Armoured reconnaissance

Armoured reconnaissance units are expected to reconnaissance-in-force, put enemy scouting units to flight, force screens to retreat, work to disrupt both logistics and communication lines, and force their way deep enough behind enemy lines to reconnoiter the main enemy force deployments and encampments.

Armoured reconnaissance vehicles and tactics are capable of fending off any light advance unit the enemy can field, and is theoretically on equal terms with the armoured main elements of the enemy force.

Although the Reserve Force regiments continue to be known as armoured reconnaissance regiments, since the loss of the medium tank from their organisation, they have in reality only been employed in the light reconnaissance (scout) role.

Now the German Army is operating five reconnaissance battalions and five independent companies: Reconnaissance Bataillons: Reserve units: Every battalion (except the Aufklärungslehrbataillon 3) is structured in four companies: 1.

The regiment has served with distinction in various African peacekeeping missions, and is partly equipped with EE-9 Cascavel and Ratel-90 armoured cars.

They have their own logistical support and all patrols have communication specialists and special forces medics for emergencies.

All of these regiments are considered armoured car units operating Rooikat and Ratel ZT-3s.

These units were initially equipped with Marmon–Herrington armoured car and Ferret scout cars following World War II, however owing to the aggressive nature of South African reconnaissance doctrine these lightly armed reconnaissance cars were replaced first by the Eland Mk7 and then by the Rooikat by 1991, which were heavier vehicles equipped with large-calibre cannons.

In a large-scale defensive operation, they would delay attacking forces, whilst screening heavier units as they moved to engage the enemy.

Incomplete list: The United States Marine Corps light armored reconnaissance (LAR) battalions use the LAV-25, an 8×8 wheeled amphibious vehicle.