text: Reconnaissance
  information to obtain. Commanders assign reconnaissance objectives based on PIRs resulting from the IPB
  process and the reconnaissance asset’s capabilities and limitations. A reconnaissance objective can be
  information about a specific geographic location, such as the cross-country trafficability of a specific area,
  to confirm or deny a specific activity of a threat, or to specify the location of a threat such as a specific piece
  of equipment or an entire system. Furthermore, reconnaissance units use their reconnaissance objective to
  guide them in setting priorities when they lack time to complete all the tasks associated with performing a
  specific type of reconnaissance. Reconnaissance assets remain focused on achieving these objectives
  regardless of what they encounter during their missions. These assets implement reconnaissance objectives
  to focus their efforts when time, enemy action, or other factors prevent them from performing all the tasks
  normally associated with a particular form of reconnaissance.
  Report All Required Information Rapidly and Accurately
  12-9. Reconnaissance assets acquire and report accurate and timely combat information about their
  reconnaissance objectives. This information may quickly lose its value, which is why it is important that the
  latest time information of value is included with information requirements to aid in timely reporting and
  avoid wasting reconnaissance assets. Reconnaissance assets report exactly what they see and, if appropriate,
  what they do not see as this information is potentially tied to PIRs or information requirements. Seemingly
  unimportant information may be extremely important when combined with other information. Reports of no
  enemy activity are as important as reports of enemy activity. Unit information management plans ensure that
  unit reconnaissance assets have the proper communications equipment to support the echelon’s integrated
  information collection plan.
  Retain Freedom of Maneuver
  12-10. Reconnaissance assets need to retain their battlefield mobility, refine tactical knowledge of terrain
  and the enemy, and maintain their initiative to complete their missions. Reconnaissance stops and battle
  begins when these assets become decisively engaged. Reconnaissance assets require clear engagement and
  disengagement criteria that support their commander’s intent. They employ proper movement and
  reconnaissance techniques, use overwatching fires, and follow standard operating procedures.
  Reconnaissance assets adopt formations designed to gain contact with the smallest friendly element prior to
  approaching areas where enemy contact is expected. This provides friendly elements maximum maneuver
  space and prevents the entire reconnaissance element from becoming decisively engaged. Units use the IPB
  process to identify anticipated areas of likely contact. Use of indirect fires to provide suppression and
  obscuration as well as to destroy point targets is a method reconnaissance elements use to retain their freedom
  of maneuver. Reconnaissance units have a working relationship with Army aviation reconnaissance assets
  that can enable freedom of maneuver through early warning as well as destruction of direct threats to ground
  reconnaissance forces.
  Gain and Maintain Enemy Contact
  12-11. Reconnaissance assets gaining contact with enemy forces maintain contact unless their commander
  orders otherwise, or their survival is at risk. This does not mean individual scout and reconnaissance teams
  cannot break contact with enemy forces. Units conducting reconnaissance are responsible for maintaining
  contact once it occurs. Contact can range from visual to direct fire contact. After contact the unit decides
  which form or forms of contact is best for maintaining enemy contact so they can continue to provide required
  information. Survivability is a key consideration for the unit in determining which forms of contact to
  maintain. Leaders at all echelons must decide which forms of contact, through available assets, will enable
  the reconnaissance force to maintain contact and can switch between them as needed. Surveillance, combined
  with stealth, is often sufficient to maintain contact and is the preferred method. Units conducting
  reconnaissance avoid direct fire contact with enemy forces unless it is necessary to gain essential information.
  Develop the Situation Rapidly
  12-12. Reconnaissance assets develop the situation immediately upon contact with enemy forces or
  obstacles. Report enemy force composition, dispositions, activities, and movements and maneuver. If contact
  is made with an obstacle, then reconnaissance assets determine the type and extent of the obstacle and if the