MCWP 3-17.4 — Engineer Reconnaissance

MCWP 3-17.4 governs engineer reconnaissance tasks, support, route classification, and technical assessments and surveys.

Search MCWP 3-17.4

  • Publication number: MCWP 3-17.4
  • Title: ENGINEER RECONNAISSANCE
  • Date: 9 May 2016
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCWP 3-17.4 on armypubs.army.mil


MCWP 3-17.4 describes reconnaissance before, during, and after missions, including mobility, countermobility, survivability, and other environments. It states that engineer reconnaissance is prescribed and task-organized in orders and covers technical information collection for routes, bridges, infrastructure, resources, and airfields.

Topics covered

  • Engineer reconnaissance tasks
  • Mobility and countermobility support
  • Route classification
  • Bridge reconnaissance
  • Infrastructure reconnaissance
  • Environmental reconnaissance
  • Airfield assessment

Questions and answers

What is engineer reconnaissance used to obtain?

Engineer reconnaissance consists of tasks that are undertaken to obtain (by visual observation or other detection methods) information about the activities and resources of an enemy or adversary or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographical, or geographical characteristics of a particular area. (paragraph 1-1)

When is engineer reconnaissance performed?

Reconnaissance is performed before, during, and after missions to provide information used in the intelligence preparation of the battlefield/battlespace process and by the commander to format, confirm, or modify a course of action. (paragraph 1-1)

How do ERT assessments differ from surveys?

The assessment requires less time, but it provides less technical detail. (paragraph 1-28)

What is the primary focus of an ERT during mobility support?

The primary focus of the ERT is collecting technical information in support of mobility. (paragraph 3-2)

How is tunnel reconnaissance reported?

Tunnel reconnaissance is reported on DD Form 3012. (paragraph 4-42)

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