|
Following the FAS proposals, Formation Reconnaissance was reorganised to
provide five Regular Regiments. Four of these regiments have three Sabre
Squadrons and a Command and Support Squadron, whereas the HCR has a fifth squadron, which is specifically
affiliated to 16 Air Assault Brigade.
Formation
Reconnaissance Regiments are usually under the direct command of a
divisional headquarters. Their more usual task in a defensive scenario is
to identify the direction and strength of the enemy thrusts, impose
maximum delay and damage to the enemy's reconnaissance forces, while
allowing main forces to manoeuvre to combat the threat.
They
would be assisted in such a task by using their own organic long-range
anti-tank guided weapons (the Swingfire Missile on CVR (T) Striker) and
other assets that might be attached, such as anti-tank helicopters (Lynx
with TOW and perhaps Apache Longbow (WAH-64D) in the future).
In
support would be the indirect fire guns (AS 90) and Multiple Launch Rocket
System (MLRS) of the divisional artillery and an air-defended area (ADA)
maintained by Rapier and Stormer HVM air-defence missiles.
The basic task of Formation Reconnaissance is
to obtain accurate information about the enemy and develop an intelligence
picture in their areas of responsibility for their superior commanders in
the chain-of-command, as quickly as possible. However, Formation
Reconnaissance Regiments are now capable of providing ‘Medium Armour
Support’ to infantry on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Formation
Reconnaissance Regiment
(Commander - Lt
Colonel)
|
