Cordon and Search

Sgt Coleman

Task, Conditions, and Standards

Task- Conduct class on Cordon and Search Conditions- Classroom environment in Iraq Standards- Able to conduct a practical exercise following the class, using what you learned.

Sources
FM 3-20.98 chapter 5, sec 6 FM 3-20.96 FM 3-20.971
For additional information on cordon and search proceduresincluding controlling the populace, searching a house, conducting roadblock/checkpoint operations, and employing ROE (including EOF)

Cordon and search operations involve isolating the target area, searching the area, and capturing or destroying possible insurgents and/or contraband. A cordon and search may be a task during a movement to contact, raid, deliberate attack, or area reconnaissance.

Once intelligence gathering elements identify and locate important enemy elements or enemy information, a cordon and search operation may be conducted to collect more detailed information or to neutralize the enemy.

The continuous and effective employment of these intelligence gathering assets before and during the cordon and search may provide updates to the enemy situation that may cause changes to the mission and increase the probability of mission success.

In some situations, the targeted individuals may escape, leaving behind caches of weapons, equipment, or other

Task Organization
Commanders task organize the reconnaissance and scout platoon as a security force (inner or outer cordon), search force, or reserve force during a cordon and search. The reconnaissance or scout platoon will typically operate as part of the security force or the reserve force. If required, however, it can operate either by itself as the search force or as part of a larger search force. HUMINT resources may expedite identification of threats, reduce the chances for exposure to IEDs, and assist in the return of the platoon to its base. Platoon leaders may need to plan for augmentation to include Infantry or tank sections from a maneuver battalion or squadron. ISR assets such as UAS support. Mine detection and/or demolition support from engineer units. Interrogation, translator, and/or HUMINT support from the MICO. PSYOP teams. EW support (such as radio intercept) from the MICO. LNOs to assist with HN interaction.

CONDUCT OF THE OPERATION

The security element is responsible for isolating the objective and specific target areas within an objective. - This element is normally divided into two separate groups: the outer cordon and the inner cordon.

The outer cordon element prevents possible outside influence affecting the mission of the search/assault force by blocking access to the target and interdicting elements trying to reinforce the isolated enemy.

An inner cordon is established to isolate the specific area in which the target of the operation is located. An inner cordon prevents enemy movement within the specific area, preventing enemy entry or escape from the target area.

An effective cordon is critical to the success of the search effort. Deployment to the search area is rapid and is synchronized so it does not provide early warning to the local population.

First, the security force surrounds the area as an inner or outer cordon; the search force then moves into the area.

If the platoons surprise action is successful and the target individuals are taken into custody, the detainees must be moved immediately to the CAB or squadron S-2 to ensure the unit has sufficient time to process and conduct TQ of detainees.

Checkpoints and roadblocks are established along roads entering and exiting the area. OPs are established, and security patrols are executed in the surrounding area. The security force orients mainly on people or vehicles attempting to escape or evade the search in the populated area; however, the security force can also cut off elements or individuals trying to reinforce enemy forces in the

TCP 1 Outer Cordon Reserve Force

Inner Cordon

Target

Search Team

TCP 2

Questions?