What is the primary objective of reconnaissance by fire?

The primary objective of reconnaissance by fire is to cause the enemy to disclose their position. This tactic involves engaging the enemy with indirect fire or other means to provoke a response that reveals their location and disposition. When forces fire upon suspected enemy positions, the enemy is likely to return fire or adjust their own positions, thereby providing valuable intelligence about their exact whereabouts and strength. This technique is particularly useful in situations where visual reconnaissance is not feasible, and it allows commanders to gather critical information while potentially inflicting damage or disruption on the enemy forces.

While collecting intelligence without engagement and moving troops closer to the enemy might be tactical considerations, they do not directly encompass the primary goal of provoking enemy disclosure. Similarly, disrupting supply lines is a separate focus that does not align with the reconnaissance objective of revealing the enemy's positions.