noun / verb
recon
REE-kahn/ˈriːkɑːn/
Scouting an area or situation to gather information in advance.
The scout conducts recon by observing the distant checkpoint through binoculars.
Etymology
A reconnaissance is a preliminary survey, especially of territory or enemy positions. Recon is its military shorthand, retaining the emphasis on gathering information before acting.
In context
In the typical operation from Iraq, your your robot. is checking out, seeing. doing a recon. Seeing what's needed, coming back
More examples
- The team reconned the route before departure.
- We scheduled a brief recon of the site.
- They are reconning the area for possible obstacles.
Forms
recon · recons · reconned · reconning
Similar words
- scouting
- Scouting similarly gathers information but is less abbreviated.
- surveillance
- Surveillance emphasizes sustained observation rather than an exploratory mission.