reconnaissance in force

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Explanation of "Reconnaissance in Force"

Definition: "Reconnaissance in force" is a military term that refers to a specific type of operation. It involves sending a strong group of soldiers or military units into an area to gather information about the enemy's strength, positions, or movements. The purpose is to test the enemy's defenses and understand their capabilities.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Context: This term is commonly used in military discussions or writings, particularly in strategies or tactics.
• When to Use: Use "reconnaissance in force" when discussing military operations or strategies that involve a deliberate attempt to gather intelligence about an enemy.

Example Sentence:

"The general ordered a reconnaissance in force to determine how many troops the enemy had stationed at the border."

Advanced Usage:

In military strategy, "reconnaissance in force" can also imply that the operation is intentionally aggressive, meant not just to gather information but also to provoke a reaction from the enemy.

Word Variants:

• Reconnaissance: The general term for gathering information.
• In Force: Indicates a strong or large presence, often implying that the operation is serious or significant.

Different Meaning:

While "reconnaissance" generally refers to the act of exploring or surveying an area for information, "reconnaissance in force" emphasizes the strength and intent behind the operation.

Synonyms:

• Intelligence gathering: The overall process of collecting information.
• Recon: A shorter term for reconnaissance, often used informally.
• Surveillance: Close observation, often for intelligence purposes.

Related Terms and Idioms:

• "Scouting mission": A similar term often used in both military and non-military contexts to refer to gathering information.
• "Test the waters": An idiom meaning to try something out or assess a situation, similar to how reconnaissance in force tests enemy defenses.

Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren't specific phrasal verbs directly related to "reconnaissance in force," you might encounter: - "Suss out": To figure out or understand something, similar to gathering information. - "Scope out": To look around or examine an area, gathering information in a casual context.

Summary:

"Reconnaissance in force" is a strategic military term that involves a strong offensive operation aimed at gathering critical information about an enemy's strength.

Academic

Noun

1. an offensive operation designed to discover or test the enemy's strength (or to obtain other information)