text: Chapter 4
  4-65. Cordon and search operations occur in five phases: reconnaissance, movement to the objective, cordon
  establishment, search, and retrograde. These phases are descriptive of a cordon and search and are not
  prescriptive.
  4-66. The reconnaissance phase is initiated upon receipt of mission and continues throughout the planning
  process. Planners conduct intelligence preparation of the battlefield, develop a scheme of maneuver, and
  refine the plan. The friendly force performs the necessary reconnaissance to gain information and complete
  the plan. A complete order is issued, allowing time for leaders to develop subordinate plans and conduct
  rehearsals. The planning phase ends when rehearsals, pre-combat checks, and inspections are complete, and
  the unit crosses the LD.
  4-67. Movement to the objective area occurs as a single unit or in separate serials sequenced along differing
  routes. Leaders consider terrain and threat assessments to determine appropriate movement formations and
  techniques. The movement phase ends when the security element reaches its release point and begins
  establishing the cordon.
  4-68. Establishing a cordon entails emplacing an outer and inner cordon, simultaneously or sequentially. The
  cordon is considered established when the objective area is isolated, and it continues until the force
  commences retrograde. Leaders consider allocating priority of intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance,
  fires, and nonlethal assets to the cordon element once the cordon is established.
  4-69. Clearing the objective area and searching target areas occur once the objective area is isolated. Forces
  may undertake additional activity after the objective is clear, including tactical questioning, site exploitation,
  providing medical attention to local nationals, communicating with local leaders, and conducting other
  influence activities. The amount of time spent at an objective area depends on factors including the size of
  the objective, the number of adversaries to vet, the amount of material of likely intelligence-value present,
  the presence of explosive hazards, and the size and augmentation of the search element.
  4-70. The enemy may force cordon and search operations, or a unit may execute them voluntarily. A
  retrograde is a transitional operation; it is not conducted in isolation. Stay-behind reconnaissance forces may
  be employed to observe activity for a period after the cordon and search force departs the objective area.
  Retrograde is not complete until all personnel, including stay-behind forces, arrive in the designated assembly
  area. Retrograde is the most vulnerable phase of cordon and search operations, possibly rife with personnel
  accountability issues and interdiction by enemy forces along anticipated retrograde routes. Leaders strongly
  consider using intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and joint fires assets to support the retrograde.
  (See Chapter 11 for additional information on retrograde operations.)
  Principles for a Cordon and Search
  4-71. The principles of cordon and search are comprehensive and fundamental rules to guide battalions. The
  principles are not a checklist. While the commander considers these principles, they do not apply in the same
  way to every situation. Instead, the principles summarize characteristics of successful cordon and search
  operations. For the unit, the value in these principles lies in analyzing a pending operation while
  synchronizing efforts and determining if or when to deviate from the principles based on the current situation.
  The nine principles of cordon and search are—
  * Speed.
  * Surprise.
  * Isolation.
  * Proper target identification.
  * Timeliness.
  * Accountability.
  * Minimization of collateral damage.
  * Detailed search.
  * Legitimacy.