text: Chapter 6
  6-138. After the security force makes contact,the BCT commander receives information from the security
  force in contact. Based upon that information the commander directs a COA consistent with the higher
  commander’s intent and within the main body’s capability. Elements of the main body initiate direct and
  indirect fires to gain the initiative. The commander emplaces fires assets to respond immediately to calls for
  fire.
  6-139. A portion of the main body composes the BCT commander’s sustaining base. The commander tailors
  the sustainment base to the mission. The commander decentralizes the execution of sustainment support,but
  that support must be continuously available to the main body. Sustainment support includes using preplanned
  logistics packages(LOGPACs).
  PLANNING
  6-140. The BCT commander and staff plan for amovement to contact in the same manner as any offensive
  operations,however,time to plan may be constrained. Planning for a movement to contact begins,as with
  all operations, with a thorough understanding of the area of operations through a detailed IPB. The staff
  integrates the IPB,targeting,andRM(see chapter 4for a detailed discussion) and information collection (see
  chapter 5 for a detailed discussion) throughout the military decision-making process (MDMP). IPB is the
  systematic process of analyzing the mission variables of enemy,terrain,weather,and civil considerations in
  an area of interest to determine their effect on operations. Targeting is the process by which the staff
  (specifically the BCT targeting work group) selects and prioritizes targets and matches the appropriate
  response to them considering operational requirements and capabilities. RM is the commander’s and staff
  process to identify, assess, and control risks arising from operational factors and to make decisions that
  balance risk cost with mission benefits. The staff (specifically the BCT S-3, in coordination with the BCT
  S-2) integrates information collection into the concept of operations and manages the information collection
  effort through integrated staff processes and procedures.
  6-141. The BCT staff,in coordination with the commander,develops and executesAnnex L (Information
  Collection) to the operation order. Annex L describes how information collection activities support the
  mission throughout the conduct of the operations described in the base order. Annex L synchronizes activities
  in time,space,and purpose to achieve objectives and accomplish the commander’s intent for reconnaissance,
  surveillance,security operations, and intelligence operations (including militaryintelligence disciplines,see
  paragraph 5-90). The BCT commander and staff collaborate with the Cavalry squadron,military intelligence
  company,and security force assets to synchronize the information collection effort to allow the main body
  to focus on the conduct of the movement to contact.
  6-142. The BCT intelligence staff officer and S-2 section develop feasible threat COAs that address all
  aspects of the enemy’s potential capabilities. The S-2 section,assisted by BCT engineer and air defense staff
  representatives, analyzes the terrain to include enemy air avenues of approach. The plan addresses actions
  the commander anticipates based upon available information and intelligence and probable times and
  locations of enemy engagements.
  6-143. BCT reconnaissance and security forces detect the enemy; then confirm or deny the enemy’s
  presence making contact with the enemy using the smallest elements possible. A successful information
  collection effort integrates reconnaissance and security forces with HUMINTcollection operations,signals
  intelligence collection, target acquisition assets, and aerial reconnaissance and surveillance (manned and
  unmanned) assets. The BCT commander may task organize reconnaissance and security forces with
  additional combat power allowing them to develop the situation on contact with the enemy. Additional
  combat power may include Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, Stryker vehicles, weapons troop or
  Infantry weapons companies,or an Infantry rifle company. The unit’s planned movement formation should
  contribute to the goal of making initial contact with the smallest force possible and provide for efficient
  movement of the force.
  6-144. The commander directs the establishment of decision points,branches,and sequels based upon the
  CCIRs to ensure flexibility in the plan. The commander controls the movement to contact by using control
  measures to provide the flexibility needed to respond to changes in the situation and to allow the commander
  to rapidly concentrate combat power at the decisive point.