text: Chapter 5
  Do Not Keep Reconnaissance Assets in Reserve
  5-42. Never keep reconnaissance assets in reserve. The BCT commander commits reconnaissance forces and
  assets with specific missions designed to help reduce uncertainty through the collection of information related
  to priority intelligence requirements and information requirements. Although noncontiguous operations may
  necessitate orientation of reconnaissance assets in multiple directions, reconnaissance forces maximize all
  assets at their disposal to information collection focused on the CCIRs. This does not mean that all
  reconnaissance forces and assets are committed all the time. The BCT commander uses reconnaissance forces
  and assets based on their capabilities and the mission variables of METT-TC to achieve the maximum
  coverage needed to answer CCIRs. At times, this requires the commander to withhold or position
  reconnaissance forces and assets to ensure that they are available at critical times and places.
  Orient on the Reconnaissance Objective
  5-43. The BCT commander orients reconnaissance assets by identifying a reconnaissance objective in the
  area of operations. The reconnaissance objective clarifies the intent of the reconnaissance effort by specifying
  the most important result to obtain from the reconnaissance effort. Every reconnaissance mission specifies a
  reconnaissance objective. The commander assigns a reconnaissance objective based on priority intelligence
  requirements resulting from the IPB process and the capabilities and limitations of the reconnaissance force
  or asset. The reconnaissance objective can be information about a specific geographical location,such as the
  cross-country trafficability of a specific area, a specific enemy or adversary activity to be confirmed or
  denied,or a specific enemy or adversary unit to be located and tracked. When the reconnaissance force does
  not have enough time to complete all the tasks associated with a specific typeof reconnaissance,it uses the
  reconnaissance objective to guide it in setting priorities. The commander may need to provide additional
  detailed instructions beyond the reconnaissance objective,such as the specific tasks and their priorities. The
  commander issues additional guidance to the reconnaissance force or specifies these instructions in tasks to
  subordinates in a warning order,fragmentary order,or the operation order.
  Report Information Rapidly and Accurately
  5-44. Reconnaissance assets acquire and report accurate and timely information on the enemy,terrain,and
  civil considerations of the area over which the commander conducts operations. As information may quickly
  lose its value over time,the BCT commander must have accurate reports quickly to make informed decisions
  as to where to concentrate combat power. Rapid reporting allows the staff maximum time to analyze
  information and make timely recommendations to the commander. Information requirements,tied to decision
  points, define a latest time information is of value date-time group. Reconnaissance forces report exactly
  what they see and, if appropriate, what they do not see. Seemingly, unimportant information may be
  extremely important when combined with other information. Reports of no enemy activity are as important
  as reports of enemy activity. Failing to report tells the commander nothing.
  Retain Freedom of Maneuver
  5-45. Reconnaissance forces must maintain battlefield mobility, as fixed reconnaissance forces are
  ineffective. Reconnaissance forces must have clear engagement criteria that support the BCT commander’s
  intent. They must employ proper movement and reconnaissance techniques, use overwatching fires, and
  follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). Initiative and knowledge of both the terrain and the enemy
  reduce the likelihood of decisive engagement and help maintain freedom of movement. Before initial contact,
  the reconnaissance force adopts a movement technique designed to gain contact with the smallest friendly
  element possible. This movement technique provides the reconnaissance force with the maximum
  opportunity for maneuver and enables the force to avoid having the entire reconnaissance force decisively
  engaged. The IPB is used to identify anticipated areas of contact. Indirect fires to provide suppression,
  obscuration,and to destroy point targets is a method reconnaissance forces use to retain freedom of maneuver.
  Gain and Maintain Enemy Contact
  5-46. Once reconnaissance forces gain contact with the enemy, it maintains that contact unless the
  commander directing the reconnaissance orders a change of mission,disengagement or displacement criteria
  is met,when the force conducts areconnaissance handover,or the survival of the unitis at risk. Contact can