Air reconnaissance supports the Marine air-ground task force's (MAGTF's) intelligence warfighting function because it provides critical intelligence that supports the MAGTF's operational planning process. The MAGTF commander uses air reconnaissance to gain intelligence that is vital to the shaping of the battlespace. This intelligence assists the commander in understanding the tactical situation, alerts him to new opportunities, and allows him to assess the effects of MAGTF operations on the threat. Through the proper use of manned and unmanned air reconnaissance assets, commanders within the MAGTF can maximize their forces' effectiveness by optimizing friendly strengths and exploiting the threat's critical vulnerabilities.