Chemical Reconnaissance

a type of military reconnaissance for the early detection of the presence of toxic chemical agents in the air, on the terrain, in matériel, and in food and water supplies.

The purpose of chemical reconnaissance is to delineate contaminated sectors, determine the type and extent of contamination, notify troops about contamination, determine the direction of movement of a contaminated cloud, locate and mark the safest axes (routes) through or around a contaminated area, and establish regions of stagnation of toxic chemical agents. Chemical reconnaissance is carried out by reconnaissance subunits of the chemical troops, from which observation posts and patrols are detailed. In the subunits of combat arms and special forces, special crews and details are trained for chemical reconnaissance. The reconnaissance is implemented on specially equipped vehicles or on foot using special devices.