I'm finding it best to send two or three units  -- something you can easily sacrifice -- ahead as a scouting party. 

That way, you can see what's in store for you before committing a brace of troops (and thus plan accordingly afterwards).

I know we have recon units.  That said, the emphasis should be on something you can easily sacrifice-slash-throw away (if you've got 30 recon units and 160 riflemen, you're better off sending out a couple of riflemen as opposed to a recon unit).  The idea is to flush out the enemy.

A little something for the newbies out there (and for anyone else who's tired of wasting units).  I'm now able to accomplish in 2-3 raids that which used to take me 4-5 raids to accomplish. 

Stop guessing and KNOW what you're getting into.

I regret not having done this sooner. 

UPDATE:  I've tried this on both raiding and defensive missions (Lvl. 6).  It works!

It would've saved me a LOT of units. 

*** sigh ***

Better late then never, I guess. 

Good point, Midnight Dancer!

Good point, Midnight Dancer!

I know many players who do exactly the same. Also, they calculate which Units are better to send. I could even find that tool if you need it One of our Facebook players did it.

Here you go: http://www.aaadbs.com/SI/Z_Red.aspx 

You can also find a description and explanations there. He also wrote a useful article for our game blog: http://plarium.com/en/strategy-games/soldiers-inc/pro-mmo-players/search-and-destroy/

I do the same too just a hand full then I work out the stats then keep sending soldiers off 100 to 500 per attack or defend its slow but it works

Chris said:

I do the same too just a hand full then I work out the stats then keep sending soldiers off 100 to 500 per attack or defend its slow but it works

If only I had the luxury of sending 100 soldiers at a time.

You can also get level calculator that can give an accurate to 20% give or take on how much is there.

Chris said:

I do the same too just a hand full then I work out the stats then keep sending soldiers off 100 to 500 per attack or defend its slow but it works

If only I had the luxury of sending 100 soldiers at a time.

For me, sending twenty units is pushing it.

  That is very shrewd.