Editing Reconnaissance (section)

=== Reconnaissance-in-force ===
[[File:Japanese - Type 87 Scout - 4.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Type 87 ARV]] armored reconnaissance vehicle from the [[Japan Ground Self Defense Force|JSDF]]]]
Reconnaissance-in-force (RIF) is a type of [[military operation]] or [[military tactic]] used specifically to probe an enemy's combat ability.

While typical reconnaissance forces are small and armed only for self-defense, RIF use considerable (but not decisive) force in order to elicit a strong reaction by the enemy that more accurately reveals its own strength, deployment, preparedness, determination, and other tactical data. The RIF units can then fall back and report this data, or expand the conflict into a full engagement if enemy weaknesses are revealed.

Other methods consist of [[hit-and-run tactics]] using rapid mobility, and in some cases light-armored vehicles for added fire superiority, as the need arises.

Maintaining active RIF can be used to limit, or even deny, enemy reconnaissance.

The German Army's reconnaissance during World War II is described in the following way:

<blockquote>The purpose of reconnaissance and the types of units employed to obtain information are similar in the U.S. and the German Armies. German tactical principles of reconnaissance, however, diverge somewhat from those of the U.S. The Germans stress aggressiveness, attempt to obtain superiority in the area to be reconnoitered, and strive for continuous observation of the enemy. They believe in employing reconnaissance units in force as a rule. They expect and are prepared to fight to obtain the desired information. Often they assign supplementary tasks to their reconnaissance units, such as sabotage behind enemy lines, harassment, or counter-reconnaissance.<br><br>Only enough reconnaissance troops are sent on a mission to assure superiority in the area to be reconnoitred. Reserves are kept on hand to be committed when the reconnaissance must be intensified, when the original force meets strong enemy opposition, or when the direction and area to be reconnoitred are changed. The Germans encourage aggressive action against enemy security forces. When their reconnaissance units meet superior enemy forces, they fight a delaying action while other units attempt to flank the enemy.<ref>[http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/Germany/HB/HB-4.html WAR DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL MANUAL TM-E 30-451] HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES, WAR DEPARTMENT • 15 MARCH 1945 (chapter IV, section II, "Reconnaissance"</ref></blockquote>