Which operation emphasizes gathering intelligence before contact?

Gathering intelligence before contact is a fundamental aspect of reconnaissance operations, making the choice of recon patrol the most appropriate response. Recon patrols are specifically designed to observe and report on enemy activity, terrain, and other significant factors in an area of operations. Their primary focus is on collecting information while remaining undetected, which aids in planning subsequent operations and allows units to make informed tactical decisions.

In contrast, combat patrols engage actively with the enemy to disrupt their operations, security patrols focus on protecting a specific area or unit from potential threats, and assault patrols are intended to engage the enemy directly in a combat scenario. While all these patrol types contribute to the overall understanding of the battlefield, it is the recon patrol that places the highest priority on intelligence gathering before any contact occurs.