I'm in and a Question for FR/Recon Bubbas

[GySgtMooch]

Hey guys,
Transfered into 3rd Force. I'm now the new S-2 Chief. I have a lot of good ideas about getting the right intel for my teams and platoons, but I've only had a chance to talk with my 2 so I haven't been able to have one-on-one's with the platoon commanders and team leaders.
My question for former/present FR/Recon guys is this: Beyond the basics (weather, enemy, terrain), what are some intel questions you consistantly wanted answered but could never seem to get the answers to from your intel folks? Go ahead and answer via PM to keep it out of open source/public domain.
Thanks,
S/F
Mooch
PS For all the SMCR Sgt's and above, the Promotion Message came out so look it up if you think you may have a shot. I almost fell out when I saw 17 02XX SSgt to Gunny billets open up. All my paper is in order and quals up to date so, if the suns and moons align I may just get promoted!

[BigNickT]

Asside fromm the METT stuff the one thing that Recon always did a piss poor job of was maintaining a data base of patrol reports. I always read about how the VietNam era guys always had previous patrol reports available to them through the S-2 for mission prep. None of the -2 shops I ever dealt with maintained files like that. Did find some at first Recon Bn from Viet Nam. Those were pretty cool. Having a report from a team that has operated in a given area seems like it wouold be one of the more valuable sources of information for outgoing patrols

Just my 2 cents

[GySgtMooch]

Nick,
I thought about the same thing. We just got a reinforced platoon back from Iraq that was augmenting 1st Force. I'm arranging to sit down with the platoon commander and team leaders and do a complete debrief. We have another with 2nd Force as well. I'll maintain the debriefs in the 2 and they'll be available to platoon members at any time.
Thanks,
S/F
Mooch

[Xdeth]

If I wasn't so far away, I'd come down there and rigger tape you to a tree after your first company formation, as per FR-MCO XXXXXX. Congrats, I'm sure you'll do a great job, or there really will be tape and large flora in your future. :D

[LRS-BUBBA]

PM inbound.
Too bad there aren't more S-2 shops that have the same attitude that you do. Good luck.

[GySgtMooch]

Xdeth,
OOOHHHH, riggers tape, too bad it removes too much hair! That's why I like handcuffs better...LOL.

LRS-BUBBA,
I learned valuable lessons about support and higher HQ support when I was with RCT-2 in Nasiriyah.
I look at it as this, the S-2 exists for only one reason: support the teams, all else=bullshit.
Priority intel flows down AND THEN up. Higher HQ can wait unless the intel is needed to obtain support (ie. CAS, arty, medevac, etc.).
They can fire me anytime they like, but it better be for something better than "he ignored us because he was taking care of his teams" bullshit.
Sorry to rant, I get crazy thinking about how much I hate fucks in higher HQ. I look out for my guys first and foremost and I'll do whatever it takes to get them the intel they need to 1) kill fuckin bad guys and 2) all come home in one piece.
S/F
Mooch

[LRS-BUBBA]

I hope no one minds that I stepped into the FMF Recon thread, however Army R&S operations in Iraq are probably very similar.

I hope the PM helped a bit. I'll think of more specifics and send along later.

[lavbo0321]

Originally posted by BigNickT
Asside fromm the METT stuff the one thing that Recon always did a piss poor job of was maintaining a data base of patrol reports. I always read about how the VietNam era guys always had previous patrol reports available to them through the S-2 for mission prep. None of the -2 shops I ever dealt with maintained files like that. Did find some at first Recon Bn from Viet Nam. Those were pretty cool. Having a report from a team that has operated in a given area seems like it wouold be one of the more valuable sources of information for outgoing patrols

Just my 2 cents

My last four months in 1st Recon I was working in the S-3. I got to read pretty much all of them. They were some pretty amazing reports. Especially the ones with four man teams.

[SOTB]

Originally posted by SSgtMooch
Beyond the basics (weather, enemy, terrain), what are some intel questions you consistantly wanted answered but could never seem to get the answers to from your intel folks?Not too seem picky, but these questions seemed the ones that I only got answered correctly about half the time. If you were getting these right more than half and timely to boot, well I'd say you were ahead of the game.

Good luck on the promotion....

[GySgtMooch]

Thanks for all the inputs guys. Your experience and advice is much appreciated.
S/F
Mooch