The Reconnaissance Division: The First Line Against Hollows


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Even since the members of the Soul Society started their eternal hunt of Hollows, a portion of them have been devoted to the simple act of patrol. Patrolling their own borders for brave Hollows that want to take the fight to them. Patrolling the Mortal World to prevent the mortals from being attacked. Even patrolling some parts of Hueco Mundo to have an eye on the Hollows themselves. This is something that, to any kind of strategist, is as obvious and necessary as looking where one is walking.

However, in the beginning, the various divisions seemed to share these duties with each other, using whomever was available for the task. For the most part, this worked fine. But when each division started becoming more specialized, they started having more strict requirements in who was accepted. And the people that qualified had skills that were more suited for a specific task, instead of multiple tasks. As such, fewer Shinigami could spend time in their division's work and do the patrol work needed. So, the Reconnaissance division was created, for those who would spend all of their working time patrolling for Hollows.

In addition to the patrols, Recon members are also trained in the act of performing a Soul Burial. As they are the Shinigami who are the most frequent visitors to the Mortal World and Hueco Mundo, this only makes sense.

The members of the division are broken into a large number of patrol teams, which can range in size from four people to a hundred. Sometimes more. Each team is assigned to a specific area of either the Soul Society, the Mortal World, or Hueco Mundo. Three teams of twenty people are also located on the grounds of the division itself, ready to use if another team requires assistance. Each team is lead by a seated officer, with the higher ranking ones leading the larger teams. Or the ones in more difficult locations The captain is most often in the division headquarters, overseeing team activities. The vice-captain is often out in the field, checking on any team at any time.

At times, teams may be switched from one location to another, if people in their specific team are needed for a certain mission. Usually, however, a team is left in their assigned location at all times. This is so they become familiar with the area, and can learn of any hidden spots or shortcuts or anything else that isn't immediately obvious. Members of a team can request to be switched to another area, if they so wish. Such requests will need to be approved by either both team leaders or the captain.

Every team member possesses a Reiphone. This is so every member can report any Hollow activity to their team leader, the vice-captain, the captain, or even Headquarters itself, if they have to. This also allows the captain, the vice-captain, and the team leaders to keep track of where their members are. The phones are password protected, so that of they fall into the wrong hands, they cannot be used. The captain and vice-captain's passwords can unlock any phone. As can the Commander-General.

Team members get a number of days off patrol duty, being allowed to return to the Soul Society for rest and recreation. A team member can refuse this if they want.

Locations

Recon Headquarters - This where the captain and vice-captain reside. Besides their quarters, the building also possesses several offices, most commonly used for planning specific missions. The basement of this building holds the main control room. From here, the captain can track all Reiphone locations and communications. There is always a team of ten people in this room, tracking everything they can. This allows for some quick thinking and reaction to various scenarios, and gives every team a source of support from outside of their area. This building is also where team meetings are held.

Communications Tower - This structure is almost an exact copy of the one at the Command Division, and serves the same purpose. It is connected to the headquarters building, directly feeding into the mission control room in the basement.

Training Grounds - Located to the west of the headquarters some 300 yards, the training grounds have been built specifically for training skills used by recon teams. Not only does it have two traditional obstacles courses of decent size, the grounds also have a small city area, for training various Mortal World scenarios. There is also a small wooded area, with many traps and obstacles set for training as well. There is even an area devoid of almost all obstacles, left with only sand and rocks. For Hueco Mundo training. It is not uncommon for the Guerrilla Squad of the Combat Corps to hold a training session here. Or for them to hold one with Recon members.

Barracks - These buildings house the rooms that members sleep in. Members of the same team are usually roomed near each other. This helps keep them friendly with each other. For team-building purposes. Each building has a common area and its own mess hall.

Ranks

Captain - The leader of the division. The captain has to approve of any mission a team requests before a team is allowed to execute it. The captain is not often in the field. They mostly spend their time in the control room, keeping track of the teams. The captain will go out on patrol from time to time, though. Mostly to keep their skills sharp.

Vice-Captain - The vice-captain's main responsibility is to randomly check up on teams, making sure they are following the mission, or checking if they need assistance. In certain scenarios, the vice-captain will join the captain in the control room to oversee operations.

Seated Officers - These members of the division lead every team. The number of seated officers in the division largely depends on the number of teams currently active. Officers of higher rank will lead either larger teams, or teams in more dangerous areas, such as Hueco Mundo.

Unseated Members - These members make up the bulk of the teams. Newer members will be assigned to teams in areas with the least amount of activity. Veteran members will usually be assigned to more dangerous areas.