What is a combat patrol and what are its types?

A combat patrol is a military operation designed to engage with the enemy, gather intelligence, or disrupt the enemy's movements and operations. The key aspect of a combat patrol is its task-oriented nature, which can include collecting information on enemy positions, intentions, and capabilities, as well as executing offensive actions when necessary to destroy or deny access to the enemy.

The types of combat patrols include reconnaissance patrols, which aim to gather information; combat patrols that are explicitly tasked with engaging enemy forces; and security patrols, designed to protect friendly forces and installations from potential threats. Each type serves the overarching goal of maintaining operational effectiveness and situational awareness in the battlefield.

Given this definition, the choice that identifies a combat patrol as a task oriented to either collect information or destroy the enemy accurately reflects the dual objectives commonly associated with such missions. This multifaceted approach exemplifies the essential role of combat patrols in military operations, highlighting their importance in both offensive and intelligence-gathering capacities.