text: Chapter 6
  CORDON AND SEARCH
  6-167. Cordon and search is a technique of conducting a movement to contact that involves isolating a
  target area and searching suspected locations within that target area to capture or destroy possible enemy
  forces and contraband (FM 3-90-1). The BCT normally assigns a cordon and search mission to a battalion.
  The BCT supports the cordon and search by conducting shaping operations and providing additional
  resources to the unit conducting the cordon and search. A cordon and search may support site exploitation
  (see ATP3-90.15).
  ATTACK
  6-168. Anattackis a type ofoffensive operationthat destroys or defeats enemy forces,seizes and secures
  terrain, or both (ADP 3-90). Although an attack may be a deliberate operation or a hasty operation, both
  synchronize all available warfighting functions to defeat the enemy. The main difference between a hasty
  and a deliberate operation (see chapter 2) is preparation and planning time.
  6-169. The key difference between a movement to contact and an attack is the amount of information known
  about the enemy. Information enables the commander to have more control, to better synchronize the
  operation,and to employ combat power more effectively than in a movement to contact. The commander has
  the advantage of being extremely deliberate and refined in task organization,assignment of tactical mission
  tasks,and the scheme of maneuver.
  6-170. The BCT executes subordinate forms of the attack to achieve different results. These subordinate
  forms of the attack have special purposes and include the ambush,counterattack,demonstration,feint,raid,
  and spoiling attack (see paragraph 6-197). The commander’s intent and the mission variables of METT-TC
  determine the specific attack form. The commander can conduct these forms of attack,except for a raid,as a
  hasty or a deliberate operation.
  ORGANIZATION OF FORCES
  6-171. The BCT commander determines the scheme of maneuver and task organizes the force to give each
  subordinate unit the combat power to accomplish its assigned missions. The commander normally organizes
  the attacking force into a security force,a main body,and a reserve. The commander completes any changes
  in task organization early in the process to allow subordinate units to conduct rehearsals with their attached
  and supporting elements.
  Security Forces
  6-172. The BCT executes most attacks while in contact with the enemy which reduces the requirement for
  a separate forward security force. The commander commits security forces during an attack only if the attack
  is likely to uncover one or more flanks or the rear of the attacking force as it advances. The commander
  designates a flank or rear security force and assigns it a guard or screen mission depending on METT-TC.
  Main Body
  6-173. The BCT commander allocates forces based on the assigned tasks, the terrain, and the size of the
  enemy force that each avenue of approach—a path used by an attacking force leading to its objective or to
  key terrain. Avenues of approach exist in all domains (ADP 3-90)—can support (probable force ratio). The
  BCT attacks to destroy enemy forces or to seize key terrain. The scheme of maneuver identifies the decisive
  operation or main effort. During the course of the attack,the unit(s) executing the decisive operation or main
  effort may change based upon conditions or plans.
  6-174. Maintaining mobility in an attack is critical. The assistant brigade engineer (known as ABE) officer
  must plan and allocate mobility resources to the main body and security forces. The commander designates
  a breach, assault, and support force as the initial decisive operation if the commander anticipates or has
  identified the need to conduct a breach during the attack. The breaching fundamentals applied to ensure
  success when breaching against a defending enemy are SOSRA. These obstacle reduction fundamentals
  always apply,but they may vary based on METT-TC. The commander isolates and secures the breach area,