text: Chapter 5
  SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS
  5-5. The fundamentals of security, similar to the fundamentals of reconnaissance, provide a framework for
  security operations. Reconnaissance operations, because they are continuous throughout all operations to
  develop the situation through information collection, are essential to successful security operations. The
  fundamentals of security are applicable to each type of security. The method in which each type of security
  achieves the fundamentals is different. This is important to understand when determining which type of
  security operation the security force should conduct. The following fundamentals guide security operations.
  5-6. Provide early and accurate warning. The security force provides early warning by detecting the enemy
  force quickly and reporting information accurately to the main body commander. The security force operates
  at varying distances from the main body based on the mission variables of METT-TC (I). The earlier the
  security force detects the enemy and answers PIRs, the more time the main body has to assess the changing
  situation and react. Therefore, the security force should operate as far away from the protected force as the
  mission variables allow without opening seems or gaps that the enemy could exploit.
  5-7. Provide reaction time and maneuver space. The security force operates at a distance from the main
  body and offers resistance to enemy forces to provide the main body with enough reaction time and maneuver
  space to respond effectively to likely enemy actions. The commander determines the amount of time and
  space required to respond effectively from information provided by the IPB process and the main body
  commander’s guidance regarding time the main body requires to react to enemy courses of action based on
  the mission variables of METT-TC (I). This includes providing time to the protected force to allow them to
  execute decision point to maximize firepower at their decisive point. The security force that operates farthest
  away from the main body and offers more resistance provides more time and space to the main body. The
  security force attempts to hinder the enemy’s advance by acting within its capabilities and mission constraints.
  5-8. Orient on the protected force, area, or facility to be secured. The security force focuses all its actions
  on protecting and providing early warning to the secured force or facility. The security force operates between
  the main body and known or suspected enemy units. The security force must move as the main body moves
  and orient on its movement. The security force commander must know the main body’s scheme of maneuver
  to keep the security force between the main body and the enemy. The value of terrain occupied by the security
  force hinges on the protection it proves to the main body commander. This fundamental serves as a
  counterbalance to the expectations that are implicit in “provide early and accurate warning.”
  5-9. Perform continuous reconnaissance. Implicit in this fundamental is that the squadrons need to prioritize
  answering brigade PIRs to facilitate decisions to allow the commander to achieve a position of relative
  advantage. Therefore, the security force aggressively and continuously seeks the enemy and reconnoiters key
  terrain. Terrain information focuses on the security force’s possible use by the enemy or the friendly force,
  either for offensive or defensive operations.
  5-10. Maintain enemy contact. Once the security force makes enemy contact, it does not break contact unless
  the main force commander specifically directs them to do so. By using depth, recon management, and
  utilizing different methods of reconnaissance, the security force is able to maintain contact with one asset
  while allowing others to displace. The security force must continuously collect information on the enemy’s
  activities to assist the main body in determining potential and actual enemy courses of action and to prevent
  the enemy from surprising the main body. This requires the security force to maintain continuous visual
  contact, to be able to use direct and indirect fires, and to maneuver freely, which requires the security force
  to have depth in space and time. In specific circumstances, electronic contact could be sufficient to “maintain
  enemy contact.” However, if the enemy is in obstacle contact, and there are no assets able to observe that
  contact, then this fundamental has not been achieved.
  5-11. The following vignette highlights a Cavalry squadron’s use of security fundamentals to protect a BCT’s
  flank during combat operations.