text: Reconnaissance Operations
  the unit would deploy into a maneuver formation at the LD and conduct reconnaissance throughout the zone
  to mitigate the risk incurred by not understanding the enemy situation.
  Figure 4-2. SBCT area reconnaissance
  ROUTE RECONNAISSANCE
  4-67. Route reconnaissance is a type of reconnaissance operation to obtain detailed information of a
  specified route and all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route (ADP 3-90).
  A route may include a road, highway, trail, tunnel, bridge, and ferry. Routes include a designated start point
  and end point. Reconnaissance of a route is essential when intelligence indicates a probability of enemy
  contact or obstacle along the route, or in the area and surrounding terrain, or when information concerning
  the surrounding, influential terrain is vague or unknown. The commander assigns route reconnaissance either
  as a discrete operation or as an implied task during zone reconnaissance. Units collect information about
  roads, bridges, tunnels, fords, waterways, and other natural and artificial terrain features that can affect
  mobility. Route reconnaissance provides commanders with more detailed information about the route and
  terrain that can influence the unit. Commanders use this information to prevent surprise, determine
  trafficability for follow-on forces, and confirm or deny staff estimates and assumptions made during the
  operations process. Route reconnaissance is not to be confused with route classification, which can be
  included in route reconnaissance. Typically, engineer reconnaissance platoons perform a route classification,
  which requires technical measurements and analysis.