RECON units in MC

[Volcano Man]

Yes, it is useful at night or in restricted terrain (such as woods, cities, swamps, etc. or when you are in rough terrain). The limitations are great though, it has a max spotting range of two hexes and the first hex would be spotted anyway because it would be adjacent to the unit itself. The unit that is patrolling is also much weaker with its fire too, and has its movement restricted if it wants to move away from that hex since it must recall the patrols.

One use is to have select units on the front lines use Patrolling at night to see if the enemy, who might be two hexes away resting, is building up for another attack and you can also use it to spot for artillery at night. Another use is to have select units on the front line who are adjacent to the enemy conduct Patrolling to see one hex behind the enemy front line to spot those huge breakthrough concentration of tanks or other targets which might be out of sight on flat terrain or behind a hill, again for early warning and to spot for artillery and air units. However, it is no more useful than Recon Spotting -- they both are unique abilities with their strengths and weaknesses.