If you’re new to Airsoft, then chances are you’re not aware of just how many different roles there are to play in the game. From squad leader, to rifleman, to scout, and so many more!

In this article, we’ve decided to focus in on one of our favourite roles you can adopt as an Airsoft player: The Reconnaissance Unit.

If you’d like a little help with the basics before you get started, head on over to our blog where we love to talk about all things Airsoft!

What is Airsoft Recon?

The purpose of an Airsoft reconnaissance unit — or recon, for short — is to discover information about the overall operation, and then relay what they find back to their squad leader.

The Airsoft recons’ objectives often focus on the specific requirements of their mission, which tend only to be achievable with “boots on the ground”.

Recon operators tend to be at large scale MilSim events rather than your skirmish, and they often operate in small teams of between two and six players. This is so they can be sure they’re collecting the necessary data relating to their mission.

How do Recons get their Information?

Typically, recon operators will start out as basic riflemen that showcase skills evidently better suited to a different role. This usually means utilising their airsoft rifles as effectively as possible while maintaining noise discipline, swift and silent movement, and effective target acquisition. On top of that, a recon operator would be able to pick up on details that the other members of their team would otherwise overlook.

Successful and effective recon players are able to move stealthily in ahead of the infantry unit and then report back to their squad leader on the enemy's movements and location.

Recon player using a field phone

Photo credit: Sgt. Allison M. DeVries

How Do Recon Player’s Conduct Their Mission?

How recon players operate may vary from player to player, but there is a general rule of thumb to how they conduct their missions. This is known as the S.A.L.U.T.E. Report which we’ve outlined for you below.

  • S - Size — The recon will note the size of the enemy force or unit and how many players are involved.
  • A - Activity — This section requires the recon to give their squad leader a detailed account of what action the enemy is taking, for example, their patrols and the direction the enemy would be travelling.
  • L - Location — Where are all the players? It’s down to recon to know where the enemy forces are and how much distance there is between them and their team.
  • U - Unit — Here, the recon play needs to try to identify the enemy unit. Are there any unit designators visible, and if so, what unit is it?
  • T - Time — The player has to relay what time the enemy unit was seen, which should be done using local or zulu time and relayed using 24-hour military time.
  • E - Equipment — Here, the recon operator should note what equipment the enemy unit is using: their weapons, gear, comms, etc.

Once the recon player has compiled the report, they can go back to their squad commander and give a clearer picture of what it is their team will be facing.

What Skills do Recon Players Need?

As well as good navigational skills, there are a number of other skills that make for a good recon operator, including but not limited to:

Observation Skills

A recon operator should also have keen observational skills so that they can spot the things that their teammates don't, such as tripwires, camouflaged objects, hidden areas, and more. It would also be beneficial to have an understanding of various camouflage types.

Land Navigation Skills

If you’re planning to try being an Airsoft recon player, then having good land navigational skills is a must! This is because, as a recon operator, you’ll need to be able to relay to your commander (as mentioned above) the location of the enemy units and their distance from your team in relation. Having these skills also means you can give as detailed a report as possible when returning to your squad.

Stealth

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again; recon operators need to be stealthy! The whole point behind a reconnaissance mission is to gather intel WITHOUT being spotted. Most recon units are not equipped with enough ammo for sustained combat against a force much larger than a fire team, because their intention is to travel light and unnoticed. After all, if the enemy finds and shoots you before you can relay the information you’ve gathered, then your entire squad is going to be working blind.

You also need to remember that being a recon operator means you locate, observe, report and then head back to your squad; contact is the last resort!

Two members of a recon team laying down

What is Found in a Recon Load-out?

As with all airsoft load-outs, they will differ slightly depending on the personal preference of the player. However, we’ve outlined what a typical load-out looks like below:

  • Primary Weapon – Typically, an M4/M16-style rifle will be a recon operator’s primary weapon. However, it’s not uncommon for a recon player to use an SMG for increased mobility and ease of movement.
  • Secondary Weapon – This would commonly be a pistol sidearm, but is down to individual player choice.
  • Clothing – This will depend on what you’re most comfortable with wearing. It’s not unusual to see recon players wearing ghillie suits, or a ghillie cape and hood. However, there are those who wear a standard uniform for ease of movement.

Equipment

There are a number of essential items that every recon player should have with them. These include:

  • A small set of binoculars.
  • Notepad and pen.
  • Compass and map.
  • A small set of clippers for cutting out scouting positions.

There are also a few optional extras that can help make a reconnaissance mission easier. However, these fully depend on your budget as a player.

  • GPS (pricey but would be more accurate for reporting).
  • Spotting scope (for those longer-range targets).
  • Night Vision

What Are the Responsibilities of a Recon Player?

As we previously mentioned, the team is a small and flexible group that should be able to move in and out of enemy lines while remaining undetected. Recon operatives aim to observe the enemy silently from a number of positions and report back on their findings.

They may also be used in prisoner snatch missions (kidnap the VIP) or pushed the furthest forward for a flag capture. They are also particularly useful in ambush situations, where after they have gathered their intelligence, they may be able to slot in alongside other members of the team to conduct said ambush.

Recon can also be used to disrupt enemy lines of communication and supply by conducting strikes against positions, which can also result in high morale drops in enemy forces.

Recon teams will often be given a set of specific instructions from their leader, which will outline important pieces of information that they have to gather and bring back. After this, a good recon team pretty much operates on their own with little input from the rest of the team. It is for this reason that individuals in the recon team should be excellent communicators with their fellow squad members, as well as the team as a whole.

Utilising recon teams not only adds a sense of realism to your game, but they can also give the team a massive overall advantage. If time allows for recon teams to be used, they should be. They act as the eyes and ears of the team, preventing anyone from going into action in the dark.

If you think that you have what it takes to be an Airsoft Recon player, but you don’t have the kit to get started, then head over to our store where you can buy airsoft essentials, including ammo, scopes, and any other gear you can think of.