Engineer Reconnaissance (ATP 3-34.81)

The three engineer disciplines are combat (with the capabilities and activities of mobility, countermobility, and survivability [M/CM/S]), general, and geospatial engineering. These disciplines include significant reconnaissance capabilities. The three engineer disciplines include extensive discussion on integrating the planning for, and conduct of, engineer reconnaissance support within the tactical operations of the combined arms team. This publication discusses the capability resident within combat engineer units to form and employ engineer reconnaissance teams (ERTs). It also describes the capability resident within general engineer elements to form and employ ERTs, augment combat engineer ERTs, or provide assessment and survey teams. Finally, geospatial engineering enables reconnaissance and may play a large role, especially during the planning process. Engineer reconnaissance, like chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) and other technical applications, is not a form of reconnaissance.