text: Chapter 12
  RECONNAISSANCE IN FORCE
  12-63. A reconnaissance in force is a form of reconnaissance operation designed to discover or test
  the enemy’s strength, dispositions, and reactions or to obtain other information. Battalion-sized task
  forces or larger organizations usually conduct a reconnaissance in force. Commanders assign this operation
  when an enemy force is operating within an area and they cannot obtain adequate intelligence about the
  enemy force by other means. Units may also conduct a reconnaissance in force in restrictive terrain where an
  enemy is likely to ambush smaller reconnaissance forces. Reconnaissance in force is forceful reconnaissance,
  conducted as an offensive operation with clearly stated reconnaissance objectives. The overall goal of a
  reconnaissance in force is to determine exploitable enemy weaknesses. It differs from other reconnaissance
  operations because commanders direct their performance to gain information solely about an enemy force.
  Commanders plan for both the reinforcement and the retrograde of their forces. They plan a reinforcement
  so they can exploit success and they plan a retrograde if they encounter superior enemy forces.
  Tasks Associated with a Reconnaissance in Force
  12-64. Units performing a reconnaissance in force carry out these tasks:
  * Penetrate the enemy’s disruption zone and determine its size and depth.
  * Determine the location and disposition of enemy forces.
  * Attack enemy positions and attempt to force the enemy to react by using local reserves or major
  counterattack forces, employing fires, adjusting positions, and employing specific weapon
  systems.
  * Determine weaknesses in the enemy’s disposition to exploit.
  * Locate obstacles and create lanes as specified.
  * Enter areas of operation in complex terrain not previously occupied by friendly forces such as
  urban environments.
  As with other reconnaissance tasks, units performing reconnaissance in force report and continue to conduct
  their mission as they await further guidance from their higher headquarters if they cannot complete their
  assigned tasks.
  Organization of Forces for a Reconnaissance in Force
  12-65. While specifically trained and equipped units usually conduct the other reconnaissance tasks, any
  maneuver force can conduct a reconnaissance in force. Commanders directing the performance of a
  reconnaissance in force organize their forces in the same way as they organize offensive operations. They
  normally direct the performance of a reconnaissance in force as a movement to contact or a series of frontal
  attacks across broad frontages. The lack of enemy information dictates that these forces are large and strong
  enough to develop the situation. They need to be capable of protecting themselves long enough to receive
  support from other friendly assets. The less commanders know about their opposing enemy forces, the
  stronger they organize each friendly force.
  Control Measures for a Reconnaissance in Force
  12-66. The control measures associated with a reconnaissance in force are the same as for offensive
  operations. See paragraphs A-44 through A-61 for offensive operations control measures.
  SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE
  12-67. Special reconnaissance is reconnaissance and surveillance actions conducted as a special operation
  in hostile, denied, or diplomatically and/or politically sensitive environments to collect or verify information
  of strategic or operational significance, employing military capabilities not normally found in conventional
  forces (JP 3-05). These actions provide an additional capability for commanders and supplement other
  conventional reconnaissance actions. Sometimes only visual observation or other collection methods in the
  target area can obtain the desired information, even with offensive cyber electromagnetic warfare techniques,
  long-range sensors, and overhead platforms. Special operations forces are equipped and possess capabilities