LEADERSHIP
1. The RECONDO student receives two scheduled hours of formal instruction covering definitions of military leadership, leadership traits, leadership principles and leadership techniques. He is also instructed in the responsibilities of a Commander, indications of military leadership, what constitutes a combat effective unit and combat leadership.
2. In addition to the formal instruction given to RECONDO students they are continually under close supervision of the Commandant, Tactical Officers, Tactical NCO’s and instructors to insure that the principles, traits and techniques taught are observed.
3. The subject of leadership is continuous throughout the course of instruction and is considered of paramount importance since the student is placed in a position of responsibility such as 1st Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant and Squad Leader in the administrative phase as well as the field phase. His reactions are noted and the student receives on the spot critiques. These critiques are conducted by principal instructors as pertains to the individual, the squad, the platoon and company, in order to make the students aware of their position as leaders.
4. However, the long range patrol is the teaching vehicle most emphasized to instruct and actually apply the traits of military leadership. Throughout the Recondo School’s six patrols the student is constantly challenged under the most adverse conditions possible. The student must overcome fatigue, adverse weather, the pressure of the tactical situation and many other tangible and intangible factors in order to successfully pass the careful scrutiny of the Ranger Observer.
5. Throughout the course of instruction and especially during confidence testing we strive to develop leadership traits most desirable and necessary in a leader (Bearing, Courage, Endurance, Dependability, Initiative and Decisiveness).
6. Upon completion of each training week every student is counseled and afforded the opportunity to self‑evaluate his weak and strong points. He can then develop the leadership traits in which he is weak and further strengthen those in which he is strong.
HEADQUARTERS
RECONDO SCHOOL (PROV)
101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION
Fort Campbell, Kentucky
AJCGC-N
SUBJECT: Graduation Address
TO: Guest Sneaker
1. The graduation address given to the Recondo Graduate is given by a guest speaker about any subject of his own choosing. However, to facilitate his selection of a subject commensurate with graduation the following background and information is furnished for the guest speaker’s convenience.
2. The majority of the audience will be in grades E‑3 through E‑5. Past experience has indicated that a personal combat experience, usually on the small unit level, platoon or squad size, holds the closest attention and offers the most incentive and inspiration. These experiences desirably bring emphasis upon the small unit leader leadership qualities and shortcomings, and more or less sum up the teaching points which were taught during the three weeks of instruction.
3. The mission of Recondo School is to train the small unit leaders in Ranger Type operations and to improve their leadership capabilities. Although this is not an NCO academy the Recondo students’ leadership abilities are continually being evaluated and improved upon throughout the three week course of instruction. This is accomplished by setting up a student chain of command during the administrative phase which is adhered to until graduation and having the students appointed as patrol leaders during the field phase.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Name of Course: Redondo School
B. Mission: To provide leadership training for squad leaders, fire team leaders, and other selected personnel of the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, and Third U. S. Army in the techniques of patrolling, counterguerrilla warfare and special Ranger/Airborne small unit actions, to enable the graduate to function more effectively as a small unit combat leader.
C. Prerequisites: Member of the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell or Third U. S. Army, with twelve months service prior to ETS. (Request for waiver for this prerequisite will receive favorable consideration when requested in writing by major unit commanders) Grades E‑3 thru E-6 in all MOS fields. Pass a physical examination within 3 weeks of class reporting date. Attain a minimum score of 300 on PCPT test within 3 months of scheduled attendance. Graduates of Ranger School, USAIS are ineligible to attend.
D. Length of course: Three weeks
E. Training facilities:
1. Classroom ‑ Bldg #2432
2. Base Camp ‑ DR 529461
3. Mountain and Stream site ‑ DR 612515
4. Areas used: 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell
F. Support requirements:
1. Personnel ‑ Recon platoon to act as aggressor for eight days
2. Transportation ‑ Three 2 ½ ton trucks for two weeks and three ¼ ton trucks for eight days.
3. Aircraft ‑ AF or Amy, for two airborne operations, UH‑1B’s for twelve hours during class.
4. Medical ‑ Two aidmen for three weeks.
G. Size of class: eighty personnel
H. Organization:
1. Headquarters
a. Commandant f. Mess
b. Asst Commandant g. Training Aids
c. Sergeant Major
d. Operations
e. Supply
2. Instructors
a. Tactical officers
b. “A” Committee
c. “B” Committee
d. Tactical NCO’s
e. supply
I. Instructors: All cadre instructors are graduates of the Ranger School, USAIS, and are assigned Special Duty from their units to Hq & Hq Company, 101st Airborne Division.
SUBJECT SCOPE REFERENCES
Orientation To minimize confusion and to in- Student Handout
(2 hours) doctrinate students on procedures
during Recondo course. During this
time Student History forms are com-
pleted and barracks are set up acc-
ording to School SOP.
First Aid The 4 life saving steps, First aid pro‑ FM 31‑70, FM 21‑11
(1 hour) redures for winter and summer to include
frostbite, snake bite, sun stroke, and
heat exhaustion, and construction and
use of expedient litters.
Communications To learn the proper techniques in cal‑ TM 11‑612
(2 hours) ibrating the AN/PRC 10 radio to include
characteristics assembly and field ex-
pedient antennaes.
Confidence course Students execute the Recondo obstacle TM 21‑200
course. To promote a sense of daring
and a will to continue when driven to
the peak of physical endurance.
Personal Hygiene Students clean up upon completion of FM 21‑10
(1 hour) obstacle course.
Evasion & Escape To teach some of the methods of escape FM 21‑77
(1 hour) and the techniques of evasion.
Military Leadership To instruct the student on the leader‑ FM 22‑100
(2 hours) ship traits and to emphasize the import-
ance of leadership in combat
Demolitions General characteristics, use and fabric‑ FM 5‑25, FM 21‑50
(6 ½ hours) ation of explosives, demolitions equipment and
safety to include practical work.
PT & Recondo March Students are given PT & speed march from TM 21‑200
(1 hour) the company area to DR 61225143 to de-
velop circulo‑respiratory endurance and
condition them mentally and physically
for future patrols.
Knot tieing Students learn the basic knots used dur‑ FM 21‑50
(1 hour) ing stream crossing and mountaineering FM 31‑72
classes.
Mountaineering Mountain walking, basic methods of descent FM 21‑50, FM 31‑72.
Techniques using either the hasty, body or seat rapel,
(8 hours) and the vertical hauling line.
Recondo March Students speed march from DR 61225143 to TM 21-200
(1 hour) school area, to develop circulo‑respira‑ FM 21‑20
tory endurance and condition them mentally
and physically for future patrols.
Study period To provide the student with formal time All references used
(l hour) to review instruction and concurrently in previous
ask questions. instruction
PT & Recondo March Students are given PT & speed march to TM 21‑200
DR 61225143 from the classroom, to de‑ FM 21‑20
velop circulo-respiratory endurance and
condition them mentally and physically
for future patrols
Stream Crossing Knot tieing constructions of the one, FM 21‑50, sec I‑III
(4 hours) two, and three rope bridges, and con‑ Inf journal
struction of the Australian raft. (May 62)
Survival Techniques of survival to include building FM 21‑76
(5 hours) of traps, snares, fires, shelters, and locating TM 21‑200
and preparation of foods, under the supervision
of instructors. Students prepare their own
dinner from live poultry and raw vegetables.
Recondo March Students speed march from DR 61225143 to TM 21‑200
(1 hour) School area, to develop circulo‑respiratory FM 21‑20
endurance and condition them mentally and
physically for future patrols.
PT & Recondo March Students are given PT & speed march from FM 21-200
(1 hour) the classroom to DR 61225143 to develop FM 21‑20
circulo-respiratory endurance and condition
them mentally and physically for future
patrols.
Stream Crossing Construction of the horizontal hauling FM 21‑50
(4 hours) line and rope swing. FM 31‑72
Recondo March Students speed march from DR 61225143 TM 21‑20
(1 hour) to School area, to develop circulo‑res‑ TM 21‑200
piratory endurance and prepare them
mentally and physically for future patrols.
Adjustment of Artillery terms, how to coordinate with FM 6‑135
Artillery Fire & LNO and how to request and adjust fires
FO Procedures on patrol.
(2 hours)
Combatives On guard position, fall positions, and FM 21‑150
(2 hours) vulnerable points of the human body. TM 21‑200
Combat Intelligence Emphasis is placed on the importance of FM 21‑75
(1 hour) the individual’s role with respect to combat
intelligence.
Preparation for Techniques of bringing in Army aircraft FM 57‑38
Aerial resupply for a resupply mission, selection of LZ
(1 hour) and DZ and ground to air communication.
Introduction to map Introduction to military maps and basic FM 21‑26
(1 hour) map terms.
Military Grid Use of reference system and techniques FM 21‑26
Reference system of reading and plotting military coordinates.
(2 hours)
Elevation and Relief Methods of determining elevation of map FM 21‑26
(I hour) terrain using contour lines.
Scale and distance Methods of determining distance of military FM 21‑26
(1 hour) maps by use of the scale reference.
Direction & Methods of determining direction for land FM 21‑26
Orientation navigation using the military map.
(2 hours)
Location Methods of locating objects on a military FM 21‑26
(2 hours) map using intersection and resection
Introduction to To give the student a working knowledge of FM 21‑26
aerial photos the terms used with military photos and photo
(1 hour) maps.
Aerial photos & Orientation and scale of photos, and the FM 21‑26, 62
map substitutes proper use of photos as map substitutes. instructor folder
(1 hour) Army Intel Sch
Ft Holabird, Md
Overlays and their To give the student a working knowledge of FM 21‑26
uses overlay terms, methods of orientation, and the
(1 hour) correct uses and marking of the overlay.
Review map subjects To emphasize the major points covered in all Previous
(1 hour) map reading classes thus giving a review. map references
Guerrilla & counter To familiarize the student with guerrilla
guerrilla operations and counter‑guerrilla actions such as en‑
(1 hour) countered in the U. S. Army.
Ambush Techniques To instruct the student in the methods of FM 31‑16
(1 hour) organizing an ambush, and after completion FM 21‑50
how to execute it successfully. FM 21‑75
Counter Ambush To instruct the student on the necessary FM 31‑16 Div Tng
Immediate encircling procedures of organizing against an ambush FM 21‑50 SOP
Attack and how to counter one should it be executed
(1 hour) against them
Combatives Review of previous instruction and the 4 FM 21‑150
(2 hours) basic throws: reverse hip, straight hip, FM 21‑200
over shoulder and over the back throw.
Compass & Pacing Techniques of land navigation using FM 21-26
(1 hour) the lensatic compass.
Practice Day Map & To provide the student an opportunity FM 21‑06
Compass course to negotiate terrain using his map and
(3 hours) lensatic compass
Practice Night To provide the student an opportunity FM 21‑26
Compass course to negotiate terrain at night using only
(5 hours) his compass
Map Examination Written test on all previous instruction FM 21‑26
(1.3 hours) on map reading
PT & Recondo March Students are given PT & a speed march from FM 21-200
(1 hour) the classroom to DR 61225143 to develop cir‑ FM 21‑20
culo respiratory endurance and condition
them mentally and physically for future patrols.
Confidence testing Students negotiate the confidence slide and FM 21‑50
(3 hours) the helicopter rappel.
Recondo March Students speed march from DR 61225143 to TM 21‑200
(1 hour) school area, to develop circulo‑respiratory FM 21‑20
endurance and condition them mentally and
physically for future patrols.
Preparation for Planning of patrol, issuing of warning FM 21‑75
Patrol order, and use of patrol order card.
(2 hours)
Conduct of a Patrol Actions taken by a patrol enroute to FM 21‑75
(2 hours) and from the objective to include
rallying points.
Patrol tactics Actions taken by a patrol at the most FM 21‑ 75
(1 hour) critical phase of a patrol; actions at
the objective.
Special Operations Techniques of aerial resupply, clandestine FM 21‑50/FM 21-75
(1 hour) assembly areas, contacting friendly partisan FM 57‑38
and anti‑ambush.
Patrolling Tips Techniques are taught a patrol leader which FM 21‑75
(2 hours) will assist him in all phases of the patrol.
Review Patrolling To emphasize the major points covered in All patrolling
Subjects all patrolling classes thus giving the stu‑ references
(1 hour) dent a review.
Combatives Review of previous instruction & counters FM 21‑150
(2 hours) to headlocks & overhead throw TM 21‑200
Study Period To provide the student with formal time All previous
(1 hour) in order to review instruction and con‑ references
currently ask questions
Map Field Student simultaneously conduct a map and FM 21‑26
Application terrain analysis under the supervision
(6 hours) of instructors.
Day Map & Compass Graded map and compass course. FM 21‑26
Course
(5 hours)
Night Compass Course Graded compass march of approximately FM 21‑26
(5 hours) 3700 meters.
Walk-Thru patrol Students are led through a complete combat FM 21‑50 FM 21-75
(Combat) patrol by instructors which includes: brief‑ All previous
(21 hours) ing, planning and preparing, issuing orders, instruction
conduct a route phase, passage of FFL, object-
ive phase, debriefing and critique.
Combatives Review of previous instruction & intro‑ FM 21-50/FM 21-200
(2 hours) duction to O’Neill system & counters. O’Neill System
General Subjects Students are tested on all previous All Previous
Examination instruction and practical work. Instruction
(2 hours)
Characteristics of Characteristics of US and Soviet tanks. FM 17‑78
Tanks FM 17‑79
(1 hour) FM 17‑80
DA PAM 30‑50‑1
Tank Killer To teach the student the use of expedient FM 21‑75
Expedient weapons weapons against tanks. FM 5-25
(1.5 hours)
Closing of Base Students close base camp under the sup‑ SOP
Camp ervision of the TAC NCO.
(1 hour)
Student Critique Students write a critique of the course
(2 hours) to include suggestions for improvement.
Final inspection & TAC NCO conducts a shakedown inspection SOP
counseling of students and counsels them as to their
(3 hours) academic and patrolling grades.
Graduation Graduates of the course receive their SOP
(1 hour) diplomas and the Recondo Brand. Non-
graduates receive Certificates of Com-
pletion.
SUMARY OF FIELD PROBLEMS
PROBLEM & TYPE SCOPE
#1 ‑ Reconnaissance Nine recon patrols execute a parachute assault
Parachute entry or aerial contact a Special Forces agent, conduct a
delivery point reconnaissance of an enemy missile site,
and infiltrate through enemy lines to FFL.
#2 Combat Nine recon patrols are reorganized into three
Parachute assault combat patrols with mission of destroying selected
air evacuation enemy missile sites. Patrols move to and set up
LZ’s with expedient materials and if successful
Are airlifted to friendly area.
#3 Combat (Raid) Five combat patrols are airlifted to landing
Air delivery or zones, move to and destroy guerrilla camps,
Parachute Entry return to friendly unit sector for reentry
into friendly areas.
#4 Combat (Ambush) Five combat patrols move to vicinity of FFL
by vehicular column; are ambushed enroute,
neutralize enemy forces, proceed to and con-
tact OP guide, pass through FFL, set up and
execute an ambush and return to FFL.
#5 Combat Three combat patrols execute a parachute drop,
Parachute Entry or contact friendly agent, receive intelligence
Aerial delivery summary on enemy activity, advance to ob-
jectives on enemy MSR, accomplish mission of
destroying bridges, move to and contact a
friendly partisan, conduct a stream crossing,
receive instructions and rations.
#6 Combat (Raid) Three patrols occupy CAA, plan and conduct raid
on aggressor camps to liberate POW’s. Prisoners
are delivered to Special Forces agents for evac‑
uation and patrols are broken down into two &
three man teams, who evade and escape to FFL.
If captured are taken to POW compound.
4. The Recondo POI covers three weeks of instruction, divided into two (2) phases. The first phase teaches the students patrolling and those subjects directly related to patrolling such as survival, mountaineering, demolitions, stream crossing techniques, adjustment of artillery fire, map reading, map field application and hand to hand combat. In the second phase the students go to the field and put to use in 6 graded patrolling problems those techniques and principles learned in the first phase of
instruction. The student may forget some of the finer details of patrolling but he will never lose the confidence acquired and built during the three hard weeks of constant challenges. Thus the Recondo school in essence uses patrolling as a teaching vehicle to build better small unit leaders for the 101st Airborne Division.
JUAN W SPANN
Capt Inf
Commandant
SECTION I
GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Name of course: Recondo School
B. Mission: To train selected personnel (small unit leaders) of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell in the techniques of patrolling and the use of combat field expedients.
C. Prerequisites: Member of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell with a minimum of twelve months service prior to ETS. (Request for waiver for this prerequisite will receive favorable considerations when requested in writing by major unit commanders) Grades E‑3 thru E‑6 in all MOS fields. Pass a physical examination within 3 weeks of class reporting date. Attain a minimum score of 300 on PCPT (Physical Combat Proficiency Test), within 3 months of scheduled attendance. Graduates of Ranger School, USAIS are ineligible to attend.
D. Length of course: Two weeks.
E. Training facilities:
1. Classroom ‑ Bldg #2432
2. Base Camp ‑ DR 529461
3. Mountain and Stream Site ‑ DR 612515
4. Areas used: 3, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 12A, 12B, 13, 14, 16, 18A, 19.
F. Support Requirements:
1. Personnel ‑ Recon platoon to act as aggressors for eight days.
2. Transportation ‑ Three 2½ ton trucks for two weeks and three ¼ ton trucks for eight days.
3. Aircraft ‑ AF or Army, for airborne operations, HU1A’s for twelve hours during class.
4. Medical ‑ Two aidmen for three weeks.
G. Size of class: Fifty-five personnel.
H. Organization:
1. Headquarters:
a. Commandant
b. Asst Commandant
c. Sergeant‑Major
d. operations
e. supply
2. Instructors:
a. Tactical Officers
b. “A” Committee
c. “B” Committee
d. Tactical NCOs
e. Problem PIs
I. Instructors: All cadre instructors are graduates of the Ranger School, USAIS, and are assigned to 101st Administration Company (Abn Div), Command and Control Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.
SECTION II
SUMMARY OF INSTRUCTION
SUBJECT SCOPE REFERENCES
Briefing To minimize confusion and to Student Handout
(2 hours) indoctrinate students on pro-
cedures during Recondo Course.
During this time Student His-
tory forms are completed and
barracks are set up according
to school SOP.
First Aid The 4 life saving steps, First FM 31‑70, par 7‑10 &
(1 hour) aid procedures for winter and 58-61; FM 21‑11, chap
summer to include frostbite, 1, 2 and 4.
snake bite, sun stroke, and heat
exhaustion and construction and
use of expedient litters.
Introduction to Map Introduction to military maps and FM 21‑26, par 4, 5, 9
(1 hour) basic map terms.
Military Grid Ref‑ Use of reference system and tech‑ FM 21‑26, par 15‑17
erence System niques of reading and plotting
(l hour) military coordinates.
Confidence Course Students execute the Recondo TM 21‑200 par 96‑98
(2 hours) obstacle course. To promote
a sense of daring and a will
to continue when driven to the
peak of physical endurance.
Personal Hygiene Students clean up upon com‑ FM 21‑10, chap 10
(1 hour) pletion of obstacle course.
Elevation and Relief Methods of determining elevation FM 21‑26, par 22, 26
(1 hour) of map terrain using contour lines.
Scale and Distance Methods of determining distance FM 21‑26, par 18‑21.
of military maps by use of the
scale reference.
Location Methods of locating objects on a FM 21‑26, chap 7
(2 hours) military map by use of intersection par 35-36
and resection.
Evasion and Escape To teach some of the methods of FM 21‑77 par 3,12‑15
escape and the techniques of evasion.
Demolitions General characteristics, use and FM 5-25, Chap 2‑6,
(6 hours) fabrication of explosives, demo‑ par 19‑30, 68‑99
litions equipment and safety to FM 21‑50, par 98
include practical work.
SUBJECT SCOPE REFERENCE
Compass & Practice Techniques of land navigation FM 21‑26, par 32
Compass March using the lensatic compass.
(1 hour)
Preparation for a Planning of patrol, issuing of FM 21‑75, chap 10, par
Patrol warning order and use of patrol 111‑114, chap 11, par
(2 hours) order card. 18, chap 13, par 127‑
133, par 136, 137.
Conduct of Patrol Actions taken by a patrol route
(2 hours) to and from the objective to in‑ FM 21‑75, chap 14, par
clude rallying points. 138‑147 & FM 21‑50,
app XI, par 3.
Patrol Tactics Actions taken by a patrol at FM 21‑75, 164-166
(1 hour) the most critical phase of a 176‑183
patrol; actions at the objective.
Hand to Hand Combat On guard position, fall positions FM 21‑150, par 45‑46
(2 hours) and vulnerable points of the human TM 21‑200 chap 4
body.
Direction and Methods of determining direction FM 21‑26, par 27‑39
Orientation for land navigation using the mil-
(1 hour) itary map.
Terrain Analysis Students simultaneously conduct a FM 21‑26, par 22, 26, 33
(2 hours) map and terrain analysis under the
supervision of instructors.
Special Operations Techniques of aerial resupply, clan‑ FM 21‑50 par 54‑57
(1 hour) &