His work not only
comprises the general disposition of troops, defences, placing of
artillery, points where reserves are being held, high-roads,
railways, base camps, and so forth, but he is also instructed to
bring back as correct an idea as possible of what the enemy
proposes to do, so that his Commander-in-Chief may adjust his
moves accordingly. In order to perform this task with the
requisite degree of thoroughness it is often necessary for the
airman to remain in the air for several hours continuously, not
returning, in fact, until he has completed the allotted duty.
The airman engaged in strategical aerial reconnaissance must
possess, above all things, what is known as a "military" eye
concerning the country he traverses. He must form tolerably
correct estimates of the forces beneath and their character. He
must possess the ability to read a map rapidly as he moves
through the air and to note upon it all information which is
likely to be of service to the General Staff. The ability to
prepare military sketches rapidly and intelligibly is a valuable
attribute, and skill in aerial photography is a decidedly useful
acquisition.
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