HEAT Reconnaissance

Additional training opportunities are organized in the MVT Training Club on the MVT Forum.

Join the FORUM and improve your tactical knowledge. Essential pre-training reading is here:

Compilation of Observations on Gear / Classes by Scott (‘First Sergeant’).

Range Safety for Classes

HEAT Reconnaissance is a four-day class focusing in detail on the planning and conduct of the reconnaissance patrol. This class is heavily influenced by the LRS background of the Chief Instructor, Scott.

During HEAT 2 Combat Patrol, an introduction was given to the reconnaissance patrol / close target recce on day two, recce day. This included a day / night CTR patrol. The reconnaissance class takes this a step further with detailed reconnaissance training over four days.

This is a Force on Force class (no live fire) and there is no training prerequisite. Patrols will face the real possibility of enemy contact and subsequent IA drills.

A class outline is as follows:

  • Reconnaissance Patrol Theory.
  • Gear selection and setup.
  • Hand / arm signals.
  • Fieldcraft / camouflage & concealment.
  • Patrol Formations.
  • Immediate Action (IA) Drills.
  • Fieldcraft lane.
  • Multiple Patrols.
  • Observations Posts.
  • Surveillance methods and techniques.

Class size: Max 8 Students.

Price: $950

Booking classes: Payments Page

OPFOR volunteers are required (Saturday / Sunday).

AirSim: bring your own rifle, or rent rifle, mags, gas and BBs for $100.

Gear List

This list complements to your usual tactical training and load carrying equipment, which can be found linked from the HEAT 1 Page HERE.

Note that this is an AirSim class (force on force). Students must bring their own AirSim training rifle to any MVT class that requires use of them, such as Squad Tactics, Reconnaissance, and Close Quarter Battle. More information on AirSim and personal protection can be found HERE. We recommend electric airsoft rifles, which can be purchased for around $200 (a decent rifle such as the Lancer AEG, an M4 clone). We recommend midcap or low-cap magazines for a more realistic ammunition load.

If purchasing an airsoft training rifle is a bridge too far, we do have some legacy gas blowback rifles on site. These can be unreliable but can be borrowed. We have gas blowback magazines and rifles. You would need to supply your own green gas and BB’s.

  • Load carrying equipment capable of carrying at least 7 magazines. Belt kit, chest rig etc.
  • Camouflage Uniform: Pants and Shirt. Highly recommend treating your clothing with Permethrin. (Recommend no combat shirts. You will find out that those are not the best option for this class.)
  • Wet Weather Gear (NO PONCHOS).
  • Appropriate cold weather gear for the time of year.
  • Binoculars (Optional)
  • Spotting Scope (Optional).
  • Medium size assault pack.
  • Ability to carry water (Camel Back bladder, canteens, nalgene bottles etc.)
  • Protective gear for Airsim (Eye Pro, mask or balaclava to protect face).
  • Anti Fog for Eye Pro
  • Gloves.
  • Boonie Cap or Patrol Cap. No Ball Caps for patrols.
  • Camouflage Sticks or Compacts (Optional)
  • Bug Spray
  • Folding Saw (Optional).
  • Small Pruning Shears (Optional).
  • Lensatic or Silva-type Compass.
  • Wrist Compass (Optional).
  • GPS (Optional)
  • E-tool (Optional)
  • 550 Cord.
  • 100 MPH Tape or electrical tape (NO BRIGHT COLORS).
  • No body armor or plate carriers.
  • No helmets.
  • No complete ghillie suits. At most some type of scrim or head net only to be worn during reconnaissance, not during movement.
  • Notebook and pen for missions (The best are the Rite in the Rain notebooks).
  • Note taking material for lecture portion of the class.
  • Lunch meal for each patrol day. Will be eaten while on patrol. MRE, Mountain House or snacks. Your choice.
  • Lunch, snacks, water and drinks like a normal class.