Which kind of reconnaissance is typically performed using special operation capabilities?

Special reconnaissance is a form of reconnaissance that is specifically designed to gather crucial information by employing unconventional tactics and capabilities. This type of reconnaissance often relies on highly trained personnel who conduct secretive and deliberate operations behind enemy lines or in areas with high-risk environments. The emphasis is not purely on gathering information but also on doing so in a way that minimizes detection and risk.

The use of specialized operational capabilities often includes advanced surveillance equipment, techniques like infiltration and evasion, and collaboration with other intelligence assets. This allows operatives to obtain detailed, accurate intelligence about enemy positions, movements, and capabilities, often informing strategic decision-making at higher levels.

In contrast, the other types of reconnaissance listed—zone, recon in force, and area recon—tend to involve more conventional military operations that are executed in a broader context without the specialized, covert elements that define special reconnaissance. These methods focus on obtaining information in a different manner, often with a more visible presence and less emphasis on stealth.