text: Chapter 5
  Plan
  5-28. The commander establishes control measures that allow for maximum decentralized actions
  and small-unit initiative. Control measures facilitate the rapid consolidation and concentration of combat
  power before an attack. The minimum control measures for a search and attack are an AO, objectives,
  checkpoints, phase lines, limits of advance, and contact points. The use of target reference points (TRPs)
  facilitates responsive fire support once a reconnaissance force makes contact with the enemy. The
  commander uses objectives and checkpoints to guide the movement of subordinate elements. The
  commander uses other control measures as needed such as phase lines, restrictive fire lines,
  and marking systems.
  Zones
  5-29. The commander next determines how the area of operations will be broken down. Two
  options are—
  Multiple
  5-30. Assigning multiple small zones that keep subordinate elements concentrated and allow controlled,
  phased movement throughout the overall area. This facilitates overall control and allows subordinates
  to rapidly mass their combat power.
  Single
  5-31. Concentrate the main effort in one zone and use fire teams or squad patrols to reconnoiter the next
  zone. Once the main effort has completed a thorough reconnaissance of the initial zone, it then moves into
  the zone that the small units have reconnoitered, as they then move to their next zone. Small patrols
  provide the initial reconnaissance information, which commanders evaluate and then focus additional
  reconnaissance efforts.
  Orientation
  5-32. The commander determines how the search and attack will be conducted within the designated
  zones. The zones may be searched selectively or systematically. The commander must visualize, describe,
  and direct how subordinates will conduct the reconnaissance and how the attacking force will maneuver
  against the enemy. Two methods include—
  Decentralized Attack
  5-33. Each subordinate element is tasked to find, fix, finish, and exploit all enemy forces in their area
  within their capabilities. If more combat power is required, then the BCT will employ additional assets, the
  reserve, or adjacent units.
  Centralized Attack
  5-34. The commander retains control of the attack force while each subordinate element is tasked
  to find and fix the enemy in their AO. This method works well when insurgents use base camps.
  Execute
  5-35. The four typical steps in search and attack operations are enter the AO, search the AO, locate the
  enemy, and conduct the attack.
  Enter the AO
  5-36. Commanders determine how combined forces enter, conduct movement, and establish objective
  rally points (ORPs) and bases (patrol bases, combat outposts), or (joint security stations) within the AO by
  considering the eight forms of contact possible with the insurgent or the population. This technique allows
  commanders and subordinate leaders to identify their units’ potential contact with the enemy
  and population throughout all phases of the search and attack. Leaders synchronize the actions of adjacent
  units and provide specific tasks to ensure subordinates understand actions on contact with both enemy