Previous: 3-186: Transition to the Offense
3-188. It may be tactically wise for the leader to plan a defensive contingency with on-order offensive tasks for operations focused on stability tasks. Subordinate leaders must be fully trained to recognize activities, which initiate this transition. Leaders and Soldiers must be aware that elements of the BCT could be conducting offensive, defensive, and stability missions simultaneously within a small radius of each other. Actions in one unit’s area of operation can affect a change in whatever type task an adjacent unit is conducting. For example, an engagement with an enemy force may have caused noncombatants to be displaced to another section of the city leaving the area of operation open to theft, looting, and vandalism by belligerents.
Next: Chapter 4: Stability
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad