8-45. The search and attack plan places the finishing force, as the decisive operation, where it can best maneuver to destroy enemy forces or essential facilities once located by reconnaissance assets. Typically, the finishing force occupies a central location in the AO. However, the mission variables may allow the commander to position the finishing force outside the search and attack area. Commanders weight the decisive operation or main effort by using priority of fires and assigning priorities of support to available combat multipliers, such as engineer elements and helicopter lift support. Commanders establish control measures as necessary to consolidate units and concentrate the combat power of their forces before the attack. Once the reconnaissance force locates the enemy, the fixing and finishing forces can fix and destroy it. Commanders also develop contingency plans in the event that the reconnaissance force is compromised.