Are snipers and recon still valid in infantry battalions?

[MikeF]

Enlarging the argument on Generalisation of Recon job vs Specialisation, here's a news feed. This may give some ideas on things for the future.

"Now, a communications system that two Fort Lewis Stryker brigades are fielding in Iraq aims to provide leaders with more real-time information – and a better chance of tracking insurgents.The Tacticomp system can link soldiers on the ground with commanders back at the operations center, using troops’ geographical coordinates and live video from cameras soldiers carry or from drone aircraft circling overhead.The information streams back to computers inside the Stryker vehicle and to the unit’s tactical operations center.Soldiers carrying the device can send texts to each other or broadcast a message in an ad-hoc chat room. And the ability to send video or still photos to the operations center can be used to verify identities of targets.

Fort Lewis’ 3rd and 4th Stryker Brigades – both part of 2nd Infantry Division – are fielding the equipment in Iraq. The 3rd Brigade left earlier this summer for Diyala province; the 4th Brigade leaves in the coming weeks for Baghdad. Between them, they have nearly 8,000 soldiers.

Soldiers from 4th Brigade tested the equipment two weeks ago, with mixed feelings. Many liked the idea of live video – especially with the ability to tap into the data stream from unmanned aerial vehicles overhead – but some believe carrying the extra gear will make them stand out.“The video feed is a really good concept,” said Spc. Anthony Morris, an infantryman preparing for his second deployment. “I like the ability to see what guys are talking about. But the extra equipment makes you a big target.”

Each kit weighs about 8 pounds and includes a handheld controller with a video screen and a camera that can attach to the helmet or body armor. Battalions will decide which soldiers field the equipment, but previous units that have deployed to Iraq with the system have distributed them to platoon leaders and higher."

Comments.

Technology may complement reconnaissance, but it will not replace it. The sterile videos footage cannot replace those that creep through the night.

Although the article and technology you cite is new to those stykers, the reporter, and yourself, it is not new. Under the blessing of then MG William Caldwell, my squadron tested the same technology in 2005 and employed it in 2006 and 2007 in Iraq.

The technology provided us enhanced capabilities, but it could not replace the paratrooper burrowed deep in an observation post. For example,

- we observed that when UAVs flew overhead, everyone hid. We could HEAR the UAVs from a mile or two away. The picture shown in the videos did not reflect the picture on the ground. The enemy was smart enough to counter this notion of alternative coverage.

- Video footage and UAVs could not pick up the difference in Arabaic dialogue that we could. In one instance, one of my scouts managed to get close enough to a stronghold to determine that the dialogue spoken was not Iraqi but Egyptian. This intel helped confirm the presence of foreign fighters.

- Video footage is deceiving. I cannot tell you the amount of hours that I spent trying to explain to CAS, NTISR, and the command group that the footage they were watching was dogs running around and not insurgents.



v/r

Mike