What is a key characteristic of effective recon patrols?

Effective recon patrols prioritize stealth as a key characteristic. Stealth is crucial because reconnaissance missions are often conducted in enemy territory where the element of surprise and the ability to go undetected can significantly influence the outcome of military operations. By remaining stealthy, recon patrols can gather valuable intelligence without alerting the enemy, which allows for better planning and execution of maneuvers.

While communication, heavy armor, and team size are important factors in various military operations, they don't hold the same level of critical importance specifically for reconnaissance missions. Effective communication is vital for coordination during patrols, but if a patrol is compromised due to a lack of stealth, communication matters little. Heavy armor, while beneficial in combat scenarios, can hinder mobility and increase noise, making stealth more difficult to maintain. Team size also matters, but it's not as defining to a recon patrol's success as the ability to operate quietly and discreetly, which is essential for gathering intelligence without being detected.