text: Chapter 1
  engagement strategies that deliver connections and relationships with pillar organizations and individuals
  who control and influence the local community. Engagements secure common and clearly defined goals and
  ideals that provide a common reference point for future engagements and activities. Engagements seek to
  reinforce the authority of legitimate leaders and pillars and restore or solidify confidence in host-nation
  security forces, governance, and the rule of law. Persuasive efforts utilize a compelling narrative that justifies
  and explains friendly actions while delegitimizing motivations and behaviors of adversaries and those entities
  opposing positive gains within the area of operations. Additionally, persuasive efforts specifically target
  neutral or fringe entities with the goal of tipping neutrality to a favorable alliance.
  1-34. Shaping the operational environment requires understanding the competing dynamics within the
  BCT’s area of operations. Commanders and staffs gain an understanding through analysis of mission and
  operational variables enhanced and developed through information collection and both reconnaissance and
  security operations. Understanding and analysis are continuous tasks not bound by phase or operation.
  SECTION IV – CAVALRY EMPLOYMENT IN LARGE SCALE COMBAT OPERATIONS
  1-35. Commanders and staffs at the BCT, division, and corps level determine the reconnaissance
  requirements for the operation. The commander issues reconnaissance-planning guidance early to ensure that
  reconnaissance operations can precede the mission and identify options to seize, retain, and exploit the
  initiative. Reconnaissance operations often begin before the course of action analysis completion so that the
  Cavalry unit can inform the planning effort. For division Cavalry operations at echelons above brigade
  (EAB), refer to appendix A.
  1-36. Reconnaissance and security are vital operations performed in conjunction with other operations
  during offensive, defensive, and stability operations. Not only reserved for the Cavalry squadron, the BCT
  should incorporate reconnaissance and security into all aspects of operations. Figure 1-1 illustrates how
  reconnaissance and security is fundamental to all aspects of decisive operations.