Recon by Fire – CPL Andrew Noseda

‘We are never going to be combat ineffective because of atmospherics... we can work in the rain, we can work in the mud, and we can work in the jungle.’ In this week’s episode, we talk all things infantry reconnaissance and how reconnaissance patrols enable the fight. Our guest this week - CPL Andrew Noseda - is currently the acting Platoon Sergeant for the Reconnaissance Platoon at the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. He was the Section Commander for the battalion’s Duke of Gloucester Cup team and his team took out second place out of all the teams submitted by the regular infantry battalions. He has been in reconnaissance for the last four years, two as a digger and two as a Patrol Commander, and he talks us through the purpose of dismounted infantry recon and what a recon patrol can offer commanders. 

Observation Posts (OP) and Point Target Reconnaissance (PTR) are the primary means by which infantry recon will answer their Commander’s Critical Information Requirements, ranging from questions about the terrain/weather to the enemy disposition and pattern of life. Recon patrols are prime targets for enemy engagement and are inherently vulnerable. They operate in isolation, with limited communications and they often carry all the stores and equipment necessary for their task on-foot. They can be inserted via vehicle, boat, helicopter or on-foot to set the preconditions for the main force. 

Infantry recon can be supplemented with engineer recon, armoured recon and Joint Fires Observers to enhance mobility, endurance, to answer more of the commander’s questions and to target the enemy with Offensive Support. The Basic Reconnaissance Course is the first course in the continuum and can be completed by both infantry and other corps. The Patrol Commander is responsible for briefing the commander that they are attached to on what they can achieve. The earlier in planning that the Patrol Commander is included, the more refined the specified tasks their patrol is allocated in orders to better enable the commander’s intent. 

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