text: Reconnaissance
  data for situational awareness, planning, intelligence, and operations by ground forces. Space reconnaissance
  assets can continue reconnaissance regardless of the enemy capability to defend against air and ground
  reconnaissance assets. Space and terrestrial weather may have varying effects on the different space-based
  sensors and the portion of the EMS being used. Certain space-based reconnaissance assets can be limited in
  the amount of support provided due to the physical limitations of their orbit and revisit times.
  FORMS OF RECONNAISSANCE
  12-42. The five forms of reconnaissance operations are—
  * Zone reconnaissance.
  * Area reconnaissance.
  * Route reconnaissance.
  * Reconnaissance in force.
  * Special reconnaissance.
  12-43. Table 12-2 shows what types of Army reconnaissance units are typically assigned the forms of
  reconnaissance operations. Special operations forces conduct special reconnaissance.
  Table 12-2. Dedicated reconnaissance units and forms of reconnaissance operations
  Scout Troop or Air Cavalry Brigade Division Special
  Platoon company cavalry squadron combat operation
  team forces
  Zone X X X X X
  Area X X X X X
  Route X X X
  Reconnaissance X (if
  X X
  in force reinforced)
  Special X
  ZONE RECONNAISSANCE
  12-44. Zone reconnaissance is a form 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. Commanders assign a zone reconnaissance mission when they need additional information
  on a zone before committing other forces. It is appropriate when the enemy situation is vague, existing
  knowledge of the terrain is limited, or combat operations have altered the terrain. A zone reconnaissance may
  include several route or area reconnaissance missions assigned to subordinate units.
  12-45. Zone reconnaissance is normally a deliberate process and units need to allow adequate time to
  perform this task. It takes more time than any other reconnaissance operation. It normally involves extended
  distances and starts from a LD. It requires the employment of all ground elements executing the zone
  reconnaissance abreast of each other. Commanders may forgo detailed reconnaissance of these zones and
  focus assets on NAIs that reveal enemy dispositions and intentions when their reconnaissance objectives are
  enemy forces. Reconnaissance units do not disregard terrain when focusing on enemy forces. However, they
  minimize their terrain reconnaissance efforts to what influences the NAIs.
  Tasks Associated with Zone Reconnaissance
  12-46. Units performing zone reconnaissance accomplish the following tasks within capability (unless
  otherwise ordered):
  * Find and report all enemy forces within the zone.
  * Based on engagement criteria, clear all enemy forces in the designated assigned area of the unit
  conducting reconnaissance.
  * 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.