“There are two perils in the arguments surrounding military modernization: that nothing has fundamentally changed, and that everything has.” — Jack Watling [1]
The Information Age demands a fighting formation that can operate on multiple spectrums, fight a multitude of mission sets, and win in the land domain. We must push our formations into the modern era with new ideas and experimentation. The multi-functional reconnaissance team (MFRT) encapsulates these ideas and combines new and old practices into a unified fighting formation. In this article, we will examine the 75th Ranger Regiment’s MFRT formation, the operating concepts this element is designed to conduct (see-sense-understand-strike), the task organization that solves these problem sets, and the training methodology we have implemented. This is a time for experimentation and evaluation of our formations with unique problem sets of modern war — “nothing has fundamentally changed, and everything has.” Ultimately, a revolution of military arms is on the horizon, and the implication of task organization is foundational for success on the future battlefield.
MFRTs have the unique capability to align with different fighting formations at the battalion level to leverage see-sense-understand-strike. They can operate independently or through mutual support, align with a rifle company to solve multiple missions, and conduct reconnaissance tasks at the battalion level. VIEW ORIGINAL
Introduction
In 390 B.C., the Roman Army faced its greatest humiliation, a rapid loss and route from Celtic tribes that crossed the Alps and swept to the Roman capital. After a swift reorganization and reforms, the Roman Army prepared a new formation. The Romans chose to separate from Greek phalanx tactics that had dominated warfare for a century and adopted a new legion organization focused on flexibility and adaptability. They chose three fighting formations: the hastati in the front, principes, and the triarii in the rear. The hastati comprised two front-rank units which were subsequently divided into smaller tactical units that allowed for fast moment and flexibility. These principal formations continued refinement into the Roman Imperial period, with the Roman legions becoming the world’s envy. [2] The Roman Army’s strength was developing task organization centered on flexibility, adaptability, and decision-making at the lowest tactical level, later expounded upon by technological advancement and resources. These classical principles remain relevant today and can be viewed as guiding standards for the continuation of the development of our formations, along with the need to continually assess the viability of our formations, paired with the rapid technical advances the Information Age presents. With these first principal dictums, the 75th Ranger Regiment has explored the implementation of a new unit of action that can solve traditional mission sets while maintaining pace and relevancy on the modern battlefield.
The MFRT is not just a solution but a unique and formidable one that leverages these principles for dominance in multidomain operations. The MFRT brings a set of unique capabilities and an operating concept that can significantly enhance tactical capabilities at the battalion and brigade levels. These small units, led and trained by NCOs, are at the forefront of contemporary technological and tactical innovation. The MFRT is not just a new formation but an opportunity to experiment with old and new concepts, leading to significant developments in doctrine. In this article, we will delve into implementing the MFRT at the battalion level of the 75th Ranger Regiment and discuss not only its operating concept but also the structure and design of its task organization and our training methodology in its nascent stages. The current period demands rapid development not only in technology but also in the foundation of all military revolutions. The role of NCOs in leading the MFRTs is crucial as they are responsible for the training, discipline, and welfare of the Soldiers under their command and the tactical employment of the unit in combat.
There are three MFRT platoons in a special tactics company. MFRT platoons are currently distributed in three sections: A (scout /unmanned systems), B (sniper), and C (electronic warfare), as well as a command-and-control element. The MFRT platoons are enhanced with two operations officers, contributing to training development and operational control, an NCO in charge of unmanned systems, sniper training and proficiency, and an electronic warfare specialist. VIEW ORIGINAL
Operating Concept
The MFRT’s primary mission is not just a function but an operational imperative. The baseline function of the MFRT is in reconnaissance, using fundamental principles while also focusing on functionality at the battalion level to solve multiple mission sets. MFRTs need to be led by our senior NCOs with well-trained and equipped Soldiers to meet the demands of the modern battlefield. The driving principle and design of the MFRT is to see-sense-understand-strike. The MFRT relies on the principles of reconnaissance and emerging unmanned technology to see the battlefield. The ultimate goal is to gain battlefield sensor overmatch and situational awareness. Conversely, human eyes remain the greatest sensor on the ground that can report timely and accurate information. Sensing the battlefield comes in an array of capabilities from the space domain to cyber. The MFRT brings unique capabilities to the lowest levels with the reintroduction and development of electronic warfare capabilities. Our sensing capabilities are nascent and will continue progressing in electronic detection, spoofing, and attack. With see-sense, the MFRT can feed information at a controlled pace to understand the battlefield. This information is collected, sent, and processed with many inputs that lead to an accurate and timely strike. Understanding the concept cannot be overstated or neglected without careful consideration. Without the rapid processing of relevant data assaults, precision munitions and resources are wasted. The MFRT operates within see-sense-understand-strike, shaping the battlefield and leading to dominance in the land domain. At the battalion level, the MFRT demonstrates multiple practical capabilities and the ability to enhance tactical utilization at echelon.
The MFRT can operate at the battalion level, conducting reconnaissance and answering priority intelligence requirements (PIRs). These PIRs include specific information that is critical for decision-making at higher levels of command, such as the location and strength of enemy forces, the condition of terrain and infrastructure, and the status of friendly forces. Their role in traditional reconnaissance has not changed and neither has the need to answer and outline critical information for decisions. The methods of reconnaissance, however, have changed, and the capabilities at the MFRT level should be a focus for future technological development to increase efficiency and speed of information. MFRTs also have the unique ability to be aligned with a rifle company. They can bring additional unmanned systems, long-range direct-fire weapons, electronic attack capabilities, and anti-tank/aircraft capabilities at the company level. Company alignment allows for leader development and overall understanding of implementation. In addition, MFRTs are designed, manned, and trained to operate independently or with mutual support. They are equipped with traditional weapons systems: riflemen, grenadiers, and automatic riflemen, giving them the same abilities as a rifle squad. MFRTs can also solve direct fire engagements and clear terrain with these systems. Remember, “multi-functional” is a key part of the MFRT’s name.
Task Organization
As directed by Force Design Update 2030, our task organization model uses basic principles and weapon systems that have proven themselves during the global war on terrorism, paired with the visualization of what a future all-domain battlefield will ask of our future fighting formations. Within the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Company is designated as a special tactics company with three MFRT platoons and an indirect fires platoon. Having the MFRT and mortar platoon in the same company allows for direct synchronization, cross-training, and lessons shared across see-sense-strike. Task organization has been exploratory in implementation and training management and needs continual refinement. Our MFRT platoons are currently distributed in three sections (A, B, and C) as well as a command-and-control element. Each section aligns with our rifle companies to promote personal relationships and leader development in the long term.
Section A comprises the alpha team leader, scouts, radio-telephone operator (RTO), and unmanned system operators. Section B comprises snipers with long-range direct-fire capabilities. Section C comprises cross-trained electronic warfare operators in counter-unmanned system detection and defeat. The command-and-control elements include a platoon sergeant, a joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) or joint fires observer (JFO), and a medic. The MFRT platoons are enhanced with two operations officers, contributing to training development and operational control, an NCO in charge of unmanned systems, sniper training and proficiency, and an electronic warfare specialist. These positions and functions are essential for the individual and collective training events and knowledge needed for the proficiency and capability of each Soldier. Our current task organization has gone through multiple interactions of testing and implantation but has yet to be perfected. However, it is imperative to solidify the foundation of our task organization and continue to refine what has been learned in training and operational lessons. The ideas are not perfect, but the need for adaptability, flexibility, and experimentation is paramount. Technology will continue to improve, so it is imperative to concisely train and develop the key aspect of our formations — the people.
Training Methodology
The MFRT’s training methodology can and has been challenging in scope and execution. The primary difference from traditional reconnaissance units is their incorporation of emerging technology (unmanned aerial systems, communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, and precision munitions) incorporated into one element. This is normal with forming any new unit, idea, or concept and should be taken with comfort. The training moves along the foundational training model from individual to collective and validation. Individual training focuses on small arms, anti-tank, mobility, and technical training.
The introduction of novel weapons and systems is essential to the MFRT’s individual training. These systems take direct education from procurement professionals and usually come with barriers to training with traditional Army facilities. It is commonplace to have these events take months in planning and resourcing or result in missed opportunities. These events need leadership engagement and specialists within the unit to solve any issues. Collective training has been as elemental as team and section live-fire exercises to participating in combat training center (CTC) rotations. We have seen particular gains in contributing to CTC rotations and opportunities for force-on-force due to these events’ unique effectiveness for all elements to see shortcomings. In addition, it has been essential to integrate at the rifle company level when practicable to ensure shared understanding and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and tactical standard operating procedures (TACSOP) refinement at the lowest level. Validation exercises are crucial to developing MFRTs, emphasizing critical thinking and the ability to train see-sense-strike. We have seen great lengths in validation exercises that increase stress and decision-making on the lowest leaders with multiple domain effects. The training methodology for the MFRT is still in a developmental period and needs to be a continued responsibility at the company level. The more information and ideas are shared, the more the proliferation of methods increases proficiency across the Army.
Conclusion
Modern warfare has changed the preset notions of what has succeeded in the past; nothing has changed. We must establish a framework for an effective unit of action that can operate on first principles, focusing on flexibility and adaptability in a multidomain battlefield. A disciplined and well-trained unit can use an array of technological advances to solve many mission sets. The foundational changes we implemented with the multi-functional reconnaissance team have set a new precedence in the design, operating concepts, and effectiveness at the battalion tactical level to solve these modern problems. The need for adaptable formations and leaders is paramount, and the MFRT is a flagship in forward military practice and thinking. There will be challenges ahead in the implementation of these formations to break institutional norms and preset notions of warfare. The need for incremental and adaptive solutions is ever present, and we must become comfortable with the rapid nature of modern warfare. We will operate in the conflict continuum and need a formation to adapt and fight.
Notes
1 Jack Watling, The Arms of the Future – Technology and Close Combat in the Twenty-First Century (London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2023).
2 Graham Webster, The Roman Imperial Army of the First and Second Centuries A.D. (London: A. & C. Black ,1979).
At the time this article was written, MAJ Jonathan Paul commanded Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He is an Infantry officer and is currently attending the U.S. Army Command and Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS.
1SG Miles Capehart currently serves as the first sergeant of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He previously served from rifleman to platoon sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
This article appears in the Fall 2025 issue of Infantry. Read more articles from the professional bulletin of the U.S. Army Infantry at https://www.benning.army.mil/Infantry/Magazine/ or https://www.lineofdeparture.army.mil/Journals/Infantry/.
As with all Infantry articles, the views herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Department of Defense or any element of it.
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