Considerations for Improving Tactical Reconnaissance: The Eyes of the

This monograph discusses the importance of responsive, timely, and accurate intelligence upon the tactical ground commander's ability to influence the battlefield decisively. The effective use of tactical air reconnaissance can provide the ground commander with invaluable intelligence information which can be used as a force multiplier. This study examines ways in which tactical air reconnaissance can best be used to satisfy the tactical ground commanders'; battlefield intelligence requirements. The monograph first studies historical examples to derive lessons learned which might be applicable today. Next, current doctrinal requirements and systems capabilities are examined to determine the ability of current and planned systems to satisfy intelligence needs. Finally, doctrinal requirements and systems capabilities are compared to determine where areas of improvement in the tactical air reconnaissance system are required. Planned systems incorporating electro-optical and data-link capability promise to be the most capable and responsive systems for the ground commander in providing timely intelligence information. In the meantime, current systems must be optimized to provide the user with real or near-real time intelligence in order to most decisively affect the battlefield.