Drawing inference: why might the u. s. army have had an interest in the wright brothers' invention?

Although the U.S. government might've been interested in the Wright Brother's invention for combat use, they were probably more interested in the possibilities of reconnaissance. In a plane, you could easily spy on and figure out where bases are and enemy troop movements, without the fear of being caught or killed. It would be almost impossible for enemy troops to shoot down a plane.