text: Offensive Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  5-49. A second version of the cordon and knock is cordon and ask, which means occupants or the local
  Host Nation authorities are asked for permission to search a particular location. If permission is denied, no
  entry occurs. However, the cordon and knock and the cordon and ask require some degree of integration
  with HN security force or HN authorities to obtain the agreement by the occupants of the target to the
  subsequent search. At a minimum, a sufficient number of translators, preferably one with each element,
  is required.
  Cordon and Enter
  5-50. This approach is intrusive. The intent is to rapidly breach barriers to gain entry into the search
  area, typically using speed and surprise to allow the unit to quickly gain control. This action allows units
  to maintain the initiative over a potentially unknown insurgent force operating in the search area. Intrusive
  entry ranges from a Soldier simply opening a door without occupant permission, to mechanical ballistic, or
  explosive breaching. In addition, mounted units can use vehicles to breach. The cordon and enter
  approach does not explicitly require integrated HN security forces or HN authorities, because occupants'
  permission is not required. However, during a counterinsurgency, obtaining the leadership or direct support
  of the HN is always preferred. Commanders assume operational risk in COIN by foregoing these
  considerations. Some considerations when using the cordon and enter method follow. These considerations
  may be more or less important than capturing the target individual, site, or equipment. Gains in security by
  violent capture of a key insurgent leader may result in far more substantial losses along the other LOE:
  • Risk to civilian occupants and bystanders.
  • Collateral damage to infrastructure.
  • Perception of the populace.
  • Risk to Soldiers.
  • Rehearsals.
  • Level of training of breach element.
  • Effects on subsequent tactical site exploitations.
  APPROACHES
  5-51. Leaders plan and execute cordon and search operations using either a systematic or selective
  approach. A systematic approach is the search of all buildings in the targeted area, while a selective
  approach is the search of specific locations within a targeted area. The approach used depends on
  numerous factors. However, the purpose of the operation is still to capture the designated personnel, site,
  or equipment.
  CONSIDERATIONS
  5-52. If intelligence indicates enemy presence, and the local populace is either neutral or supportive
  of the insurgency, then the principles of speed and surprise are the keys to a successful cordon and search.
  Specific considerations using elements of the mission variables are—
  Mission
  5-53. Leaders determine the focus and method of the cordon and search based on the anticipated threat
  and the level of violence in the area of operations.
  Enemy
  5-54. Cordon elements cannot effectively block pedestrian egress or ingress. Therefore, commanders
  should consider how to best physically stop pedestrian traffic. Lethal fire is not a universal means
  of enforcing the nature of a cordon.
  Troops and Support Available
  5-55. The size and composition of the cordon and search force is based on the size of the area to be
  cordoned, the size of the area to be searched and the suspected enemy SITEMP. Normally, a military
  commander, with the police in support, best controls a search involving a battalion or larger force. The