text: Chapter 4
  * Locate fords or crossing sites, or obstacle bypasses, within the zone.
  * Locate and clear any mines, obstacles, and barriers in the zone.
  * Report reconnaissance information.
  4-39. Based on priority, the commander may direct the following:
  * Reconnoiter all terrain within the zone.
  * Reconnoiter specific terrain within the zone.
  * Locate bypasses around built-up areas, obstacles, and contaminated areas.
  BCT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
  4-40. BCT commanders direct zone reconnaissance to develop the situation for follow-on offensive,
  defensive, or stability tasks. The Cavalry squadron is the BCT commander’s primary reconnaissance unit to
  develop the situation and refine subsequent courses of action. Consequently, BCT commanders must provide
  planning guidance and clear intent for zone reconnaissance operations that offer both freedom of action and
  adequate direction to ensure their Cavalry squadrons accomplish defined reconnaissance objectives within
  the required timeframe.
  4-41. The BCT commander’s intent for zone reconnaissance provides focus for information collection.
  Based on the potential scale of zone reconnaissance, commanders prioritize collection efforts on
  reconnaissance objectives determined during the IPB process. The event template, terrain analysis, and enemy
  situation template create information requirements that in turn focus collection efforts. These requirements,
  linked to CCIRs, assist the BCT commander and staff with developing and refining courses of action.
  4-42. Regardless of the amount of information known, the BCT commander initially defines and consistently
  refines the type of information needed (information requirements) and when it is needed. The BCT
  commander describes how the reconnaissance efforts enable follow-on operations. The Cavalry squadron
  serves as the BCT commander’s eyes and ears allowing the commander to have a better understanding of the
  operational environment and have the ability to focus the main effort at positions of tactical advantage.
  Finally, the BCT commander defines the Cavalry squadron’s role when the squadron transitions from zone
  reconnaissance to a follow-on operation.
  4-43. When reconnaissance assets react to contact, they affect the reconnaissance tempo. Therefore,
  engagement, disengagement, and bypass criteria are essential considerations from the BCT to the section
  level. The criteria for which subordinate elements lethally engage or disengage enemy forces help the
  squadron gain and maintain contact with the enemy. Commanders may direct bypassing or handing off
  certain sizes or types of units to maintain the tempo of the operation based upon subsequent planned
  operations and guidance from higher. Follow-on forces must understand engagement/disengagement and
  bypass criteria. Reconnaissance assets direct and rehearse deliberate handover of enemy targets between
  friendly units as required during engagement, disengagements, and transitions.
  4-44. To enable information collection, one of the major considerations for the BCT staff when planning
  zone reconnaissance is the Cavalry squadron’s task organization. BCTs task organize and assign command
  relationships for their Cavalry formations to accomplish their assigned mission in their anticipated area of
  operations. The BCT sets conditions for zone reconnaissance by enabling the Cavalry squadron with
  additional capabilities, such as rotary-wing aircraft, air defense support, joint and organic fires. The BCT also
  provides information collection assets, mobility support, increased sustainment capacity, retransmission
  capability, Infantry, and Armored based upon available units, information collection requirements, and
  estimates of the enemy’s capabilities and assets. Effective Cavalry is task organized with additional assets
  that allow them to collect information and intelligence in close contact with the enemy and civil population
  without placing the unit in a position of disadvantage or risk of enemy overmatch. A sufficient task
  organization enables the unit conducting zone reconnaissance to develop the situation through action,
  especially in an unclear operational environment. Similarly, when conducting operations focused on the
  conduct of stability tasks, task organizing the squadron with capabilities specific to collecting information
  for follow-on operations (such as civil affairs, translators, or a complete infrastructure assessment team)
  provides information in a timely fashion.