C
couchcommander
Guest
The problem with traditional light recce given our current operational environment in Afghanistan, as I see it (and hopefully others), is quite simply that we do not have the capability to go unnoticed in military pattern vehicles, no matter how quick, stealthy, or small a foot print they have. The moment they leave the base one should (and usually correctly) assume your movements are being tracked. With this information the enemy can avoid contact with you, or, if you present a target he thinks he can destroy with minimal casualties on his part, engage you when and where he chooses. The fact you are in a Gwagen or DURO will not change this fact. Gwagens and DURO's are simply lighter, easier targets to attack either conventionally with rockets and rifles, or unconventionally with IED's or suicide bombers. You are still in a highly distringuishable vehicle trying to indentify enemy forces amongst a population that looks exactly the same as they do. They have the ability to decide when you come under attack, not the other way around.
As I, and others mentioned, this means that you HAVE to be able to absorb this attack, when it happens, where it happens, how it happens, as you will not be in control of the circumstances, and as well have the ability to continue to be operationally effective and not just a unit that needs to be rescued (as you will most likely end up dead if this is the case, which none of us want).
It was mentioned that using light recce might work better in the country side where the enemy cannot hide so readily. Yes, if this is the case then this is most definately true. However, even in the country you go through villages, winding roads, forests, and especially in afghanistan, mountainous terrain where you can't see around the next bend.
Whoever mentioned the fact that troops on the ground are still the best intelligence gathering tool I think was absolutely right, and, as many have mentioned, also present a much more difficult target for insurgents. This route, IMO, should be pursued as well.
Does this mean traditional light recce is done for? No. There are definately streets (many) in urban environments where a LAV will not fit, and in which case you will have to go with the best armoured vehicle you can, which is probably the duro (but hopefully supported by dismounted infantry). As well, light recce still has many applications in more conventional theaters where there is a more clearly identifiable force, and in peacekeeping in general. It's not that it's a bad doctrine, IMO, it just doesn't fit the theater.
....*awaits beheading*.....
As I, and others mentioned, this means that you HAVE to be able to absorb this attack, when it happens, where it happens, how it happens, as you will not be in control of the circumstances, and as well have the ability to continue to be operationally effective and not just a unit that needs to be rescued (as you will most likely end up dead if this is the case, which none of us want).
It was mentioned that using light recce might work better in the country side where the enemy cannot hide so readily. Yes, if this is the case then this is most definately true. However, even in the country you go through villages, winding roads, forests, and especially in afghanistan, mountainous terrain where you can't see around the next bend.
Whoever mentioned the fact that troops on the ground are still the best intelligence gathering tool I think was absolutely right, and, as many have mentioned, also present a much more difficult target for insurgents. This route, IMO, should be pursued as well.
Does this mean traditional light recce is done for? No. There are definately streets (many) in urban environments where a LAV will not fit, and in which case you will have to go with the best armoured vehicle you can, which is probably the duro (but hopefully supported by dismounted infantry). As well, light recce still has many applications in more conventional theaters where there is a more clearly identifiable force, and in peacekeeping in general. It's not that it's a bad doctrine, IMO, it just doesn't fit the theater.
....*awaits beheading*.....