What is the main purpose of a reconnaissance by fire?

The main purpose of a reconnaissance by fire is to provoke an enemy response to locate their positions. This tactic involves firing upon suspected enemy locations with the intent to elicit a reaction, such as return fire or movement, which can reveal the enemy's actual positions, capabilities, and preparedness. By observing where the enemy responds, the conducting forces can gather intelligence that is crucial for planning further operations or offensive actions.

This method is particularly valuable in situations where traditional scouting may not provide sufficient information about enemy strength or disposition. Instead of directly engaging and trying to destroy enemy capabilities, the focus of reconnaissance by fire is on understanding the enemy’s layout and response patterns, which can inform tactical decision-making.