For other uses, see istar (disambiguation) . ISTAR stands for information, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance. In its macroscopic sense, ISTAR is a practice that links several battlefield functions together to assist a combat force in employing its sensors and managing the information they gather.Information is collected on the battlefield through systematic observation by deployed soldiers and a variety of electronic sensors.Surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance are methods of obtaining this information.nformation is collected on the battlefield through systematic observation by deployed soldiers and a variety of electronic sensors. Surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance are methods of obtaining this information.