Reconnaissance missions are critical for getting to know where the enemy is, the numbers of troops, their offensive capability, defenses, supply zones, etc. The more one knows about one's enemy, the better one will be at dealing with them, and knowing how to counter their attacks.

RECON/SCOUT: The recon/scout member of the group should be fast, agile and stealthy. The mission of the recon/scout is to gather as much information about the enemy location without being caught. Unlike a sniper, the recon's/scout's job is simply to locate and report back but not to engage the enemy unless caught or under direct fire. The recon/scout should:

• travel light with no additional water packs or equipment except, perhaps a good pair of binoculars
• have minimal weaponry, perhaps only a small sidearm like the SC 400 or SC 500 but nothing large enough to tempt them into taking shots
• remember their purpose is to gather information, not attack the enemy
• attempt to remain unseen by the enemy so that the enemy does not suspect they are being watched
• make a hasty retreat if discovered or if the mission is complete

A good thing for a recon/scout to carry with them is a walkie-talkie if available. This allows information to be transmitted to the rest of the group immediately instead of the group having to wait for the recon/scout to return.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: As a recon/scout, one should try and find out various bits of information such as:

• enemy location - knowing where they are lets you know where to strike
• outposts or guard stations - things to watch out for
• enemy movement - good to know where they seem to be going to or coming from
• enemy armament - if one knows what weapons are there, perhaps one can come up with what would be needed to ensure victory in a squirt-fest
• water sources - if you can take these away, the enemy will be left high and dry
• alternate routes - look for other ways one can approach where the enemy is situated. Terrain knowledge is critical for winning a ground water war