reconnaissance in force

• Tactique militaire impliquant une attaque de reconnaissance à grande échelle ou l'avancée d'une unité de combat pour sonder les positions ennemies, recueillir des renseignements ou tester ses forces et ses défenses.

A military tactic involving a large-scale exploratory attack or advance by a combat unit to probe enemy positions, gather intelligence, or test enemy strength and defenses.

1. Military probing operationC2formal

   A combat operation conducted by a sizable military unit to test enemy strength, positions, and reactions, often to determine if a full-scale attack is feasible.

   reconnaissance en force

   • The battalion conducted a reconnaissance in force to probe the enemy's defensive line.
   • A reconnaissance in force was ordered to determine if the bridge was heavily guarded.
   • The general used a reconnaissance in force to gauge the enemy's morale and firepower.