What should be prioritized when evaluating an area for reconnaissance?

When evaluating an area for reconnaissance, assessing natural and artificial obstacles that might affect movement is critical. Understanding these obstacles allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the terrain and helps inform decision-making regarding routes, troop movements, and overall mission planning. Natural obstacles can include rivers, mountains, or dense vegetation, while artificial obstacles may consist of fences, buildings, or fortifications. By identifying these factors, a scout can better predict how they might impede or facilitate movement and how they might impact the safety and effectiveness of their unit during operations. This knowledge is essential for choosing the best approach to the objective while maintaining situational awareness in potentially hostile environments.