text: Movement to Contact
  contact when enemy forces are operating as small, dispersed elements, and the units cannot target them by
  any methods other than a physical search. Units may also use a search and attack when the task is to deny
  enemy forces the ability to move within a given area. Primarily, dismounted infantry forces conduct a search
  and attack. Armored, mechanized, and Stryker-equipped forces often support dismounted infantry
  performing this task. A search and attack often occurs during the conduct of irregular warfare. However, it
  may also be necessary when conducting noncontiguous operations during combat operations and
  consolidating gains.
  4-51. All echelons can conduct search and attack operations. However, a division rarely conducts search and
  attack operations simultaneously throughout its assigned area. BCTs, maneuver battalions, and companies
  normally conduct search and attack operations. BCTs assist their subordinate maneuver battalions conducting
  a search and attack by ensuring the availability of indirect fires and other support.
  Organization of Forces for a Search and Attack
  4-52. Commander’s task-organize into reconnaissance, fixing, and finishing forces, each with a specific task
  and purpose. Alternatively, all units can be involved in the reconnaissance effort with individual subordinate
  elements performing the fixing and finishing functions based on the situation.
  4-53. Commanders base the size of their reconnaissance forces on available information about the size of
  enemy forces in their assigned areas, and the size of these assigned areas in terms of the geography and the
  size of the civilian population. The more uncertainty that exists within a situation, the larger the
  reconnaissance force. A reconnaissance force typically consists of scout, infantry, aviation, and
  electromagnetic warfare assets. A fixing force must have enough combat power to isolate enemy forces once
  the reconnaissance force finds them. The finishing force is normally the main body of that echelon. It must
  have enough combat power to defeat the enemy forces expected within its assigned area. Commanders can
  direct subordinate units to retain their own finishing force, or they can retain direct control of the finishing
  force. Units may also rotate subordinate elements through the reconnaissance, fixing, and finishing roles.
  However, rotating roles may require a change in task organization and additional time for training and
  rehearsal.
  Control Measures for a Search and Attack
  4-54. Units establish control measures that allow decentralized action and small-unit initiative to the greatest
  extent possible. Figure 4-3 on page 4-10 depicts the minimum control measures for a search and attack which
  include an assigned area, target reference points (TRPs), objectives, checkpoints, and contact points. The use
  of target reference points facilitates responsive fire support upon making contact with enemy forces. They
  use objectives and checkpoints to guide the movement of subordinate elements. They use other control
  measures, such as phase lines and named areas of interest (NAIs), as necessary. (Appendix A discusses these
  common control measures.)