text: Reconnaissance Operations
  4-35. Table 4-1 shows which types of Cavalry units could conduct which type of reconnaissance operation.
  SOF conducts special reconnaissance operations.
  Table 4-1. Dedicated reconnaissance units and types of reconnaissance operations
  Scout Platoon Troop or Air Cavalry Cavalry BCT Division Special Operations
  Company Squadron Forces
  Zone X X X X X
  Area X X X X X
  Route X X X
  Reconnaissance X X X
  in Force (if
  reinforced)
  Special X
  Legend
  BCT brigade combat team
  ZONE RECONNAISSANCE
  4-36. Zone reconnaissance is a type of reconnaissance operation that involves a directed effort to obtain
  detailed information on all routes, obstacles, terrain, and enemy forces within a zone defined by boundaries
  (ADP 3-90). Any unit can perform zone reconnaissance, though the Cavalry squadron conducts zone
  reconnaissance in advance of the BCT’s maneuver battalions to develop information and intelligence,
  affecting the success of current and future BCT operations. A commander assigns zone reconnaissance when
  the enemy situation is vague or when information related to terrain, infrastructure, or the civil populous is
  limited. Commanders require specific information from zone reconnaissance to develop or refine their
  courses of action before deploying additional forces into the zones. In this regard, zone reconnaissance may
  orient on the main body’s subsequent area of operations or a specific axis of advance. Zone reconnaissance
  is the broadest and overarching of the reconnaissance types and is an appropriate mission for the BCT’s
  Cavalry squadron. The more focused types of reconnaissance operations (area and route reconnaissance) may
  be included as specified tasks during zone reconnaissance.
  4-37. Commanders must work to balance available time with critical collection requirements to ensure they
  provide the necessary information for their higher commanders. To do this, commanders deliberately focus
  collection requirements and adjust their reconnaissance methods to increase the overall tempo of the
  operation. However, as tempo increases, so does the risk associated with zone reconnaissance and follow-on
  operations. Commanders choose to task organize the reconnaissance force to mitigate risks associated with
  an increased tempo of operations and to provide Cavalry organizations with an ability to develop the situation
  through action in close contact with the enemy and civilian population.
  TASKS
  4-38. The Cavalry squadron commander, working with the BCT commander, determines the priority of tasks
  that best answers PIRs. The commander then focuses the squadron’s collection efforts against these
  requirements. The primary tasks conducted within capability and associated with zone reconnaissance are—
  * Find and report all enemy forces within the zone.
  * Clear all enemy forces in the designated, assigned area of the unit conducting reconnaissance in
  accordance with engagement criteria.
  * Determine the trafficability of all terrain in the zone, including built-up areas.
  * Locate and determine the extent of all contaminated areas in the zone.
  * Inspect and classify all bridges within the zone.
  * Inspect and classify overpasses, underpasses, and culverts.
  * Reconnoiter defiles along the route. Clear them of enemy and obstacles, or locate a bypass.