text: Chapter 12
  warfighting functions when completed to ensure the reconnaissance mission is adequately supported. (See
  ADP 5-0 for more information on the integration of information collection—including reconnaissance—into
  the military decision-making process.)
  12-75. Civil affairs operations staff officers plan for civil reconnaissance and civil engagement similar to
  the way intelligence cells plan information collection. The civil affairs operations staff officers prioritize their
  civil reconnaissance and civil engagement information collection tasks to fill existing information gaps. The
  information collected allows them to update the civil affairs operations running estimates. The civil affairs
  operations concept of operations takes into account the quality of existing area assessments and civil
  information databases. (See FM 3-57 for additional information on civil reconnaissance and civil
  engagement.)
  RECONNAISSANCE TECHNIQUES
  12-76. There are two reconnaissance techniques commanders employ to answer information requirements:
  reconnaissance push and reconnaissance pull. Commanders employ these techniques based on their level of
  understanding of the operational environment combined with the time available to refine their understanding.
  In selecting one technique over the other, the commander considers the following:
  * Degree of the situational understanding of the enemy.
  * Time available to collect the information.
  * Leadership ability of subordinate commanders.
  * Proficiency of subordinate units to plan and rapidly react for uncertain situations.
  12-77. Reconnaissance pull is reconnaissance that determines which routes are suitable for maneuver,
  where the enemy is strong and weak, and where gaps exist, thus pulling the main body toward and
  along the path of least resistance. This facilitates the commander’s initiative and agility. Reconnaissance
  assets initially work over a broad area to develop the enemy situation. As units gain an understanding of
  enemy weaknesses, they then “pull” the main body to positions of tactical advantage. Reconnaissance pull
  knowingly emphasizes opportunity at the expense of a detailed, well-rehearsed plan, and unity of effort.
  Commanders base plans on several viable branches or COAs triggered by decision points. These decision
  points are tied to reconnaissance assets’ ability to answer commander’s critical information requirements.
  Leaders at all levels must understand and rehearse branches and sequels. A reconnaissance pull can also be
  used when higher echelons have not selected a specific COA while the unit conducting the reconnaissance
  answers key PIRs to help develop the plan. This facilitates commanders’ initiative and agility.
  12-78. Reconnaissance push is reconnaissance that refines the common operational picture, enabling
  the commander to finalize the plan and support main and supporting efforts. It is normally used once
  the commander commits to a scheme of maneuver or COA. In these cases, commanders “push”
  reconnaissance assets into specific portions of their areas of operation to confirm, deny, and validate planning
  assumptions that impact operations. Reconnaissance push emphasizes detailed, well-rehearsed planning.
  Typically, a COA has already been selected for the echelon executing the mission when a reconnaissance
  push is used.
  12-79. The primary reason for using one method instead of the other is the time available. The time required
  to develop a COA can give enemy forces more time to recover and prepare, thereby increasing the risk of
  higher casualties than necessary. Commanders balance the time needed to develop a COA with the need to
  act rapidly and decisively on the battlefield. There is no available model a commander can use to determine
  how much time is enough; that determination is part of the tactical art.
  SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT
  12-80. Sustaining reconnaissance assets before, during, and after their commitment is a vital part of
  maintaining reconnaissance capabilities. The methods employed by units to sustain their deployed
  reconnaissance assets depend on the situations. Units address reconnaissance asset sustainment as part of
  their planning process for each reconnaissance operation.
  12-81. Reconnaissance elements frequently operate in locations distant from their sustaining base. They
  either carry a large enough basic load, or their units task-organize them with assets necessary to sustain them