What is the first RSOP step?

• A. Selection
• B. Reconnaissance
• C. Occupation
• D. Positioning

Answer: (B)

Reconnaissance is the first step because you must gather essential information about the environment before deciding where to place and how to deploy the system. By collecting data on terrain, elevations, visibility, obstacle locations, potential enemy approaches, and practical factors like power, communications, and security, you build an accurate picture of what sites can realistically support effective coverage. This information is what makes a site selection meaningful—only with solid reconnaissance can you evaluate which locations offer the best radar coverage, least interference, and workable logistics. Once a suitable site is identified from that information, you move on to occupying it and then positioning the equipment within it to maximize effectiveness.