Gain and maintain enemy contact.
Develop the situation rapidly.
(4) Security Operations.
(a) Security operations provide information about the enemy and provide reaction time,
maneuver space, and protection to the division. When properly task organized, augmented, and
supported, any element assigned or supporting the division may be tasked to perform security
operations. The three primary types of security missions are screen, guard, and cover. The difference
between these mission is the degree of security provided. In addition, the division will conduct other
security missions as part of tactical operations that also serve to protect the force and its mission. These
other security missions include, but are not limited to, counterreconnaissance, electronic
countermeasures (ECM), electronic support measures (ESM), deception operation, operations security
(OPSEC), and cover and concealment. Security operations require a knowledge of the following
security fundamentals:
Orient on the main body.
Perform continuous reconnaissance.
Provide early and accurate warning.
Provide reaction time and maneuver space.
Maintain enemy contact.
(b) A screen provides early warning. The screening force gains and maintains enemy
contact and reports enemy activity, destroys or repels enemy reconnaissance, and impedes and harasses
the enemy with long-range fires. The commander must realize that it is likely that a screening mission
may become a guard mission in a matter of minutes; therefore, he must organize his screening force to
provide the flexibility required.
(c) The division commander assigns a guard mission with the intent of protecting the
force. A guard mission accomplishes all tasks of a screening force. The guard mission provides the
division with early warning, reaction time, and maneuver space for the front, flank, or rear, whether it is
moving or stationary. It protects the force from enemy direct fire, observation, and surprise attack. It
reconnoiters, screens, attacks, defends, and delays as required. Guard missions in a mid- to-high-
intensity combat environment require a survivable antitank capability. A force assigned a guard mission
is expected to fight to protect the unit it is guarding from surprise and direct fire until the protected unit
is prepared.
(d) The purpose of a cover mission is to provide the main body with early warning,
reaction time, maneuver space, and information about the enemy and to deceive the
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