What a reconnaissance patrol is not

---

This block is not in a published chapter and should not be relied upon.

• A reconnaissance patrol is not an assault force. It is not tasked with seizing terrain, destroying enemy forces, or holding ground. Prolonged or decisive engagement compromises the mission.
• A reconnaissance patrol is not a force that sits on top of a hill exclusively. It does not rely on obvious, dominant, or silhouetted terrain for observation. Effective reconnaissance uses concealment, standoff, angles, and movement to observe without being detected.
• A reconnaissance patrol is not intended to fix or delay the enemy. If contact occurs, the patrol disengages, breaks contact, and reports rather than attempting to win the fight.
• A reconnaissance patrol is not a security screen. While it provides early warning through reporting, it does not absorb contact or protect the main force through combat.
• A reconnaissance patrol is not unfocused. It does not collect information indiscriminately; reconnaissance is driven by defined information requirements and command intent.