text: Chapter 4
  Figure 4-2. Example movement to contact control measures
  4-15. Commanders designate a series of phase lines that can successively become the new rear boundary of
  the forward security elements as that force advances. Each security area rear boundary becomes the forward
  boundary of the main body and shifts as the security force moves forward. The rear boundary of the main
  body designates the limit of responsibility of the rear security element. This line also shifts as the main body
  moves forward. Units may use an axis of advance to control movement. However, there is the risk that their
  forces may not detect and may inadvertently bypass enemy forces outside the axis.
  PLANNING A MOVEMENT TO CONTACT
  4-16. Planning for a movement to contact requires units to balance competing requirements in the allocation
  of combat power. The first requirement is to determine an enemy force’s location and intent. The second
  requirement is to execute security operations to protect the main body. The main body focuses its planning
  and preparation on the conduct of hasty attacks, bypassing forces, and hasty defenses. The plan must address
  actions anticipated by the unit based on available information and anticipated times and locations of meeting
  engagements. Commanders also task their forward security forces with conducting route reconnaissance of
  routes the main body traverses.
  4-17. Units seek to gain contact by using the smallest elements possible. These elements are normally ground
  or aerial units performing reconnaissance but may include UAS or other collection assets. Units may task-
  organize their reconnaissance assets with additional combat power to allow them to develop the situation.
  The movement formation of the main body should also make initial contact with the smallest force possible.
  It should provide for efficient movement of the force and adequate reserves. Commanders choose to have all,
  or part of the main body conduct an approach march as part of the movement to contact to provide efficiency
  and freedom of action to the main body. (See Chapter 14 for additional information on troop movement.)
  4-18. The frontage assigned to a unit in a movement to contact must allow it to apply sufficient combat
  power to maintain the momentum of the operation. Reducing the frontage normally gives a unit more combat
  power to develop the situation upon contact while maintaining the required momentum. The forward security
  force should have uncommitted forces available to develop the situation without requiring the deployment of
  the main body. The benefits of a wider frontage include increasing the likelihood of making contact with the
  enemy and reducing the potential of inadvertently bypassing enemy formations.