text: Chapter 4
  TASKS
  4-68. Certain tasks are required during route reconnaissance, unless otherwise directed by the higher
  commander. These tasks are not a checklist or arranged sequentially, as some may not be necessary for
  mission accomplishment. If time is limited, the commander directs reconnaissance for SIRs. The tasks
  conducted within capability and associated with route reconnaissance are—
  * Find, report, and clear all enemy forces that can influence movement along the route in accordance
  with engagement criteria.
  * Reconnoiter and determine the trafficability of the route.
  * Reconnoiter all terrain the enemy can use to influence movement along the route, such as choke
  points, ambush sites, and pickup, landing, and drop zones.
  * Reconnoiter all built-up areas along the route.
  * Reconnoiter all lateral routes.
  * Locate bypasses around built-up and contaminated areas.
  * Inspect and classify all bridges within the area.
  * Reconnoiter defiles along the route. Clear them of enemy and obstacles, or locate a bypass.
  * Locate fords or crossing sites near all bridges on the route.
  * Inspect and classify all overpasses, underpasses, and culverts.
  * Locate and clear all mines and barriers on the route, and locate bypasses around any obstacles that
  cannot be cleared.
  * Submit route report.
  BCT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
  4-69. The BCT commander assigns a route reconnaissance mission when plans call for using a specific route
  for friendly movement. The planning considerations for route reconnaissance at brigade level are the same
  as for zone reconnaissance, with additional considerations. BCT commanders assign the Cavalry squadron a
  single route along the length or width of the area of operations or along multiple, geographically separate
  routes, albeit commanders seldom assign single routes to squadrons. The squadron can establish its own
  routes with different functions. Commanders can add those functions as objectives to specify different types
  of routes. Examples of such routes are portrayed in figure 4-3 and figure 5-4 (page 5-19). The BCT
  commander provides focus, reconnaissance tempo, and engagement and disengagement criteria as they relate
  to the main body considerations for reconnaissance or battle handover.
  CAVALRY SQUADRON PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
  4-70. The planning considerations for route reconnaissance at the squadron level are the same as for zone
  reconnaissance, with some unique considerations. When a squadron conducts route reconnaissance of a
  single route, one troop acts as the main reconnaissance unit with the other troops operating abreast on the
  flanks to reconnoiter terrain features that dominate or influence the main route. When deciding how much
  terrain on each flank of the route to reconnoiter, the commander determines possible danger areas and the
  nature of the potential threat. The squadron then determines the task organization and command relationships
  of any combined arms attachments, based on the IPB and mission analysis.
  4-71. When the squadron conducts route reconnaissance of multiple routes whereon enemy contact is
  probable, a troop conducts reconnaissance of one route while the other troops secure their flanks. If contact
  is unlikely, the troop may reconnoiter with assigned scout platoons through multiple routes, which must be
  close enough together for the troop commander to control the operation. Integrated air and ground
  reconnaissance provides for faster and more complete reconnaissance. The squadron establishes control
  measures for route reconnaissance by creating an area of operations for the unit conducting reconnaissance.
  The commander places lateral boundaries on both sides of the route far enough out to allow reconnaissance
  of all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along the route. An LD is placed
  perpendicularly to the route, and at a starting point at the beginning of the route. Figure 4-3 illustrates a start
  point. The LD creates the rear boundary of the area of operations. The commander then places an LOA far
  enough beyond the route’s release point to include terrain from which the enemy could influence the route.