Scott,

I’m glad you found the post of value. I find I can’t emphasize thee for formations to develop a shared understanding for how they fight enough.

BCTs are currently struggling to embrace the reconnaissance fight as a ‘BCT fight’. For understandable reasons, the BCT Staff devotes a significant amount of time and effort to planning around the decisive point of the operation. As a result, we tend to neglect development of the IC plan beyond PIR, NAIs, and the assignment of IC platforms to each. Problems arise when the S2 and S3 are not fully integrated, resulting in an IC plan heavily dependent upon EAB and organic IC assets while the Cavalry formation does Cavalry stuff. Often alone and unafraid, the Cavarly Squadron fights an enemy that employs a ‘whole of BTG’ approach, supporting reconnaissance ground forces with ground maneuver, aviation, and fires augmentation, resulting in the enemy enjoying significat overmatch. This usually does not end with favorable results.

While the ABCT CAV SQDN has the combat power to engage in this ‘fight to see’, SBCT CAV SQDNs usually require enabler assistance. Further, BCTs should consider for RHO/BHO to a maneuver battalion for really tough strongpoints in the security zone.

I’m currently writing about what it is that we want CAV SQDNs to see and how they inform decision points. Hopefully, this will provide greater clarity on the  subject. Though it may be a month or so before its ready.

Thanks for the feedback and discussion.

Alan