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{{Short description|Military command and control system}}
{{Expand|date=January 2007}}
{{broader|Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{War}}


'''Reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition''' ('''RSTA''') squadrons are a type of unit in the ]. These are ] squadrons (though in IBCTs they typically contain at least one dismounted infantry troop),<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Williams |first1=CPT Graham |last2=Baumgartner |first2=1SG Brian |title=The Dismounted Recon Troop: A Relevant Force For The IBCT |url=https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/magazine/issues/2016/AUG-DEC/pdf/9)Williams_DismountedRecon_TXT.pdf |website=Moore.Army.Mil}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Headquarters |first=Department of the Army |date=November 2010 |title=ATTP 3-20.97 Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/attp/attp3-20-97.pdf |website=Global Security}}</ref> and act at the squadron (]) level as a reconnaissance unit for their parent ]. These RSTA squadrons continue on the ] legacy of the Vietnam era ] (LRRP),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-13 |title=Long Range Reconnaissance veterans make Fort Benning their home |url=https://www.army.mil/article/174951/long_range_reconnaissance_veterans_make_fort_benning_their_home |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=www.army.mil |language=en |quote=The legacy of LRRP units also continues on in the US Army's Long Range Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) squadrons.}}</ref> however, compared to the LRRPs they are often assigned additional non-reconnaissance responsibilities such as battlespace ownership.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Operation ENDURING FREEDOM RECONDO School {{!}} Small Wars Journal |url=https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/operation-enduring-freedom-recondo-school |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=smallwarsjournal.com |language=en}}</ref>
'''], ], and ] (RSTA)''', is a type of unit in the ].


Additionally, RSTA is a doctrine that groups the tasks of ], ] and ] conducted by the ]. RSTA supports military operations at a ] (national defense policy), ] (theater level), or ] (individual unit) level, either by dedicated RSTA forces or those which possess the capability.<ref name=JP3-55>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/jp-doctrine/jp3_55%2893%29.pdf|title=JP 3–55 Doctrine for Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Support for Joint Operations ( Full PDF)}}</ref>
==Overview and makeup==
RSTA units are small reconnaissance units based on ] squadrons, and act both at the squadron (]) level as a ] for the regiment, but the infantry troop (company) in the regiment serves as a scout/] (with a similar role to the ] teams) company for the squadron and the brigade. The order of battle varies widely among RSTA squadrons, depending on tasking and type. Some units, such as the Stryker brigades have a relatively standard order of battle for an RSTA squadron. Typically the Department of the Army designates a battalion within a ]/] as an RSTA squadron. That RSTA squadron will have 4-6 ]s, typically: 3 ] troops (consisting of ] ] cavalry scouts and ] infantrymen); a headquarters troop (HHT) which contains organic (that is, permanently and directly assigned) intelligence and communications support, and a ] section (sometimes a troop) with ] aerial support. RSTA units can be found both in the active component of the Army (for example, 3rd Battalion (RSTA), 73rd Cavalry in the 1st Brigade, ]) and in the National Guard (for example, 1-153rd Cav, ].)


==The RSTA squadron==
While the above is the most typical RSTA order of battle, it was derived from the newly created ]s (SBCT) and is designed around Stryker support. Non-SBCT RSTA squadrons typically have a modified order of battle. Most commonly, one of the recce troops is redesignated a dismounted infantry company (consisting of ] ] infantrymen) which serves as the battalion's forward scouts and usually contains the squadron's scout/snipers. The remaining recce troops assume a more traditional cavalry role.
As part of its ], the US Army has transitioned to the use of a modular ] (BCT) scheme. For each of its three main types of BCTs, whether an infantry brigade combat team (IBCT), armored brigade combat team (ABCT), or ] brigade combat team (SBCT), there is a reconnaissance squadron which is tasked with performing reconnaissance and security missions for the BCT.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-1>. Department of the Army. May 2016. Ch. 1 Sec. 1</ref> Related to these units were ]s, which operated as part of ]s; however since 2015 all BfSBs have been converted into expeditionary military intelligence brigades or inactivated.


The primary task of the RSTA squadron is to carry out reconnaissance and security missions for its parent BCT or for higher commands, whether as part of offensive or defensive operations. Reconnaissance missions can include ], ], ], and ]. Security missions can include ] (whether stationary or mobile), guard, cover, area security and local security. When necessary, the squadron can be augmented with additional forces to help in carrying out its missions.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-1/>
Women are not eligible to serve in an RSTA unit, as RSTA soldiers are considered a combat unit on the front line of enemy engagement.


==RSTA Mission Scope== ===ABCT squadron===
The ABCT cavalry squadron is composed of a ], two cavalry troops (transitioning to three cavalry troops), an armored company, and a forward support company attached from the ].<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3>FM 3–20.96 Reconnaissance and Cavalry Squadron. Department of the Army. May 2016. Ch. 1 Sec. 3</ref>
According to JP 3-55, the official Joint Services publication defining the scope of RSTA operations, RSTA Operations are designed to provide several tiers of capability at the ] (national defense policy), ] (theater level), or ] (individual unit) levels. These include:
*The headquarters troop includes a command group, the troop headquarters section, the squadron primary staff, a medical platoon, an attached ], and a ].<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> Total strength includes 149 personnel, two ]s, three ], two M577A1 Medical Treatment Vehicles, eight ], fourteen ]s, and six ], with appropriate equipment carried in additional trailers.<ref name=Primer-ABCT>. Congressional Budget Office. June 2016. Chapter 2 - Army Armored Brigade Combat Teams</ref>
*Each cavalry troop consists of a headquarters section, two scout platoons, and a mortar section. The headquarters section includes the troop commander, ], ], unit supply, and attached fire support team and combat medics. Each scout platoon consists of three ] vehicles (each carrying two ]) and five HMMWVs equipped with long-range multisensor systems, with plans to transition each troop to have six M3 vehicles. The mortar section has two 120-mm mortars and a fire direction center.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> Total strength for each cavalry troop includes 93 personnel, seven Bradley vehicles, eleven HMMWVs, two ]s, an ], an M577A1 Command Post Carrier, and an FMTV.<ref name=Primer-ABCT/>
*The armor company consists of a headquarters element and three tank platoons. The headquarters consists of two tanks commanded by the company commander and executive officer, with attached fire support team and combat medics.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> Total strength includes 62 personnel, fourteen ], an M577A1 Command Post Carrier, two HMMWVs and an FMTV.<ref name=Primer-ABCT/>
The ABCT Cavalry squadron can fight against comparable armor forces, including tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, in order to conduct its missions. However it has significant logistical and maintenance requirements and the use of different vehicle types creates a mix in survivability between platforms. The limited number of scout platoons reduces the size of the area the troop can operate in.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/>


===IBCT squadron===
===Indications and Warning (I&W)===
The IBCT cavalry squadron includes a headquarters troop, two mounted cavalry troops, and a ]. A forward support company will also be attached from the brigade support battalion for sustainment purposes.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> In squadrons supporting an airborne brigade combat team, 100% of the RSTA soldiers are ] ]s.
RSTA I&W operations provide "information necessary to assess forces and installations that threaten the United States and its allies." RSTA missions may provide continuous surveillance or as-required reconnaissance, in order to provide warnings of impending threats or attacks, as well as to monitor compliance with international agreements. These operations may be conducted at the ], ], or ] levels.
*The headquarters troop includes a command group, the troop headquarters section, the squadron primary staff, a medical platoon, an attached fire support cell, and a tactical air control party.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> Total strength includes 130 personnel, seventeen HMMWVs, ten ], three ]s, and five FMTVs, with appropriate equipment carried in additional trailers.<ref name=Primer-IBCT>The U.S. Military’s Force Structure: A Primer. Congressional Budget Office. June 2016. Chapter 2 - Army Infantry Brigade Combat Teams</ref>
*Each mounted cavalry troop consists of a headquarters section, three scout platoons and a mortar section. The headquarters section includes the troop commander, executive officer, first sergeant, unit supply, and attached fire support team and combat medics. Each scout platoon has two HMMWVs, each with a crew of three of which one is available for dismounted scouting. The scout platoons are equipped with six M220 TOW-2 anti-armor systems firing the ] missile backed up by ] anti-tank missiles; four of the six HMMWVs are also equipped with the ]. The mortar section consists of two HMMWV-towed 120mm mortars and a fire direction center.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> Total strength includes 92 personnel, nine HMMWVs, and two FMTVs.<ref name=Primer-IBCT/>
*The dismounted reconnaissance troop includes a headquarters section, two scout platoons, a mortar section, a sniper squad and attached fire support team; it can also include up to eight two-man dismounted forward observer teams.<ref name=":1" /> Unlike the other troops, the DRT is an infantry element, though task-organized as cavalry (e.g. a "]").<ref name=":0" /> The headquarters section includes the troop commander, executive officer, first sergeant, unit supply, and attached fire support team and combat medics. Each scout platoon is divided into three sections, while the sniper squad consists of a squad leader, two three-man sniper teams, and an HMMWV.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The dismounted reconnaissance troop is a specialized unit with air and water assets to allow for clandestine infiltration.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> The mortar section consists of a six-man 60mm mortar section that can be split into two sections and is attached to either of the two scout platoons or the headquarters section,<ref name=":0" /> plus a fire direction center. Due to the numerous ‘F7’ coded ] slots and trained personnel, the DRT is often used as the squadron and brigade’s pathfinder element.<ref name=":0" /> While largely lacking organic transport, the dismounted reconnaissance troop is easily deployable from both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> Total strength includes 79 personnel, four HMMWVs and an FMTV.<ref name=Primer-IBCT/> The DRT also has a ] which is typically used to support either of the two scout platoons or to surveil a separate named area of interest; some DRTs have utilized other platform such as the ].<ref name=":0" />
The IBCT Cavalry squadron is able to support its parent unit through the combination of the firepower and mobility offered by its mounted forces and the ability to operate in complex and difficult terrain with its dismounted forces.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Hovatter |first=CPT Ryan P. |date=March 2017 |title=AT for a Dismounted Recon troop |url=https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/magazine/issues/2017/JAN-MAr/pdf/15)Hovatter_ATforDRT_txt.pdf |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=Infantry Magazine, moore.army.mil |pages=15}}</ref> However the mix of mounted and dismounted troops creates a mismatch in maneuvering ability<ref name=":2" /> and may require augmentation with additional transportation resources.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/>


In 2024, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) began prototype testing of the mobile brigade combat team (MBCT) concept;<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=News |date=2024-05-01 |title=2nd Brigade Combat Team's Multi Functional Reconnaissance Company takes part in Operation Lethal Eagle |url=https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2024/05/01/2nd-brigade-combat-teams-multi-functional-reconnaissance-company-takes-part-in-operation-lethal-eagle/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Clarksville Online - Clarksville News, Sports, Events and Information |language=en-US}}</ref> in which the RSTA squadron's dismounted reconnaissance troop was reflagged as a Multifunctional Reconnaissance Company (MFRC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Screaming Eagles Lead the Way in Continuous Transformation |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/470482/screaming-eagles-lead-way-continuous-transformation |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U2IpUG8Stg |title=INSIDE the 'Hunter Killer Platoon' of the 101st Airborne Division |language=en |access-date=2024-05-08 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> In comparison to the DRT, the MFRC has fewer snipers but more UAS and ] assets, as well as an organic air-defense capability in the form of a ] team.<ref name=":4" />
===Planning and Employment===
Strategically, RSTA Planning and Employment operations are used to support the planning of military operations, by monitoring foreign nation's centers of warmaking capability, and providing information on enemy system capabilities, locations, and installations for the ] and other target lists. This information is used to assist in formulation of the U.S. military's ], ] plan, ], and ]s.


===SBCT squadron===
Operationally, RSTA operations are similar to both the strategic and tactical levels, in that they provide commanders with date on areas such as environment, organization, infrastructure, and enemy forces to assist in planning theater wide operations.
The SBCT cavalry squadron includes a headquarters troop and three cavalry troops, along with a forward support company attached from the brigade support battalion.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/>
*The headquarters troop includes a command group, the troop headquarters section, the squadron primary staff, a medical platoon, an attached fire support cell, and a tactical air control party.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> Total strength includes 131 personnel, six ], fifteen HMMWVs, and seven FMTVs, with appropriate equipment carried in additional trailers.<ref name=Primer-SBCT>The U.S. Military’s Force Structure: A Primer. Congressional Budget Office. June 2016. Chapter 2 - Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams</ref>
*Each cavalry troop consists of a headquarters section, two scout platoons and a mortar section. The headquarters section includes the troop commander, executive officer, first sergeant, unit supply, and attached fire support team and combat medics. Each scout platoon has four ] (with plans to transition to six Stryker RVs) and four FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles. The mortar section consists of two ] and a fire direction center.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/> Total strength includes 92 personnel, one Stryker CV, thirteen Stryker RVs, two Stryker MCVs, and two FTMVs.<ref name=Primer-SBCT/>
The SBCT cavalry squadron can cover a large area thanks to its three cavalry troops equipped with extremely mobile Stryker vehicles. The squadron is limited though in its ability to conduct dismounted reconnaissance or engage enemy armor units. The four-vehicle cavalry troops also face additional risks during route reconnaissance as individual Strykers are forced to reconnoiter lateral routes and terrain adjacent to the route.<ref name=FM3-20ch1-3/>


RSTA line troops are a mix of 19D (]) and ] (]) ]'s, which serve as scouts and snipers. Also included are ] (]), which operate a 60&nbsp;mm ] Section, as well as various intelligence and communications soldiers. The dismounted reconnaissance troops consist of 11Bs in the scout platoons and sniper section; 11Cs in the mortar section; and 11Bs, 25Cs (]), 74Ds (] Specialists), and 92Ys (] Specialists) in the headquarters section, led by 11A officers and an 11Z ].<ref name=":1" /> Common training pipelines include the ] (RSLC),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fort Moore {{!}} Reconnaissance And Surveillance Leaders Course 2E-F173/011-ASI6B |url=https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/artb/RSLC/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.moore.army.mil}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Castoro |first1=Dan |last2=Frye |first2=Joe |date=1 Jan 2011 |title=RSLC: course trains scouts for Infantry RSTA formations. |journal=Infantry Magazine |publisher=]}}</ref> Cavalry Leader's Course,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fort Moore {{!}} Cavalry Leader's Course |url=https://www.moore.army.mil/armor/316thcav/CLC/Prerequisites.html |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.moore.army.mil}}</ref> ],<ref name=":1" /> ], ],<ref name=":0" /> and in applicable IBCTs, ] and ].<ref name=":1" />
Tactically, RSTA operations provide detailed information about enemy orders of battle, movement plans, offensive and defensive capabilities, terrain, and enemy disposition. RSTA units provide target detection and acquisition (in some cases, elimination), and real-time intelligence and surveillance. This is generally provided through the RSTA unit's scout company, ]s, and sniper teams.


==RSTA units in the United States Army==
===Assessment===
===Active Component RSTA Cavalry Units===
At all three levels of command, RSTA units provide assessment both during and after military operations, such as ] and follow-on surveillance. As a side effort to this, RSTA units conduct OPDEC (OPerational DECeption) missions to impede enemy intelligence gathering.
* ]
** 1-'''1st Cavalry''', 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
** 2–'''1st Cavalry''', 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson
** 5–'''1st Cavalry''', 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, Fort Wainwright
** 6–'''1st Cavalry''', 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
** 8–'''1st Cavalry''', 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis
* ]
** 4–'''2nd Cavalry''', 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany
* ]
** 4-'''3rd Cavalry''', 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas
* ]
** 1–'''4th Cavalry''', 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley
** 3–'''4th Cavalry''', 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
** 5–'''4th Cavalry''', 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley
* ]
** 1–'''7th Cavalry''', 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
** 3–'''7th Cavalry''', 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
**<s>4–'''7th Cavalry''', 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea</s> (Rotational ABCTs, now take over the role of 4-7 every 9 months. It only exists on paper)
** 5–'''7th Cavalry''', 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
* ]
** 6–'''8th Cavalry''', 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
* ]
** 4–'''9th Cavalry''', 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
** 6–'''9th Cavalry''', 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
* ]
** 4–'''10th Cavalry''', 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson
* ]
** 1–'''13th Cavalry''', 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
** 2-'''13th Cavalry''', 4th Arnored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
* ]
** 1–'''14th Cavalry''', 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis
** 2–'''14th Cavalry''', 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks
* ]
** 1–'''32nd Cavalry''', 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
* ]
** 1–'''33rd Cavalry''', 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
* ]
** 1–'''40th Cavalry''', 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska
* ]
** 1–'''61st Cavalry''', 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
** 3–'''61st Cavalry''', 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado
* ]
** 1–'''71st Cavalry''', 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York
** 3–'''71st Cavalry''', 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York
* ]
** 1–'''73rd Cavalry''', 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
** 3–'''73rd Cavalry''', 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
** 5–'''73rd Cavalry''', 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
* ]
** 1–'''75th Cavalry''', 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (Created out of 3rd Battalion, ])
* ]
** 1–'''89th Cavalry''', 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York
** 3–'''89th Cavalry''', 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, Louisiana
* ]
** 1–'''91st Cavalry''', 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Grafenwoehr, Germany


===Army National Guard RSTA Cavalry Units===
==Training==
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''18th Cavalry''' (RSTA), ], ]
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''82nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), 41st Brigade Combat Team, ]
*
** 1st Squadron, '''94th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard
* ]
** 2nd Squadron, '''101st Cavalry''' (RSTA), 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, ]
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''102nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division ] (formerly 2nd Battalion, 102nd Armor)
* ]
** 2nd Squadron, '''104th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, ], ]
* ]
**] (RSTA), ], ] formerly 2–128th Infantry (2001–2007) and ] (1963–2001)
* ]
**] (RSTA), ], ]
* ]
** 2nd Squadron, '''107th Cavalry''' (RSTA), ], ]
* ]
**] (RSTA), ], ] (formerly 1–108th Armor)
** 2nd Squadron, ''']''' (RSTA), ], ] (formerly 1-156th AR) headquartered in ]
** 3rd Squadron, ''']''' Reconnaissance & Surveillance (R&S), ], ] (reflagged as 3-121st Infantry with the disbanding of the 560th BSB)
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''112th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''113th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard<ref>{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/1-263ar.htm |title=1st Battalion - 263rd Armor Regiment |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=2015-11-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918235711/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/1-263ar.htm |archive-date=18 September 2015}}</ref>
* ]
** 2nd Squadron, '''116th Cavalry''', 116th Cavalry (Heavy) Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, ]
* ] "MARS MEN"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Search "MARS MEN" |title=Special Designations |url=https://history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/special_designations.html |website=US Army Center of Military History}}</ref>
** 1st Squadron, '''124th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, Waco, TX "Out Front" (not to be confused with 1–124th Inf, FLARNG)
** <s>3rd Squadron, '''124th Cavalry''' (R&S), ], Wylie, TX</s> (formerly 1–112th Armor Regiment, 36th Infantry Division) unit was deactivated 8 July 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 2017 |title=Into the Sunset |url=https://tmd.texas.gov/mag/dispatch/2017/Aug/mobile/#p=10 |work=The Dispatch: Official Magazine of the Texas Military Department |pages=10}}</ref>
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''126th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 38th Infantry Division, Wyoming, MI "HUNTERS"
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''134th Cavalry''' (R&S), ], ]
* ]
**] (RSTA), ], ]
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''151st Cavalry''', ], ] (previously 3–153rd infantry)
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''152nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), ], Indiana Army National Guard (previously 1–151 Inf)
** 2nd Squadron, '''152nd Cavalry''' (R&S), ], Indiana Army National Guard
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''153rd Cavalry''', ], ] (previously 3–124th Infantry)
*** The dismounted reconnaissance troop of 1-153 CAV is Troop C, (formerly ]).<ref name=":2" />
* ]
**<s>1st Squadron, '''158th Cavalry''' (R&S), ], ]</s>. (formerly 1-158th Cavalry (RSTA), 58th Brigade Combat Team, 29th Infantry Division); unit was inactivated on 7 November 2015.
* ]
** <s>1st Squadron, '''167th Cavalry''', 34th Infantry Division, ]</s>. 1-167th Cavalry was reorganized into the 1st Squadron, 134th Cavalry (R&S) in 2008.
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''172nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), ] (Mountain), ].
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''182nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), ], Massachusetts Army National Guard; 26th subsequently inactivated, lineage perpetuated by the 26th BCT, 29th Infantry Division, later 26th BCT, 42nd Infantry Division, then reorganized and redesignated as the ], consisting of a mix of support units.
* ]
** 2nd Squadron, '''183rd Cavalry''' (RSTA), ], ], Virginia Army National Guard (formerly 3rd Battalion, 111th ADA)
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''263rd Cavalry''' (RSTA), 218th Brigade Combat Team (M) ] (Brigade reorganized as the ], a mix of engineer, military police and chemical units.)
* ]
** 3rd Squadron, '''278th Armored Cavalry Regiment''', ]
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''299th Cavalry Regiment''', ] (formerly the 2nd Battalion, ])
* ]
** 1st Squadron, '''303rd Cavalry Regiment''', ] (formerly Troop E, 303rd Cavalry Regiment)


==RSTA as a doctrine==
RSTA troopers are a mix of 19D (Cavalry scout) and 11B Infantrymen MOS ]'s, -which serve as Scouts and Snipers and Indirect Fire Infantrymen (mortars)11C - which operate a 60mm Mortar Section, and various intelligence and communications soldiers. The MTOE of the Infantry Troop includes organic Zodiac F470 boats to insert the Infantry. The Infantry Troop (being in a Cavalry Squadron, makes it an Infantry "Troop", not a Company) has few wheeled vehicles which directly belong to the Troop'''. The operational cycle for the infantry troop is plan, insert, infiltrate, execute, exfiltrate, extract, and finally debrief. The infantry troop has the same mission as a typical ].
According to JP 3-55, RSTA operations are concerned not only with the collection of ], but ensuring that it is accurate, relevant, and distributed in a timely manner to the appropriate user. This includes maintaining ] (OPSEC) so that critical information cannot be exploited by an opposing force. Likewise, RSTA can play a role in ] (OPDEC) operations to confuse opposing forces.<ref name=JP3-55/>


Across the strategic, operational and tactical level, RSTA operations fall within three areas:
RSTA units as a squadron are considered to be "elite" units: their cavalry scouts are specifically trained in various tasks to be able to react to a wider array of situations. RSTA troopers are often graduates of the army's elite schools including the U.S. Army ], ], ], and other schools befitting a reconnaissance unit. Typical RSTA training includes land navigation, point and area ] operations, battle drills, ] (urban operations), and ] responses. The sniper teams are trained in the stalking, observing and elimination of high asset targets.


===Indications and warnings===
==The Reconnaissance Squadron ==
Indications and warnings (I&W) are "intelligence activities intended to detect and report time-sensitive intelligence information on foreign developments that could involve a threat to the United States or allied and/or coalition military, political, or economic interests or to US citizens abroad." On a strategic and operational level, RSTA operations may provide continuous surveillance or as-required reconnaissance, in order to provide warnings of impending threats or attacks, as well as to monitor compliance with international agreements.<ref name=JP3-55/>


===Planning and employment===
As part of the Army-wide transfer to ], some brigades are transitioning to the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) while others are transforming to Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCT), other Brigades are becoming Stryker Brigade Combat Teams(SBCT). In each of the Three types of Brigades there is a Reconnaissance Squadron which performs Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition or RSTA.
Strategically, RSTA planning and employment operations are used to support the planning of military operations, by monitoring foreign nations' centers of warmaking capability, and providing information on enemy system capabilities, locations, and installations for the ] and other target lists. This information is used to assist in formulation of the U.S. military's ], ] plan, ], and ]s.<ref name=JP3-55/>


Operationally, RSTA operations are similar to both the strategic and tactical levels, in that they provide commanders with data on areas such as environment, organization, infrastructure, and enemy forces to assist in planning theater wide operations.<ref name=JP3-55/>
Modern Reconnaissance Squadrons within Infantry Brigade Combat Teams are combined arms forces, they have added capabilities and equipment never before found within an LRSD. The Reconnaissance Squadron is composed of a Squadron Headquarters, a Headquarters Troop, two Recce troops, and a dismounted scout company (often containing the Regimental/Brigade Reconnaissance Team and brigade/regimental sniper section). Some squadrons may have an additional support troop consisting of a UAV platoon, a Zodiac boat section, and additional signal and maintenance assets that, while organic to the squadron's ], have unique capabilities requiring them to exist outside the HHT troop. For example, a support troop may include a UAV platoon, its associated maintenance, a boat section, a ] satellite communications detachment, a ] analysis team and interpreters. Typically, support troops tend to be intelligence heavy in their occupational organization.


Tactically, RSTA operations provide detailed information about enemy ], movement plans, offensive and defensive capabilities, terrain, and enemy disposition. RSTA units provide target detection and acquisition ( and in some cases, elimination), and real-time intelligence and surveillance.<ref name=JP3-55/>
The Infantry Companies within Reconnaissance Squadron of the Infantry Brigade Combat Teams have ], Scouts, Mortarmen, Communications and Intelligence personnel. Scouts may perform specialized tasks such as Pathfinders, Scout Swimmers, Coxswains, Fast Rope Masters, Air Liaison, etc. The unit is capable of Waterborne, Air Assault, and Vehicle insertion. Organic vehicles include un-armored HMMWV's and may include small offroad vehicles in the near future. These companies typically perform long range movements to conduct reconnaissance tasks. The infantry company within a Reconnaissance Squadron is not a Cavalry unit, it does not perform traditional cavalry operations, instead it performs RSTA on foot. Think of it as LRS without Airborne Parachute Operations and more of a Medium Range Surveillance.


===Assessment===
Within Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCT), the Cavalry Squadron is structured as an Armored Reconnaissance Squadron (ARS). Each ARS has one Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (HHT) and three Line Troops. The line Troops are equipped with M3 series Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicles and various types of High Mobility, Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV).
At all three levels of command, RSTA units provide ] before, during and after military operations. This includes tasks such as ] or determining if an OPDEC mission has succeeded. RSTA assessment can help to decide if a military operation was successful in achieving its objectives, whether additional resources need to be directed to complete the objectives or if they can be redirected to another operation.<ref name=JP3-55/>


==See also==
The Reconnaissance Squadron is completely different from the Armored Cavalry formations of the cold war with massive Armored and BFV units intended to engage massive armored threats. FM's are still being written on the doctrine. Many soldiers are scrambling to understand the new concepts of combined arms and the Reconnaissance Squadron.
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References==
==RSTA Units in the U.S. Army==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
'''Active Duty RSTA Units '''
*
* 2-'''1st Cav''', 4th SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis
*
* 3-'''1st CAV''', 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning
*
* 5-'''1st CAV''', 1st SBCT, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright
*
* 8-'''1st CAV''', 5th SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis
* 4-'''2nd CAV''', 2nd SCR, Vilseck, Germany
* 1-'''4th CAV''', 4th IBCT, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley
* 3-'''4th Cav''', 3rd IBCT, 25th ID, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
* 6-'''4th CAV''', 3rd IBCT, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood
* 1-'''7th CAV''', 1st HBCT, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
* 3-'''7th CAV''', 2nd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
* 4-'''7th CAV''', 1st HBCT, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea
* 5-'''7th CAV''', 1st HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
* 6-'''8th CAV''', 4th HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
* 1-'''9th CAV''', 4th HBCT, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss
* 2-'''9th CAV''', 3rd HBCT, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson
* 4-'''9th CAV''', 2nd HBCT, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
* 6-'''9th CAV''', 3rd HBCT, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
* 1-'''10th CAV''', 2nd HBCT, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood
* 7-'''10th CAV''', 1st HBCT, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood
* 8-'''10th CAV''', 4th HBCT, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood
* 1-'''14th Cav''', 3rd SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis
* 2-'''14th Cav''', 2nd SBCT, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks
* 1-'''32nd Cav''', 1st IBCT, 101st ABN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
* 1-'''33rd Cav''', 3rd IBCT, 101st ABN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
* 1-'''40th Cav''', 4th ABCT, 25th ID, Fort Richardson, Alaska
* 1-'''61st Cav''', 4th IBCT, 101st ABN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
* 3-'''61st Cav''', 2nd IBCT, 2nd ID, Fort Carson, Colorado
* 1-'''71st Cav''', 1st IBCT, 10th MTN, Fort Drum, New York
* 3-'''71st Cav''', 3rd IBCT, 10th MTN, Fort Drum, New York
* 1-'''73rd Cav''', 2nd ABCT, 82nd ABN, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
* 3-'''73rd Cav''', 1st ABCT, 82nd ABN, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
* 4-'''73rd Cav''', 4th ABCT, 82nd ABN, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
* 5-'''73rd Cav''', 3rd ABCT, 82nd ABN, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
* 1-'''75th Cav''', 2nd IBCT, 101st ABN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
* 1-'''89th Cav''', 2nd IBCT, 10th MTN, Fort Drum, New York
* 3-'''89th Cav''', 4th IBCT, 10th MTN, Fort Polk, Louisiana
* 1-'''91st Cav''', 173rd ABCT, Vicenza, Italy


{{DEFAULTSORT:Reconnaissance, Surveillance, And Target Acquisition (United States)}}


]
'''National Guard RSTA Units'''
]

]
* 1st Squadron, '''18th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard
]
* 1st Squadron, '''82nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), 41st Brigade Combat Team, of the ]
* 2nd Squadron, '''102nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), 42nd Infantry Division,]
* 2nd Squadron, '''104th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 28th Infantry Division (]), ]
* 2nd Squadron, '''106th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard
* 1st Squadron, ''']''' (RSTA), 48th BCT (formerly 1-108th Armor) Georgia National Army Guard
* 2nd Squadron, '''108th Cavalry''' (RSTA), ], ]
* 1st Squadron, '''113th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard
* 1st Squadron, '''124th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 36th Infantry Division, Waco, TX "Out Front" (not to be confused with 1-124th Inf, FLARNG)
* 1st Squadron, '''126th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 37th IBCT (Ohio), Michigan Army National Guard
* 1st Squadron, '''152nd Cavalry''', 76th Infantry Brigade (Separate), Indiana Army National Guard (previously 1-151 Inf)
* 1st Squadron, '''153rd Cavalry''', 53rd Infantry Brigade (Separate), ] (previously 3-124th Inf)
* 1st Squadron, '''167th Cavalry''', 34th Infantry Division, ]. Currently (June 2006) attached to 1st BCT, 34th Infantry Division located at Camp Anaconda north of Baghdad. Includes C Troop, 117th Cavalry of the ].
* 1st Squadron, '''172nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), 86th IBCT, ].
* 1st Squadron, '''182nd Cavalry''' (RSTA), ], Massachusetts Army National Guard
* 2nd Squadron, '''194th Cavalry''' (RSTA), 1st HBCT, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard
* 1st Squadron, '''263rd Cavalry''' (RSTA), 218th BCT (M) ]
* 3rd Squadron, '''278 Armored Cavalry Regiment''',]

==See also==
* ]

==External links==
*
*
*

]

Latest revision as of 23:44, 19 December 2024

Military command and control system For broader coverage of this topic, see Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.

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Reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) squadrons are a type of unit in the United States Army. These are cavalry squadrons (though in IBCTs they typically contain at least one dismounted infantry troop), and act at the squadron (battalion) level as a reconnaissance unit for their parent brigade combat teams. These RSTA squadrons continue on the Recondo legacy of the Vietnam era Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRP), however, compared to the LRRPs they are often assigned additional non-reconnaissance responsibilities such as battlespace ownership.

Additionally, RSTA is a doctrine that groups the tasks of reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition conducted by the Department of Defense (United States). RSTA supports military operations at a strategic (national defense policy), operational (theater level), or tactical (individual unit) level, either by dedicated RSTA forces or those which possess the capability.

The RSTA squadron

As part of its modernization and reorganization plan, the US Army has transitioned to the use of a modular brigade combat team (BCT) scheme. For each of its three main types of BCTs, whether an infantry brigade combat team (IBCT), armored brigade combat team (ABCT), or Stryker brigade combat team (SBCT), there is a reconnaissance squadron which is tasked with performing reconnaissance and security missions for the BCT. Related to these units were reconnaissance and surveillance squadrons, which operated as part of battlefield surveillance brigades; however since 2015 all BfSBs have been converted into expeditionary military intelligence brigades or inactivated.

The primary task of the RSTA squadron is to carry out reconnaissance and security missions for its parent BCT or for higher commands, whether as part of offensive or defensive operations. Reconnaissance missions can include area, route, zone, and reconnaissance-in-force. Security missions can include screening (whether stationary or mobile), guard, cover, area security and local security. When necessary, the squadron can be augmented with additional forces to help in carrying out its missions.

ABCT squadron

The ABCT cavalry squadron is composed of a headquarters troop, two cavalry troops (transitioning to three cavalry troops), an armored company, and a forward support company attached from the brigade support battalion.

  • The headquarters troop includes a command group, the troop headquarters section, the squadron primary staff, a medical platoon, an attached fire support cell, and a tactical air control party. Total strength includes 149 personnel, two Bradley Fighting Vehicles, three M577A1 Command Post Carriers, two M577A1 Medical Treatment Vehicles, eight M113A3 Ambulances, fourteen HMMWVs, and six FMTVs, with appropriate equipment carried in additional trailers.
  • Each cavalry troop consists of a headquarters section, two scout platoons, and a mortar section. The headquarters section includes the troop commander, executive officer, first sergeant, unit supply, and attached fire support team and combat medics. Each scout platoon consists of three M3 Bradley vehicles (each carrying two scouts) and five HMMWVs equipped with long-range multisensor systems, with plans to transition each troop to have six M3 vehicles. The mortar section has two 120-mm mortars and a fire direction center. Total strength for each cavalry troop includes 93 personnel, seven Bradley vehicles, eleven HMMWVs, two M1064 mortar carriers, an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, an M577A1 Command Post Carrier, and an FMTV.
  • The armor company consists of a headquarters element and three tank platoons. The headquarters consists of two tanks commanded by the company commander and executive officer, with attached fire support team and combat medics. Total strength includes 62 personnel, fourteen M1 Abrams, an M577A1 Command Post Carrier, two HMMWVs and an FMTV.

The ABCT Cavalry squadron can fight against comparable armor forces, including tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, in order to conduct its missions. However it has significant logistical and maintenance requirements and the use of different vehicle types creates a mix in survivability between platforms. The limited number of scout platoons reduces the size of the area the troop can operate in.

IBCT squadron

The IBCT cavalry squadron includes a headquarters troop, two mounted cavalry troops, and a dismounted reconnaissance troop. A forward support company will also be attached from the brigade support battalion for sustainment purposes. In squadrons supporting an airborne brigade combat team, 100% of the RSTA soldiers are qualified paratroopers.

  • The headquarters troop includes a command group, the troop headquarters section, the squadron primary staff, a medical platoon, an attached fire support cell, and a tactical air control party. Total strength includes 130 personnel, seventeen HMMWVs, ten M997 Ambulances, three M1117 armored security vehicles, and five FMTVs, with appropriate equipment carried in additional trailers.
  • Each mounted cavalry troop consists of a headquarters section, three scout platoons and a mortar section. The headquarters section includes the troop commander, executive officer, first sergeant, unit supply, and attached fire support team and combat medics. Each scout platoon has two HMMWVs, each with a crew of three of which one is available for dismounted scouting. The scout platoons are equipped with six M220 TOW-2 anti-armor systems firing the BGM-71 TOW missile backed up by FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles; four of the six HMMWVs are also equipped with the Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System. The mortar section consists of two HMMWV-towed 120mm mortars and a fire direction center. Total strength includes 92 personnel, nine HMMWVs, and two FMTVs.
  • The dismounted reconnaissance troop includes a headquarters section, two scout platoons, a mortar section, a sniper squad and attached fire support team; it can also include up to eight two-man dismounted forward observer teams. Unlike the other troops, the DRT is an infantry element, though task-organized as cavalry (e.g. a "troop"). The headquarters section includes the troop commander, executive officer, first sergeant, unit supply, and attached fire support team and combat medics. Each scout platoon is divided into three sections, while the sniper squad consists of a squad leader, two three-man sniper teams, and an HMMWV. The dismounted reconnaissance troop is a specialized unit with air and water assets to allow for clandestine infiltration. The mortar section consists of a six-man 60mm mortar section that can be split into two sections and is attached to either of the two scout platoons or the headquarters section, plus a fire direction center. Due to the numerous ‘F7’ coded Pathfinder slots and trained personnel, the DRT is often used as the squadron and brigade’s pathfinder element. While largely lacking organic transport, the dismounted reconnaissance troop is easily deployable from both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Total strength includes 79 personnel, four HMMWVs and an FMTV. The DRT also has a Raven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which is typically used to support either of the two scout platoons or to surveil a separate named area of interest; some DRTs have utilized other platform such as the Instant Eye sUAS.

The IBCT Cavalry squadron is able to support its parent unit through the combination of the firepower and mobility offered by its mounted forces and the ability to operate in complex and difficult terrain with its dismounted forces. However the mix of mounted and dismounted troops creates a mismatch in maneuvering ability and may require augmentation with additional transportation resources.

In 2024, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) began prototype testing of the mobile brigade combat team (MBCT) concept; 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.

SBCT squadron

The SBCT cavalry squadron includes a headquarters troop and three cavalry troops, along with a forward support company attached from the brigade support battalion.

  • The headquarters troop includes a command group, the troop headquarters section, the squadron primary staff, a medical platoon, an attached fire support cell, and a tactical air control party. Total strength includes 131 personnel, six Stryker CVs, fifteen HMMWVs, and seven FMTVs, with appropriate equipment carried in additional trailers.
  • Each cavalry troop consists of a headquarters section, two scout platoons and a mortar section. The headquarters section includes the troop commander, executive officer, first sergeant, unit supply, and attached fire support team and combat medics. Each scout platoon has four Stryker RVs (with plans to transition to six Stryker RVs) and four FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles. The mortar section consists of two Stryker MCVs and a fire direction center. Total strength includes 92 personnel, one Stryker CV, thirteen Stryker RVs, two Stryker MCVs, and two FTMVs.

The SBCT cavalry squadron can cover a large area thanks to its three cavalry troops equipped with extremely mobile Stryker vehicles. The squadron is limited though in its ability to conduct dismounted reconnaissance or engage enemy armor units. The four-vehicle cavalry troops also face additional risks during route reconnaissance as individual Strykers are forced to reconnoiter lateral routes and terrain adjacent to the route.

RSTA line troops are a mix of 19D (cavalry scout) and 11B (Infantryman) MOS's, which serve as scouts and snipers. Also included are 11C (Indirect Fire Infantryman), which operate a 60 mm M224 Mortar Section, as well as various intelligence and communications soldiers. The dismounted reconnaissance troops consist of 11Bs in the scout platoons and sniper section; 11Cs in the 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. Common training pipelines include the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course (RSLC), Cavalry Leader's Course, sniper school, Ranger school, pathfinder school, and in applicable IBCTs, air assault school and airborne school.

RSTA units in the United States Army

Active Component RSTA Cavalry Units

  • 1st Cavalry
    • 1-1st Cavalry, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
    • 2–1st Cavalry, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson
    • 5–1st Cavalry, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, Fort Wainwright
    • 6–1st Cavalry, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
    • 8–1st Cavalry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis
  • 2nd Cavalry
    • 4–2nd Cavalry, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany
  • 3rd Cavalry Regiment
    • 4-3rd Cavalry, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas
  • 4th Cavalry
    • 1–4th Cavalry, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley
    • 3–4th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
    • 5–4th Cavalry, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley
  • 7th Cavalry
    • 1–7th Cavalry, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
    • 3–7th Cavalry, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
    • 4–7th Cavalry, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea (Rotational ABCTs, now take over the role of 4-7 every 9 months. It only exists on paper)
    • 5–7th Cavalry, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
  • 8th Cavalry
    • 6–8th Cavalry, 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart
  • 9th Cavalry
    • 4–9th Cavalry, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
    • 6–9th Cavalry, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood
  • 10th Cavalry
    • 4–10th Cavalry, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson
  • 13th Cavalry
    • 1–13th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
    • 2-13th Cavalry, 4th Arnored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
  • 14th Cavalry
    • 1–14th Cavalry, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis
    • 2–14th Cavalry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks
  • 32nd Cavalry
    • 1–32nd Cavalry, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
  • 33rd Cavalry
    • 1–33rd Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
  • 40th Cavalry
    • 1–40th Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska
  • 61st Cavalry
    • 1–61st Cavalry, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky
    • 3–61st Cavalry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado
  • 71st Cavalry
    • 1–71st Cavalry, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York
    • 3–71st Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York
  • 73rd Cavalry
    • 1–73rd Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
    • 3–73rd Cavalry, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
    • 5–73rd Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
  • 75th Cavalry
    • 1–75th Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (Created out of 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment)
  • 89th Cavalry
    • 1–89th Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York
    • 3–89th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, Louisiana
  • 91st Cavalry
    • 1–91st Cavalry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Grafenwoehr, Germany

Army National Guard RSTA Cavalry Units

RSTA as a doctrine

According to JP 3-55, RSTA operations are concerned not only with the collection of military intelligence, but ensuring that it is accurate, relevant, and distributed in a timely manner to the appropriate user. This includes maintaining operational security (OPSEC) so that critical information cannot be exploited by an opposing force. Likewise, RSTA can play a role in operational deception (OPDEC) operations to confuse opposing forces.

Across the strategic, operational and tactical level, RSTA operations fall within three areas:

Indications and warnings

Indications and warnings (I&W) are "intelligence activities intended to detect and report time-sensitive intelligence information on foreign developments that could involve a threat to the United States or allied and/or coalition military, political, or economic interests or to US citizens abroad." On a strategic and operational level, RSTA operations may provide continuous surveillance or as-required reconnaissance, in order to provide warnings of impending threats or attacks, as well as to monitor compliance with international agreements.

Planning and employment

Strategically, RSTA planning and employment operations are used to support the planning of military operations, by monitoring foreign nations' centers of warmaking capability, and providing information on enemy system capabilities, locations, and installations for the National Target Base and other target lists. This information is used to assist in formulation of the U.S. military's Single Integrated Operational Plan, Limited Attack Option plan, Unified Command Plan, and Joint Strategic Capabilities Plans.

Operationally, RSTA operations are similar to both the strategic and tactical levels, in that they provide commanders with data on areas such as environment, organization, infrastructure, and enemy forces to assist in planning theater wide operations.

Tactically, RSTA operations provide detailed information about enemy orders of battle, movement plans, offensive and defensive capabilities, terrain, and enemy disposition. RSTA units provide target detection and acquisition ( and in some cases, elimination), and real-time intelligence and surveillance.

Assessment

At all three levels of command, RSTA units provide combat assessment before, during and after military operations. This includes tasks such as bomb damage assessment or determining if an OPDEC mission has succeeded. RSTA assessment can help to decide if a military operation was successful in achieving its objectives, whether additional resources need to be directed to complete the objectives or if they can be redirected to another operation.

See also

References

  1. ^ Williams, CPT Graham; Baumgartner, 1SG Brian. "The Dismounted Recon Troop: A Relevant Force For The IBCT" (PDF). Moore.Army.Mil.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Headquarters, Department of the Army (November 2010). "ATTP 3-20.97 Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop" (PDF). Global Security.
  3. "Long Range Reconnaissance veterans make Fort Benning their home". www.army.mil. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2024. The legacy of LRRP units also continues on in the US Army's Long Range Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) squadrons.
  4. "Operation ENDURING FREEDOM RECONDO School | Small Wars Journal". smallwarsjournal.com. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  5. ^ "JP 3–55 Doctrine for Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Support for Joint Operations ( Full PDF)" (PDF).
  6. ^ FM 3–20.96 Reconnaissance and Cavalry Squadron. Department of the Army. May 2016. Ch. 1 Sec. 1
  7. ^ FM 3–20.96 Reconnaissance and Cavalry Squadron. Department of the Army. May 2016. Ch. 1 Sec. 3
  8. ^ The U.S. Military’s Force Structure: A Primer. Congressional Budget Office. June 2016. Chapter 2 - Army Armored Brigade Combat Teams
  9. ^ The U.S. Military’s Force Structure: A Primer. Congressional Budget Office. June 2016. Chapter 2 - Army Infantry Brigade Combat Teams
  10. ^ Hovatter, CPT Ryan P. (March 2017). "AT for a Dismounted Recon troop" (PDF). Infantry Magazine, moore.army.mil. p. 15. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  11. ^ Staff, News (1 May 2024). "2nd Brigade Combat Team's Multi Functional Reconnaissance Company takes part in Operation Lethal Eagle". Clarksville Online - Clarksville News, Sports, Events and Information. Retrieved 8 May 2024. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  12. "Screaming Eagles Lead the Way in Continuous Transformation". DVIDS. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  13. ^ INSIDE the 'Hunter Killer Platoon' of the 101st Airborne Division. Retrieved 8 May 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  14. ^ The U.S. Military’s Force Structure: A Primer. Congressional Budget Office. June 2016. Chapter 2 - Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams
  15. "Fort Moore | Reconnaissance And Surveillance Leaders Course 2E-F173/011-ASI6B". www.moore.army.mil. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  16. Castoro, Dan; Frye, Joe (1 January 2011). "RSLC: course trains scouts for Infantry RSTA formations". Infantry Magazine. U.S. Army Infantry School.
  17. "Fort Moore | Cavalry Leader's Course". www.moore.army.mil. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  18. John Pike. "1st Battalion - 263rd Armor Regiment". Globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 18 September 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  19. Search "MARS MEN". "Special Designations". US Army Center of Military History.
  20. "Into the Sunset". The Dispatch: Official Magazine of the Texas Military Department. August 2017. p. 10.

External links

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