PLANNING AS THE FOUNDATION OF RECONNAISSANCE OPERATIONS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

Based on the analysis of combat experience, the article highlights the tasks of reconnaissance in urban areas, the problems and solutions that arise during reconnaissance activities in urbanized areas. The authors also considered ways to improve the quality of task execution and to develop a unified approach to the targeted use of reconnaissance units in urban areas. The article analyzes the main tasks of reconnaissance during the period of preparation of an offensive in urban conditions, reconnaissance tasks in the development of the battle in the depth of the enemy’s defense line, the activation of reconnaissance operations after the end of the siege and in defeating the encircled enemy. It is noted that the information in the course of the battle must be clear to the attacking units and subunits in order to ensure the encirclement and bypass of enemy separate units and subunits. Particular attention is given by the authors of the article to the organization of reconnaissance units’ activities in modern conditions. This corresponds to the organizational and personnel structure of the reconnaissance units; the necessity of allocating a separate video surveillance unit equipped with special equipment, including for detecting underground tunnels; forming reconnaissance units that can use the roofs of multi-story buildings to penetrate into the rear of the enemy. The authors determine that the training of reconnaissance units for conducting combat operations in urban conditions requires the creation of special centers with an area of no less than a quarter of a large city, with full urban infrastructure. Such centers allow the training of reconnaissance units of various levels at the highest scientific and methodological level. The article analyzes the conditions and factors for the success of reconnaissance in urban conditions: careful planning, understanding of street fighting tactics, and the availability of specific information about the enemy’s use of technical means of warfare.