regiment, and therefore senior regiment, of the line of the British Army...
- 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's)
- The Light DragoonsThe Light DragoonsThe Light Dragoons is a cavalry regiment in the British Army.It was formed in 1992 from the amalgamation of two regiments, the 13th/18th Royal Hussars and the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars becoming the first dragoon regiment in the British Army for over twenty years.-Present day:The Light...
- The Queen's Royal LancersThe Queen's Royal LancersThe Queen's Royal Lancers is a cavalry regiment of the British Army. It was formed in 1993 by the amalgamation of two other regiments:*16th/5th Queen's Royal Lancers*17th/21st Lancers...
- 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards
- Territorial Army
- The Queen's Own Yeomanry
United States
- Army
Stryker
The IAV Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled, 4-wheel-drive , armored fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III and produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, in use by the United States Army. The vehicle is named for two American servicemen who posthumously received the Medal of Honor:...
BCTs include a Stryker vehicle based reconnaissance squadron. The only exception to this structure in the Army is the 1st Cavalry Division, which is a Field-Army level armored reconnaissance asset that can also function as an independent heavy/armored division. There are more than 30 Cavalry Reconnaissance Regiments in the US Army.
incomplete list:
- US Cavalry Regiments Cavalry (United States)
- Cavalry ScoutCavalry ScoutThe Cavalry Scout is a job title and a reconnaissance specialist in the United States Army. Cavalry Scouts work to obtain, distribute and share vital combat and battlefield information on the enemy and on combat circumstances and environmental conditions. The role originated with the United States...
- US Army specialist position
- Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps Light Armored Reconnaissance
The United States Marine Corps Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions, or LAR Battalions, are fast and mobilized armored terrestrial reconnaissance units that conduct reconnaissance-in-force ahead of the battalion landing teams or division infantry forces...
battalions utilize the LAV-25, a 8x8 wheeled amphibious vehicle.
Regular
- 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion is a mechanized infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Nicknamed the "Highlanders," their primary weapon system is the LAV-25 and they fall under the command of the 1st Marine Division and the I Marine Expeditionary Force...
- 1st Marine Division - 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion is a mechanized infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Their primary weapon system is the LAV-25 and they fall under the command of the 2nd Marine Division and II Marine Expeditionary Force. The unit is based out of the Marine Corps Base...
- 2nd Marine Division - 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion ' is a mechanized infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Their primary weapon system is the LAV-25 and they are part of the 1st Marine Division and I Marine Expeditionary Force...
- 1st Marine Division
Reserve
- 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion is a mechanized infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps reserve. Their primary weapon system is the LAV-25 and they are part of the 4th Marine Division and Marine Forces Reserve...
- 4th Marine Division (reservist)