And by “Recondo Theory”, we mean @recondotheory on Instagram. It’s a very well-executed account that delves deeply into the topic of various special reconnaissance and related SOF efforts during the Vietnam War era. Definitely worth frequency hopping to go check it out.

The founder of the site explains,

“I started this project to preserve Vietnam War-era Recon TTPs after an old Recondo I knew passed away, and with him, a lot of knowledge I had never talked to him about. After several years of studying Vietnam War-era Reconnaissance Missions and units, and interviewing multiple Vietnam War Recon men, I also got to talking to similar veterans from the GWOT.”

He continues,
“Many veterans felt that the US was not adequately preparing for a near-peer war, and that many of these “recon” skills would be crucial in such a conflict, but were being lost due to a lack of foresight and hyperfixation on asymmetric warfare. They feared old lessons paid for in blood would be re-learned during the next near peer war at a hefty, unnecessary price. I was inspired, and wanted to see what I could do to highlight and preserve some of these “old” skills that might be needed again one day.”

Why Follow Recondo Theory?

Because it’s awesome. Few “hobbyist” level historians or researchers are anywhere near this good. Also, because if you don’t follow it, it could be a strong sign that you’re a sissy or a hippie (or both)>

The account frequently runs multi-post installments of focused topics. They’re all good, but here are a couple that’ll be a good place to get you started.

• Choosing Courage (2 parts)
• Col. Lewis Millette (3 parts)
• Defeat in detail (8 parts)

Recondo Visual History Archive Example

We mentioned how he does topic-focused posts in sequence. Here’s an example thereof.

Here’s one part of a multi-part series of posts on the subject of surveillance. This excerpt is from Part 4 of that series.

“…nothing is too small to make note of…

“For a while, a Mike force operating around Ben Het had reported that a blacked-out C-47 was dropping parachutes out at night in their AO. Their reports were ignored, written off as being some sort of mistake, or that they were crazy. However, a SOG team operating across the border, set up in their surveillance position to gather intelligence on an NVA base that they were planning on air striking, saw a weird-looking C-47, completely blacked out, flying low.

The team took pictures and a few notes on it before continuing their mission. After air-striking the base, the team slipped away, giving that plane little additional thought. After debriefing, they would learn that the pictures and notes they took on that weird plane were the most critical intelligence they had gathered on that mission, and the photos proved the Mike force in Ben Het wasn’t crazy.

The pictures proved the NVA had acquired copies of the C-47 from Russia and were using them for aerial night resupply missions via parachute. Painted black and flying low in the dark, these planes were airdropping supplies to NVA troops.” 

So hopefully you don’t need additional convincing. Check out @recondotheory on Instagram. And if you’re interested, take a look at an article about Recondos written by one of Breach-Bang-Clear’s former Recondos.

Since we’re not sure how to support @recondotheory financially, maybe go show him some love by responding to his posts! But even if all you do is read his stuff, definitely make it a part of your frequency hopping.

[random-affilaite-ad]