Since the earliest recorded military history, scouting and
reconnaissance have been key tools employed by military commanders to
obtain a picture of the tactical situation and make informed decisions.
Scouts known as sciritae were deployed by the Spartans and had a
privileged position in their order of battle. The Spartans were so aware
of the advantage their scouting operations gave them that they went to
great lengths to keep them secret. As military tactics, weapons and
equipment developed over the centuries, methods of scouting and
reconnaissance evolved and adapted but were never discarded.
This Short History provides a concise but revealing picture of the art
of military scouting and reconnaissance, always remaining true to the
spirit of the scout - light on their feet, taking only what they need
and returning with information that can make the difference between
victory and defeat. From the highly toned Spartan warriors through the
scouts employed by Julius Caesar, through the middle ages to the
Napoleonic Wars and the mass warfare of the modern era, this book gives
you all you need to know, and nothing that you don't.
Scouting and reconnaissance responsibilities are sometimes carried out
by other military units. For example, the US Marines call their snipers
Scout Snipers since snipers are often in a good position to gather
intelligence covertly. Special forces units tasked with a particular
mission also bring back valuable intelligence information. This book
focuses on units whose mission is to move covertly without engaging with
the enemy.
