text: Chapter 4
  targeted for reconnaissance may consist of a future friendly position, such as brigade support areas (BSAs)
  or position areas for artillery. Frequently, area reconnaissance is defined as an NAI or a TAI to focus the unit
  on a more specific area, such as a building, bridge, obstacle, or key terrain.
  TASKS
  4-60. Area reconnaissance comprises the same tasks as zone reconnaissance. Based on time and the
  commander’s intent, the commander may direct reconnaissance for SIRs only. Like zone reconnaissance, the
  commander should provide focus to the unit in the commander’s intent within the OPORD and list the tasks
  in the specific instructions. Primary tasks conducted within capability and associated with area
  reconnaissance are—
  * Confirm or deny the commander’s PIRs.
  * Determine the trafficability of all terrain in the area, including built-up areas.
  * Find and report all enemy forces within the area.
  * Reconnoiter specific terrain within the area.
  * Report reconnaissance information.
  4-61. Other area reconnaissance tasks include the following:
  * Inspect and classify all bridges within the area.
  * Locate fords or crossing sites near all bridges within the area.
  * Inspect and classify all overpasses, underpasses, defiles, and culverts.
  * Locate and clear all mines, obstacles, and barriers in the area.
  * Locate bypasses around built-up areas.
  * Locate and determine the extent of all contamination in the area, as well as bypasses around
  contaminated areas.
  * Locate any bypasses for existing obstacles in the area that cannot be cleared.
  BCT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
  4-62. The planning considerations for area reconnaissance at the BCT are the same as for zone
  reconnaissance. The BCT commander provides focus within the area and the reconnaissance tempo. The
  BCT commander also provides the reconnaissance objective and the engagement/disengagement criteria for
  the maneuver to the reconnaissance objective.
  CAVALRY SQUADRON PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
  4-63. The planning considerations for area reconnaissance at the squadron level are the same as for zone
  reconnaissance, with some unique considerations. In area reconnaissance, the squadron’s IPB analysis
  determines the speed, formations, and movement techniques used to travel to the area. Depending on the size
  of the area, the commander decides the appropriate size force required to reconnoiter the objective. En route
  to or inside the area, the squadron establishes control measures as in zone reconnaissance (see figure 4-2).
  4-64. If another unit occupies an AA, the squadron reconnoiters avenues of approach and mobility corridors
  leading to the area to support that force. That squadron can secure the area initially; until the unit’s quartering
  parties arrive. The squadron continues with assigned missions or moves to screen that force as it conducts
  AA operations. Upon completion of reconnaissance, the troop or squadron departs the area along a different route.
  4-65. The squadron establishes control measures for area reconnaissance in the same manner as for zone
  reconnaissance. The squadron designates the area to reconnoiter with a continuous closed line, usually
  depicted as an NAI.
  4-66. The key distinction between zone and area reconnaissance is not which echelon can conduct either
  task, or the size of the area or zone to be reconnoitered. The key distinctions, instead, rely on the amount of
  information known about the enemy and operational environment, as well as the amount of risk the
  commander is willing to accept. Therefore, the commander might accept risk moving to the NAI or TAI to
  maximize the amount of time the unit can conduct the area reconnaissance. Whereas, in zone reconnaissance,