What is the goal of a leader’s reconnaissance?

The goal of a leader’s reconnaissance is to confirm the condition of the objective. This process is crucial for effective planning and execution of operations. By confirming the condition of the objective, leaders can ascertain critical factors such as the enemy’s presence, terrain features, potential obstacles, and any changes that may have occurred since initial intelligence was gathered. This verification allows leaders to adjust their tactics accordingly, ensuring that they have the most accurate and up-to-date information to inform their decision-making.

While determining the best route for a patrol, identifying enemy positions, and developing a logistics plan are important aspects of military operations, they are often outcomes or components that result from the overall goal of confirming the objective's condition. A thorough reconnaissance enables leaders to make informed decisions about these other aspects, but the primary focus during reconnaissance is to ensure a clear understanding of the objective itself.