Dismounted reconnaissance troop

The primary task of the dismounted reconnaissance troop is to provide all-weather continuous, accurate, timely, and stealthy reconnaissance and security missions in complex, close, or urban terrain, for its parent squadron and brigade, whether as part of offensive or defensive operations. but is able to assume a motorized reconnaissance role given additional mobility assets; when organized as such, it is referred to as a motorized reconnaissance troop (MRT). The troop is also trained to conduct aerial insertion and extraction using the SPIES system, fast-roping, helocasting, or through establishing its own helicopter landing zone through pathfinding operations. According to ATTP 3-20.97, the DRT has the following capabilities: The troop is not independently capable of executing the guard or cover missions, but is capable of participating in those operations when conducted by a higher unit, again usually by supporting with a screen. The DRT is capable of conducting either a moving or a stationary screen, and can screen the front, flanks, and rear of a stationary force, and to the flanks or rear of a moving force. Stability operations In stability operations, the dismounted reconnaissance troop performs the following missions: • Reconnaissance missions -- primarily area reconnaissance in restricted terrain and urban environments, which leverage the DRT's stealthy nature; • In stability operations, the DRT is tasked with conducting HUMINT operations within its capabilities; • Security force assistance -- specifically the DRT is tasked with partnering, augmenting, and advising the host nation forces; • Information engagement -- mainly through identifying and engaging with local leaders; • Area security missions -- primarily around urban areas and population centers; • Other stability missions -- on occasion the DRT may be tasked with supporting an attack or a squadron movement to contact (normally a search and attack or cordon and search) may require augmentation), or assist with defending a perimeter or area of operations. Direct and indirect fires If the commander desires to operate with liberal engagement criteria, the DRT is ideal for fire support missions and utilizing the sniper teams for precision direct-fire engagements. == Organization ==

The IBCT cavalry squadron includes a headquarters troop, two mounted cavalry troops, and a dismounted reconnaissance troop. In squadrons supporting an airborne brigade combat team, 100% of the RSTA soldiers are qualified paratroopers. Unlike the other troops, the DRT is an infantry element, though task-organized as cavalry (e.g. a "troop", typically troop C within the squadron). in which the RSTA squadron's dismounted reconnaissance troop was reflagged as a Multifunctional Reconnaissance Company (MFRC). In comparison to the DRT, the MFRC has fewer snipers but more UAS and cUAS assets, as well as an organic air-defense capability in the form of a Stinger team. == Training ==

Unlike the rest of a RSTA squadron, in which line troops are primarily trained as MOS 19D (cavalry scout), the dismounted reconnaissance troops consist of 11B (direct fire infantryman) in the scout platoons and sniper section; 11C (indirect fire infantryman) in the 60 mm M224 Mortar Section; and 11Bs, 25Cs (Radio Operator-Maintainers), 74Ds (CBRN specialists), and 92Ys (Supply specialists) in the headquarters section, led by 11A officers and an 11Z 1SG. sniper school, Ranger school, Mountain Rifleman school, SERE school, pathfinder school, and in applicable IBCTs, air assault school, airborne school, and jumpmaster school. Personnel assigned to reconnaissance units are considered high-risk-of-capture and subject to isolation in hostile territory. Soldiers assigned to DRTs are trained and proficient in survival and evasion and recovery tactics, techniques and procedures as well as personnel recovery. The troop's FSO and members of the FIST team are trained FOs. They may control CAS as a non-joint terminal attack controller (JTAC)-qualified individual when no U.S. Air Force Forward Air Controller (Airborne), Tactical Air Control Party, or JTAC is available; with additional training the FO can qualify as a joint fires observer (JFO). == Equipment ==

The troop is lightly equipped with HMMWVs with trailers, LMTV vehicles with trailers, and Zodiac inflatable boats with silenced motors, though additional motorized, aerial, or waterborne assets may augment the troop's mobility for specific operations. Scouts within the troop utilize primarily the M4 carbine, as well as the M249 SAW, M203 and M320 40mm grenade launchers. The M2 .50 caliber machine gun is used mounted on the troop's vehicles, or can be dismounted and man-packed when needed. The mortar section utilizes 60mm mortars; the sniper section utilizes .50 caliber M107 sniper rifles, 7.62mm XM2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifles, 7.62mm M24 Sniper Weapon Systems, and 7.62mm M110 sniper rifles; and anti-vehicle capability is bolstered with Javelin missiles. Each FIST vehicle possesses a target acquisition/communications suite with a laser capable of designating for laser-guided munitions. The troop is one of the few formations in the IBCT that has the ability to conduct long-range high frequency (HF) and tactical satellite (TACSAT) communications to relay information. == See also ==