Which of the following is NOT a purpose of a reconnaissance patrol?

A reconnaissance patrol is primarily focused on gathering information and assessing the operational environment rather than engaging directly with enemy forces. The main purposes of such a patrol include collecting intelligence on enemy positions, assessing the terrain for future operations, and identifying obstacles to movement that may impact mission planning and execution.

Engaging the enemy is not a standard objective for reconnaissance efforts; rather, it could compromise the patrol's primary goal of collecting information without detection. Engaging in combat would divert attention from gathering the necessary data and could lead to increased risk for the patrol and its mission, which is to remain stealthy and informative. Thus, the correct response recognizes that actively seeking to confront the enemy is inconsistent with the surveillance and intelligence-focused role of a reconnaissance patrol.