text: Reconnaissance Operations
  * Time is limited.
  * Distances require mounted movement.
  * Stealth and security are not primary concerns.
  * Detailed information is not required, or the mounted method affords the same scope as the
  dismounted method.
  * The nature of the reconnaissance objective allows vehicles to approach, such as a terrain feature
  or road intersection in stability tasks.
  * The enemy location is known.
  AERIAL
  4-19. Aerial reconnaissance conducted by Army or joint aviation assets serves as a link between sensors and
  mounted or dismounted reconnaissance. Commanders use aerial reconnaissance to cue other reconnaissance
  methods to specific areas, thereby increasing the operation’s overall efficiency. Aerial reconnaissance assets
  can rapidly transition to hasty attack or security operations without necessarily becoming decisively engaged
  due to their mobility, speed, range, flexibility, lethality, and precision. Complex terrain, adverse weather,
  enemy air defense systems, and deception and countermeasures degrade the effectiveness of aerial
  reconnaissance. The commander considers aerial reconnaissance when—
  * Weather permits.
  * Time is extremely limited, or information is required quickly.
  * Ground reconnaissance elements are not available.
  * The objective is at an extended range.
  * A target requires verification.
  * The enemy locations are known and extremely dangerous (high risk) to ground assets or are vague
  but considered high risk to ground assets.
  * The terrain is complex.
  RECONNAISSANCE BY FIRE
  4-20. Reconnaissance by fire is a technique in which a unit fires on a suspected enemy position.
  Reconnaissance by fire requires reconnaissance elements to place direct or indirect fire on positions
  reasonably suspected of enemy occupation. The goal is to cause the enemy to react by moving or returning
  fire, thus disclosing their disposition or willingness to fight. Leaders use this reconnaissance method when
  enemy contact is expected and time is limited, or when the unit cannot maneuver to develop the situation.
  Commanders consider reconnaissance by fire when the unit—
  * Identifies a natural or manufactured obstacle with suspicion of enemy nearby.
  * Detects an obvious kill zone.
  * Identifies a suspected enemy position that fits the situational template.
  * Determines signs of recent activity, such as track marks or trash.
  * Locates probable enemy bunker complexes.
  4-21. Reconnaissance by fire eliminates the element of surprise the Cavalry element may have had, and it
  may give the enemy detailed knowledge of their location. However, reconnaissance by fire may reduce the
  chance of ambush within established kill zones. Disciplined troops in prepared positions might not react to
  the fires, particularly if the fires are ineffective and do not inflict damage or casualties. As a result,
  reconnaissance by fire should not entail the indiscriminate use of direct and indirect fires at all wood lines
  and hilltops with the hope that the enemy will react.
  Note. Commanders are required to avoid the targeting of neutral or civilian objects. Unless civilian
  objects on a possible target location are engaged in hostilities, they would not be valid targets.