The Ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment: The Role of Technology in a Humint-Based Organization

This thesis examines the impact of technology on the capabilities of the Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment RRD and looks at how the units capabilities can be enhanced, at reasonable cost. The thesis focuses on three current or emerging technologies, consisting of remote battlefield sensing systems a Signals Intelligence SIGINT acquisition platform and the use of tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs. This thesis also examines the current capabilities and shortfalls of the RRD, and examines what the above mentioned systems can provide as stand-alone technologies. The thesis considers the likely impact on the unit once these technologies are used in conjunction with the units HUMINT capabilities, and whether the RRDs intelligence acquisition capabilities are enhanced. A cost benefit analysis will also be done, in addition to looking at how the unit may need to be reorganized in order to maximize these new capabilities . The implication of this research is that the Ranger Regiment needs to have a much more robust, organic, intelligence acquisition organization in order to meet the challenges of the changing, high-risk global threat environment that the Regiment will find itself operating in. The findings of the analysis show how integrating current and emerging technologies could increase the intelligence acquisition capabilities of RRD and allow RRD, and the Ranger Regiment, to continue to maintains its lead as the U.S. militarys premier strike force.