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Informationen zum Autor Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments before retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas. Klappentext Osprey's study of reconnaisance tactics of World War II (1939-1945). Combat reconnaissance, the practice of sending small groups of soldiers ahead of the main body of forces was employed by all of the major armies in World War II. They would either creep through the landscape or speed through enemy territory in light armored vehicles or jeeps, bristling with machine guns, to report on the position and strength of the enemy. This book examines the often risky tactics and their devastating casualty rates. The equipment employed by combat reconnaissance groups during the war is investigated as are the rapid changes in tactics that resulted from operational failures, and the requirements of differing terrain and operational theaters, which saw reconnaissance forces use a range of transport from horses to boats and light tanks. Taking into account the improving radio technology available to both Axis and Allied reconnaissance forces, Gordon L Rottman provides a crucial insight into an underestimated section of the armed forces, whose work would not only save lives but noticeably affected the outcome of the war. A fascinating insight into a oft-forgotten but crucial arm of the forces whose role could determine the deployment and actions of entire armies. Zusammenfassung This book explains and illustrates the tactics, techniques, equipment and unit organization of reconnaissance troops of the main wartime powers. It covers not only the dedicated reconnaissance units in the divisional order of battle, with their vehicles and heavy firepower, but also the small infantry patrols that were sent out constantly, by commanders at every level, to scout the terrain, detect the enemy, and infiltrate or raid his lines. These are illustrated with wartime photos, and brought to life in detailed colour plates of tactical scenarios. Inhaltsverzeichnis 'NOT A STEP WITHOUT RECONNAISSANCE ': The purposes and means of reconnaissance; The shortcomings of maps and photographs; The time factor RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS: Information collection and assessment; Patrol tasks (point reconnaissance; area reconnaissance; route reconnaissance; defensive patrolling; outposts and out-guards; other types of patrol) DIVISIONAL RECONNAISSANCE UNITS: Capabilities and missions; Unit organization MOBILITY: Foot movement; Snow; Water obstacles; Horses; Bicycles; Motorcycles; Light trucks and cars; Armoured vehicles WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT: Weapons (the weight/firepower balance); Compasses; Binoculars; Maps; Clothing and camouflage; Communications (AM radios; FM radios; field telephones; panels; smoke and pyrotechnics) TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES: Composition of patrols; The rifle squad; Stealth vs firepower NATIONAL COMPARISONS: United States; Great Britain; Soviet Union; Germany; Japan FURTHER READING·PLATE COMMENTARIES· INDEX ...
