text: Chapter 4
  4-75. If CBRN contamination is expected, CBRN reconnaissance assets should accompany the force
  conducting ground reconnaissance. They can detect, identify, and locate CBRN hazards more accurately and
  quickly than organic Cavalry units.
  RECONNAISSANCE IN FORCE
  4-76. Reconnaissance in force is a type of reconnaissance operation designed to discover or test the enemy’s
  strength, dispositions, and reactions or to obtain other information (ADP 3-90). Usually, reconnaissance in
  force is a limited objective operation conducted by a battalion-sized TF, Cavalry squadron, or larger force.
  The commander assigns reconnaissance in force when the enemy is operating within a specific area and the
  commander cannot obtain adequate intelligence by other means. Reconnaissance in force is an aggressive
  reconnaissance, which develops information and intelligence in contact with the enemy to determine and
  exploit enemy weaknesses. The commander plans for both the retrograde and reinforcement of the friendly
  force (in case it should encounter superior enemy forces) and for the exploitation of its success.
  4-77. During reconnaissance in force, the subordinate elements of the Cavalry unit conduct offensive tasks
  and zone, area, and route reconnaissance operations. The Cavalry squadron often conducts reconnaissance in
  force in advance of a BCT movement to contact in order to allow the main body freedom of maneuver and
  mass combat power.
  4-78. BCT commanders order squadrons to conduct reconnaissance in force as a stand-alone operation or as
  the lead in conjunction with a brigade attack. Based upon enemy composition and other METT-TC (I)
  variables, the Cavalry squadron may require augmentation with maneuver and fires elements to conduct
  reconnaissance in force as a stand-alone operation. Cavalry forces need to retain freedom of maneuver while
  conducting tasks during reconnaissance in force operations.
  TASKS
  4-79. Tasks for reconnaissance in force include the following:
  * Penetrate the enemy’s security area, and determine its size and depth.
  * Determine the location and disposition of enemy forces.
  * Attack enemy positions, and attempt to force the enemy to react by using local reserves or major
  counterattack forces, employing fires and specific weapons systems, and adjusting positions.
  * Determine weaknesses in the enemy’s disposition to exploit.
  * Locate obstacles, and create lanes as specified.
  * Enter areas of operations in complex terrain not previously occupied by friendly forces, such as
  urban environments.
  PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
  4-80. The planning considerations for reconnaissance in force are the same as for zone reconnaissance. The
  control measures of reconnaissance in force are the same as for offensive tasks. (Refer to ADP 3-90 for
  more information.)
  SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE
  4-81. Special reconnaissance is characterized as reconnaissance and surveillance actions conducted as a
  special operation in hostile, denied, or diplomatically and/or politically sensitive environments to collect or
  verify information of strategic or operational significance, employing military capabilities not normally
  found in conventional forces (JP 3-05). Special reconnaissance tasks support the collection of the joint TF
  commander’s PIRs. A special operations liaison may provide a responsive reporting capability in situations
  wherein the special operations TF commander has been requested to collect intelligence information that
  supports the intelligence requirements of a conventional force commander.
  4-82. An SOF element conducting special reconnaissance supports the joint TF commander’s overall
  information collection efforts. The SOF element does not suspend or alter their collection efforts to support
  another collection plan unless the joint TF commander directs them to do so. SOF are equipped and possess