text: Reconnaissance and Security
  5-28. Reconnaissance and security forces often require a basic load in excess of the typical three days of
  supply configuration due to mission requirements. Supplies can be pre-positionedin collocated trains with a
  maneuver battalion’s echelon support. In restricted terrain,the most important commodities are likely classI
  (subsistence-priority to water) and class III (petroleum, oils, and lubricants [POL]) and depending on the
  enemy situation and terrain class V (ammunition). Possible examples of restricted terrain requiring an
  increased basic load include moderate-to-steep slopes or moderately-to-densely spaced obstacles, swamps,
  and rugged terrain and operation in urban terrain.
  5-29. Forces conducting reconnaissance generally have a greater requirement for class III and class V for
  indirect-fire assets and antiarmorsystems. Similar to offensive operations,reconnaissance requires refuel on
  the move(known as ROM). Security forces have a greater reliance on class V and reduced requirements for
  class III during security operations. Reconnaissance and security forces generally do not have large barrier
  class IV (construction and barrier materials) requirements. Possible exceptionsfor security forces are during
  the execution of long-term guard missions or during a defensive cover.
  5-30. When units task organize,particularly from outside the BCT,planners must incorporate and rehearse
  supporting logistics assets. The nature of reconnaissance and security operations stresses medical evacuation
  and requires wargaming and close coordination with external assets. Casualty evacuation (see ATP 4-25.13)
  planning and requirements for reconnaissance and security forces focuses on ground movement assets and
  must balance with survivability and stealth. Planners plan for and utilize aviation casualty backhaul as aircraft
  become available. (Seechapter 9for additional information.)
  SECTION II – RECONNAISSANCE
  5-31. Reconnaissanceis a mission undertaken to obtain,by visual observation or other detection methods,
  information about the activities and resources of an enemy or adversary, or to secure data concerning the
  meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area (JP 2-0). Reconnaissance
  employs many tactics,techniques,and procedures throughout the course of an operation,one of which may
  include an extended period of surveillance.
  PURPOSE OF RECONNAISSANCE
  5-32. The purpose of reconnaissance is to gather information so the commander can create plans, make
  decisions, and issue orders. The BCT commander’s focus for reconnaissance usually falls in three general
  areas: CCIRs,targeting,and voids in information. The BCT staff,primarily the S-2 in coordination with the
  S-3,identifies gaps in available intelligence based on the initial IPB (see ATP 2-19.4,appendix G) and the
  situationally dependent CCIRs. The BCT’s reconnaissance effort and the IPB process are interactive and
  iterative, each feeding the other. For example, the IPB process helps determine factors that affect
  reconnaissance during collection,such as—
  (cid:122) Avenues of approach that support friendly movement and exploit enemy weaknesses.
  (cid:122) Key terrain,choke points,obstacles,and hazard areas.
  (cid:122) Enemy positions,especially flanks that can be exploited.
  (cid:122) Observation points.
  5-33. Conversely,reconnaissance drivesthe refinement of IPB results(see paragraph 4-157)as appropriate
  by confirming or denying priority intelligence requirements that support tentative plans. The results of the
  IPB process contribute to the BCT’s security by developing products that help the commander protect
  subordinate forces, including identification of key terrain features, manmade and natural obstacles,
  trafficability and cross-country mobility analysis, line-of-sight overlays, and situation templates. For
  example, line-of-sight overlays help protect the force. If an enemy cannot observe the friendly force, the
  enemy cannot engage the friendly force with direct fire weapons. Situation templates also help protect the
  force. If a commander knows how fast an enemy force can respond to the unit’s offensive actions, unit
  operations can be sequenced,so they occur at times and places where the enemy cannot respond effectively.
  This occurs through determining enemy artillery range fans, movement times between enemy reserve
  assembly area locations and advancing friendly forces,and other related intelligence items.