Thread by @Combination_K

A thread discussing Soviet reconnaissance tactics and principles as well as the importance of this subject in an operational and tactical sense:

The Soviets believe that generally, one's ability to reconnoiter and observe is one of if not the most important supporting capability to an offensive or defensive operation. It is understood that if one fails to properly actualize this vital and wholly essential endeavor than combat actions will suffer significantly as a result. Therefore, Soviet Commanders believe it to be imperative that at a minimum 75% of the capabilities and axis the enemy may employ in opposition to these aims be identified prior to an actions conduct. This results in the means of engaging said reconnaissance being placed at a level of prestige and elite operation which is gleaned from the view their success is essential to the effective use of the wider body of forces.

Because of the great deal of importance placed on reconnaissance, all means of engaging such a task are often employed heavily along the main axis of advance. This is due to the fact that reconnaissance in many cases pervades specialist assets, and is seen as something the commander must engage continuously, employing all elements at his disposal to do so. Reconnaissance is noted to be an aggressive action for this reason, it is understood that to win the "reconnaissance battle" one must take the initiative in such affairs. On top of this reconnaissance is subject to strict deadlines, if the commander receives intelligence in a delayed manner he will not be fit to employ it effectively and ahead of the enemy.

There is also consideration taken to preserve the ever present tenant of surprise. It is believed that if the enemy is to discover or suspect the Soviets reconnaissance strategy, and what exactly they plan to observe, they will be fit to deceive or counter the maneuver once it has transpired. Therefore great efforts are taken to engage reconnaissance in a clandestine sense, especially by hiding the primary objective of said reconnaissance, often seeking to observe non essential targets and be caught doing so.

Reconnaissance may be conducted first by aircraft, and other higher formations not subordinate to the divisions commander, drones are also an incredibly important facet to this network. What the divisional commander does have at his disposal is a reconnaissance battalion, which is often comprised of two companies operating BMP and BRM, these may be broken into detachments or platoons, which can form independent reconnaissance patrols and elements.

Reconnaissance may be conducted within enemy depth, units that engage such actions are known as the long range reconnaissance company, and tend to employ BTR and BRDM, and will at times deploy via aircraft as decentralized teams. If aircraft does see operation for the insertion of these units, they may be further tasked with the elimination of priority assets such as C2 elements and command posts.

It is important to note that conventional units when in contact with the enemy are tasked with keeping command informed of what exactly they are engaging, and offering play by play reports of the elements they are encountering as to provide further intelligence on the enemy. A chief of reconnaissance can be found in each regiment alongside the regimental staff, their role is to operate the attached reconnaissance company, which will often break into separate reconnaissance patrols, tank and motor rifle units may create improvised reconnaissance patrols if the need presents itself.

This structure is constant at the battalion level. This can be observed in MRDs which each operate an attached reconnaissance platoon, alongside the fact that standard platoons will often receive reconnaissance missions if it does not deviate from the primary objective. Scout vehicles are necessary and will be employed on every axis of advance at this level. Helicopters are often employed for reconnaissance though it must be noted that they are subordinate to the chemical troops native to each unit and therefore are not dedicated reconnaissance assets in the sense that they fill one exclusive role. Similarly, engineers make frequent appearances as reinforcements for separate reconnaissance patrols, and it is not uncommon for a divisions engineer battalion to have a native reconnaissance platoon. These units are employed largely to assess terrain and obstacles which are important to consider prior to an offensive operation.

In regards to the mission of these units, key assets for identification include NBC threats, command posts, artillery positions and radio installations. If possible the size, location, and composition of reserve forces are to be observed secondary to the previously mentioned elements. Great attention is paid to the location and identification of routes which may present good axis for maneuver while on the offensive, and the location of terrain the enemy may not expect the main body to take when said offensive begins. The Soviet Military employs a greater deal of cross country mobility and therefore has been trained to take unconventional routes such as valleys, marshes, and other relatively "impassable" natural obstacles.

Reconnaissance during offensive maneuvers is actualized through the use of forward patrols, upon contact with the enemy, these detachments will then fight in a retreating fashion until the main body arrives, this is done as accompanying patrols work to circumvent defensive forces and achieve limited depth to disrupt via raids and harassment. Observation posts are to be established by these units, which will seek to relay intelligence to artillery assets and other offensive elements.

Reconnaissance may also be provided by direct confrontation with the enemy as mentioned above, though this tends to only see immediate application if the previously mentioned elements fail to complete their mission. Reconnaissance in this form is very much so a limited offensive operation in its execution, and involves an integrated fire support plan, which will include saturation via air and artillery attacks. These will also work to deceive the enemy as to where the main force will make its move. These units will if possible penetrate within limited depth and seek to capture valuable informational assets, even taking prisoners. If these units are capable of exploiting or revealing weaknesses, the main body is prepared to respond at a moments notice to reinforce and supplement the unit.

Anyways the thread concludes here, thank you for reading!