What is the purpose of recon before movement, and what METT-TC factors does it support?

• A. To confirm terrain, threats, and routes; informs terrain, enemy, civilian considerations, and timing.
• B. To collect weather data only; informs only air support.
• C. To scout for points to ambush; informs only enemy numbers.
• D. To test comms; informs only communications.

Answer: (A)

Recon before movement is about reducing uncertainty so you can move safely and effectively. By gathering information ahead of time, you verify terrain features, obstacles, and viable routes, and you assess how weather and visibility will affect the plan. You also identify likely enemy locations or patterns and anticipate how they might react. At the same time, you look for civilian factors—presence, safe corridors, potential collateral impact—and you assess the timing to match the operation’s tempo and sequencing.

This fits METT-TC in a practical way: Terrain and weather are clarified by confirming the physical environment and environmental conditions you'll face; Enemy is addressed by locating threats and understanding their dispositions; Civilian considerations are accounted for so you can minimize harm and plan around civilians and affected infrastructure; and Time (timing) is shaped by establishing when to move, how quickly, and how long the operation may take. Recon thus provides the information base for route choice, sequencing, and risk management.

Other options miss key parts of what recon delivers: weather data alone ignores threats and routes; scouting for ambush points narrows the focus to enemies only; and testing communications overlooks the broader operational picture that recon informs.