Yet during WW II two main tendences can be distingued in recon doctrines. US and British doctrine is based in silent, stealth, and fast vehicles with poor armour, performing missions in and deep behind enemy lines. They recon and report to the army without noticed.
On the other hand, Germans and Russians share a concept, the force recon movement. Their Recon Vehicles are better armoured and have more firepower, because they intend not only spot enemie's weak points but taking advantage of them if found. The Russian and german recon patrols consist in several rec. vehicles supported by mounted infantry and one or two tanks.