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                                         (~FTER ~CTION REPORT


          ITEM:  Tactical ~erial Reconnaissanc~ Capability


          OBSERV~TION: The lack of an organic tactical aerial reconnaissance
          capability significantly degraded the MEF's capability to collect
          target intelligence and to conduct post-mission Battle Damage
          ~s,sessment (BD~)


          DISCUSSION:  This shortfall was partially off~t by RPVs, however
          this a~sset's products were rarely used to supprt deep targeting
       `.~.~~nd. have little hardcopy capability.     The fact that U3flF R~-4C
      *`>"f~'\~assets were co-located with 30 M~W fixed-wing air was a blessing,
  .$\` ~.~~`but.one that cannot be counted on in the future(R~-4Cs are also

½.        tei~g"'phased out).       Lacking organic assets, the MEF was raquired
          to*~compete *f9r scarce theater reconnaissance assets with other
       z  services.


           ESONS LE~RNED:  Tactical aerial reconnaissance remains a vital
        ;;~requirement in the prosecution of both air and land campaigns,
       ~~one which the Marine Corps is lacking.


       t?.~5;';,RECOMMENDED ~CTION:  The Warfighting Center, in conjunction
                CRD~C reevaluate USMC tactical aerial reconnaissance
      *~-4~~equirements and accelerate efforts to acquire needed capability.

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