objective can operate freely, without interference.

Actions on the objective commence after

both cordons have been established, and are conducted by a designated search or assault
element, depending on the mission profile. Entry to the objective can involve dynamic entry or
a simple knock on the front door of the objective site.

Cordons normally focus on capturing or killing suspected enemy personnel, although the
primary purpose of the mission can be to gain intelligence or act as a deception for another
operation. A cordon requires precise, timely intelligence. This intelligence is the product of
information gained from local patrols, various ISR collections, and a variety of external sources.
In preparation for conducting a cordon, leaders must always consider the importance of
surprise, speed, flexibility, and IO.

Additional information on cordon and search operations can be found in MCWP 3-01.

Cordon Principles
A unit’s success conducting a cordon depends heavily on the training of the Marines, paired
with accurate and timely intelligence. Commanders must ensure that their Marines understand
and rehearse cordons, and that they can conduct them rapidly. The following are the principles
of successful cordons:

• Reconnoiter the objective.

• Rapidly exploit actionable intelligence.
• Surprise is essential; take advantage of the night when possible.
• Patrol to the objective in a deceptive manner—randomness is key.
• Isolate the objective.
• Integrate host nation security forces into the operation; they should lead as much as
possible.
• Integrate female Marines into the force and employ them to search and gain
information from local women in accordance with Department of Defense
regulations.
• Systematically search, document, tag, photograph, and seize all things of potential
intelligence value. Expect the enemy to hide weapons caches and other items of
intelligence value in hidden compartments in and around the objective.
• Have an immediate action planned for in advance if the objective is empty or the
targeted individual is not present.
• Plan the withdrawal and strive to secure an egress route during the mission.
• Be prepared to move leadership and elements from one location to another during
mission execution.
• Inform the local populace of the purpose for the operation.
• Execute the operation with limited inconvenience to the population and maximum respect
for local culture.
• Do not compromise intelligence sources.

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