Advanced Reconnaissance

The Advanced Reconnaissance certification is an advanced qualification available to operators within MSOT 8213 – Task Force Raven. This certification provides operators with advanced skills in surveillance, reporting, camouflage, and movement to support special reconnaissance (SR) missions.

It is modeled after advanced reconnaissance courses attended by SOCOM personnel, expanding the reconnaissance capabilities of SERE-C and SOF Sniper qualifications.

Responsibilities

Conduct long-duration reconnaissance and surveillance operations.
Provide timely and accurate intelligence to MSOT leadership.
Establish observation posts (OPs) and hides in hostile terrain.
Prepare and transmit intelligence reports under pressure.
Support targeting and mission planning through reconnaissance data.
Train fellow operators in reconnaissance fundamentals.

Training Required

Must be a Critical Skills Operator (CSO) in good standing.
Prior qualification of SERE-C and SOF Sniper are required.
Completion of the Advanced Reconnaissance Training Course.

Skills & Capabilities

Stealth movement in rural, urban, and hostile environments.
Advanced camouflage and concealment techniques.
Construction and use of hides and observation posts.
Target detection, identification, and discrimination.
Proficiency in SALUTE and SPOTREP reporting formats.
Integration of reconnaissance with fires (JTAC) and sniper elements.

Equipment

Optics (binoculars, spotting scopes, rangefinders).
Camouflage systems (ghillie suit, netting, improvised concealment).
Notebooks and observation logs.
Navigation aids (map, compass, GPS).
Communications equipment (ACRE2 radios for reporting).
Sustainment gear for extended field operations.

Training Course

Module 1 – Reconnaissance Fundamentals

Reconnaissance planning and preparation.
Surveillance techniques.
Movement to objectives undetected.

Module 2 – Observation & Reporting

Establishing OPs and hide sites.
Observation log construction.
SALUTE and SPOTREP reporting.

Module 3 – Camouflage & Concealment

Natural and artificial camouflage techniques.
Hide site construction (rural and urban).
Avoidance of detection by ground and aerial assets.

Module 4 – Mission Integration

Supporting MSOT operations with real-time reconnaissance.
Coordinating with Sniper/Recce and JTAC billets.
Target handoff for direct action missions.

Graduation Criteria

Successfully constructs and operates from an OP/hide.
Provides accurate intelligence using SALUTE/SPOTREP.
Supports a mission scenario with actionable reconnaissance.

Advancement

After earning Advanced Reconnaissance certification, operators may advance to:

Reconnaissance SME roles within the MSOT.
Instructor cadre for recon training.
Integration into higher-echelon SOF reconnaissance detachments.

Summary

The Advanced Reconnaissance certification equips Task Force Raven operators with the skills needed to conduct stealthy, long-duration surveillance and reporting. By mastering concealment, reporting, and integration with MSOT operations, these operators ensure the team has the intelligence advantage in any mission.