RECONNAISSANCE, re-konl-sans, the examination of a territory, district, etc., or of an enemy's for the purpose of direct ing military operations. Also the preliminary examination of a country or district in refer ence to its general natural character, prepara tory to a more particular survey for the pur poses of triangulation or the construction of public works, as of a road, canal, railway, etc. The development of the aeroplane has entirely altered the character of reconnaissance in war. Formerly the cavalry were relied upon to make quick dashes into an enemy's territory and dis cover the nature of the roads, the high points, woods, streams, etc., and all they could learn of the enemy's strength and disposition of his force. But since the formation of aero squad rons, they have taken over nearly all this work wherever they exist, as they obviously can per form it to much better advantage. But for minor operations and for irregular warfare where aeroplanes are not available the old methods of observation obtain. Small bodies
of independent cavalry are best, but where roads permit, automobiles and motorcycles are some times employed; or sometimes the duty will fall upon the infantry. In fact, a certain amount of reconnaissance must fall upon the infantry un der any system, for the commander of forces in the field must keep himself informed as to his surroundings and guard against surprise at tacks. It is common to send out small bodies of men at night to wander over the area be tween opposed armies and learn alI they can of what is going on. A reconnaissance in force is the advance of a considerable body of ti with the idea of being able to fight effectively if attacked, or perhaps to form the vanguard of an attack. Reconnaissance is always closely al lied with signaling (q.v.). See also AERO NAUTICS, HISTORY OF, and various military titles.