Dismounted reconnaissance troop

A dismounted reconnaissance troop (DRT) is a reconnaissance unit found within U.S. Army RSTA squadrons that are part of infantry brigade combat teams (IBCTs). While a RSTA squadron serves as the primary reconnaissance element for its parent brigade, the DRT serves as the specialized reconnaissance element for the squadron when conducting clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance. Consisting of about 80 personnel, the DRT is less mobile than traditional cavalry units, however DRTs provide a greater ability to operate within complex and difficult terrain as well as providing close reconnaissance, surveillance, and sniper support in areas inaccessible to the rest of the squadron. The DRTs continue on the Recondo legacy of the Vietnam-era Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRP), however, compared to the LRRPs they are often assigned additional non-reconnaissance responsibilities such as battlespace ownership. As of 2024, some DRTs have been converted to Multifunctional Reconnaissance Companies (MFRC), with a greater focus on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and less reliance on snipers.