Evolution Of Aerial Reconnaissance During The Vietnam War

This paper will briefly discuss or attempt to discuss the evolution of Aerial Reconnaissance. I will talk about what reconnaissance is exactly and why it is important to every aspect of conflicts; before, during and after. Early methods of reconnaissance will be discussed and then lead to how aerial reconnaissance came about. I will talk about what platforms were used for aerial reconnaissance and what their missions were in the beginning. World War I forces aircraft technology to start advancing out of necessity, reconnaissance starts moving further and further out front as capabilities improve. During World War II cameras are being used on aircraft as that technology improves. During World War II we see aerial reconnaissance mainly

Plain and simple what this means is a forward element must be sent out to try and gain information on the enemy and the area where the enemy would be met. It is the only way that you can properly prepare for the enemy. Going back in our military’s history reconnaissance traditionally was a mission that the cavalry conducted on the backs of horses. Why, because they had the advantage of mobility and speed, easily able to mount and dismount. They had the ability to move fast in small numbers, far in advance of the main force. During the Revolutionary War the mounted Dragoons conducted reconnaissance operations for the Colonial Army. They proved themselves invaluable to George Washington with information regarding enemy size, composition, and movement. Typically, they were from the area they were operating too so they were able to provide information on the area they would be operating as well. During the Civil War the cavalry was the reconnaissance element of the both the Union and Confederate Armies. Made famous by Major General Jeb Stuart, the cavalry earned the title as the eyes and ears for General Lee and the Confederate Army. With horses as their reconnaissance platform they were able to move freely about the battle field in mostly small elements compared to an infantry main body and gather crucial information that would be used to formulate a battle plans. Just because we are doing something good does not mean we cannot get better at it. There is always a way forward or an innovation that will improve the way we do things. An aerial platform was that way forward, that innovation that would revolutionize