Soviet reconnaissance, artillery, and Air defence

[PincerDK]

The names don´t matter (you see them reported differently in each translated western publication anyway). What matters is the principle of how the regiment protects itself on the advance and defence. Namely by pushing out smaller and smaller combined arms forces in front of itself.

Of course, to uphold momentum.

But does that mean that the different units (Recon group etc.) complement the regimental advance guard or do you mean they replace THE actual battalion sized advance guard?

But then you do suggest that the recon detachment, reconnaissance group and separate recon patrol is replacing the advance guard and its subunits.
Well okay, not exactly replacing it, but the advance guard/recon detachment have the same task; to provide security/reconnaissance for the lead regiment(s)
Its just two names for the same kind of unit.

The problem is, since it is written in the reconnaissance chapter, it would think it would be unlikely for the authors to write about the same thing twice, since they have already mentioned it in the chapter "Meeting Engagement"

This is what is written under the subchapter "Control of Reconnaissance Elements" (where recon detachments, groups and SRP are mentioned)'.

"Soviet divisions and regiments have dedicated reconnaissance organisations, i.e., a reconnaissance battalion for the division and a reconnaissance company for the regiment. These units gather and produce intelligence which will assist the accomplishment of the division and the regimental mission. At division, reconnaissance elements are controlled by the chief of reconnaissance and supported by a small staff. The division's long-range reconnaissance company can operate up to 100 km forward of the main body; other elements of the battalion operate up to 50 km forward. Regimental reconnaissance company elements may operate up to 25 km forward and closer once contact is established.
During tactical movement, a divisional reconnaissance battalion, usually moves one or more hours ahead of leading elements of the division. The division normally moves on two or more routes and the reconnaissance battalion organisation depends on the division formation. The battalion may form one or two reconnaissance groups and several patrols; however this depends on the combat situation and the overall mission of the division. Even when the reconnaissance battalion advances on more than one route, movements of each element are controlled by the battalion commander. At each successive objective he establishes a reconnaissance base, from which he directs the employment of reconnaissance groups and patrols, operating in advance of the base. Radio contact is maintained with the division headquarters.
The battalion is expected to be able to implement supplementary reconnaissance missions, or to make changes in the direction or rate of advance. He is also expected to request additional support, from the main body if his unit, becomes too heavily engaged with an enemy unit.
Generally, elements of the battalion seek to avoid sustained combat with an enemy force. They cross open areas at high speeds and cross closed and broken terrain by bounds, moving from one vantage point to another. At the vantage points, they may dismount from the vehicles to get better observation. Upon contact with an enemy element, reconnaissance subunits attempt to use feints and flanking maneuvers to determine the strength, composition, and disposition of enemy elements.
Whenever possible reconnaissance subunits bypass enemy groupings and continue the advance along the prescribed route.
Engineer reconnaissance detachments and chemical defense specialists usually accompany reconnaissance patrols at division and regiments. Other specialists accompany reconnaissance patrols as needed.

Reconnaissance Organizations (this is the part where the different units are mentioned)

To obtain timely intelligence Soviet commanders, sometimes organize and dispatch reconnaissance groups. These groups may be formed by the commander from army to regiment. A reconnaissance group is a temporary tactical subunit formed for the execution of a specified reconnaissance mission. The composition of such groups, usually reinforced platoons or companies, depends on the situation and the assigned mission.
In an attack a division could form a reconnaissance group, consisting of a motorized rifle company, reinforced with a platoon of tanks, and engineer and NBC reconnaissance squads. Reconnaissance groups conduct reconnaissance by observation as well as by more active methods such as ambushes and raids. In an extreme case, they may destroy covering subunits of a withdrawing enemy.
Along with their primary reconnaissance mission, they may be assigned missions to destroy enemy means of nuclear attack and to seize and hold important terrain features in the enemy rear area until the arrival of the attacking force.

A reconnaissance detachment is a temporary tactical subunit of reinforced company or battalion strength. The basic subunit (motorized rifle or tank) is almost always reinforced with elements of the other arm to make it a balanced combat force.
Depending on the mission, specialized reconnaissance detachments, such as artillery, engineers, or NBC may be assigned or attached. A reconnaissance detachment of battalion strength is assigned a zone approximately 7 kilometers wide and 35 kilometers in depth, or it may be assigned an axis of advance.
A reconnaissance detachment fulfills it mission by observation, by ambush and by direct attack if necessary.

A separate reconnaissance patrol is a temporary tactical subunit composed of a reinforced squad or a platoon. It normally is assigned a specific objective and/ or route instead of a zone. A squad sized patrol may operate away from its parent unit at a distance of 8 kilometers during the day and 3 kilometers in night,
While a platoon-sized patrol may operate at a distance of up to 15 kilometers during the day and up to 5 kilometers at night. A separate reconnaissance patrol accomplishes its mission by observation, but may engage in limited combat if necessary. Limited combat in this case means that the patrol may use reconnaissance by fire to determine enemy positions when no other means are available. The separate reconnaissance patrol also is frequently used to capture prisoners for intelligence exploitation.

Bold markings are sentences in which it seems IMO that reconnaissance detachments, reconnaissance group and SRP are not the same elements as those of an advance guard.

Håber du kan bruge det til noget. ;)

People are free to use the material from FM-100-2-1, this is just two subchapters in the reconnaissance chapters, but all of it is straight from the book.