text: Defense
  7-199. A commander can use two basic methods when transitioning to the offense. The first,and generally
  preferred, method is to attack using forces not previously committed to the defense. This method has the
  advantage of using rested units at a high operational strength. A drawback to this method is the requirement
  to conduct a forward passage of lines. Additionally,enemy intelligence assets are likely to detect the arrival
  of significant reinforcements. Another consideration of using units not in contact occurs when they are
  operating in noncontiguous areas of operations. The commander rapidly masses overwhelming combat power
  in the decisive operation. This might require the commander to adopt economy of force measures in some
  areas of operations while temporarily abandoning others to generate sufficient combat power.
  7-200. The other method is to conduct offensive actions using the currently defending forces. This method
  has the advantage of being more rapidly executed and thus more likely to catch the enemy by surprise. Speed
  of execution in this method results from not having to conduct an approach or tactical road march from
  reserve assembly areas or,in the case of reinforcements,move from other area of operations and reception,
  staging, organization, and integration locations. Speed also results from not having to conduct a forward
  passage of lines and perform the liaison necessary to establish a COP that includes knowledge of the enemy
  force’s patterns of operation. The primary disadvantage of this method is that the attacking force generally
  lacks stamina and must be quickly replaced if friendly offensive actions are not to culminate quickly.
  7-201. If units in contact participate in the attack,the commander must retain sufficient forces in contact to
  fix the enemy. The commander concentrates the attack by reinforcing select subordinate units so they can
  execute the attack and, if necessary, maintain the existing defense. The commander can also adjust the
  defensive boundaries of subordinate units so entire units can withdraw and concentrate for the attack.
  7-202. The commander conducts any required reorganization and resupply concurrently with transition
  activities. This requires a transition in the sustainment effort, with a shift in emphasis from ensuring a
  capability to defend from a chosen location to an emphasis on ensuring the force’s ability to advance and
  maneuver. For example,in the defense,the sustainment effort may have focused on the forward stockage of
  class IV (construction and barrier materials) and class V (ammunition) items and the rapid evacuation of
  combat damaged systems. In the offense, the sustainment effort may need to focus on providing POL and
  forward repair of maintenance and combat losses. Transition is often a time in which forces perform deferred
  equipment maintenance. Additional assets may also be available on a temporary basis for casualty evacuation
  and medical treatment because of a reduction in the tempo of operations.
  TRANSITION TO THE CONDUCT OF STABILITY OPERATIONS
  7-203. During the transition to operations focused on stability,the role of the BCT varies greatly depending
  upon the security environment,the authority and responsibility of the BCT,and the presence and capacities
  of other nonmilitary actors. When transitioning from the defense, these other actors will normally be less
  established before stability operations tasks begin. The BCT in this casewill operate before other actors have
  a significant presence. Generally, the BCT will focus on meeting the immediate essential service and civil
  security needs of the civilian inhabitants of the area of operations in coordination with any existing
  host-nation government and nongovernmental organizations before addressing the other stability operations
  tasks. (See chapter 8.) Support requirements may change dramatically. During transition, the commander
  may adjust rules of engagement or their implementation. The commander must effectively convey these
  changes to the lowest level.
  7-204. The BCT must remain versatile and retain flexibility when transitioning from the defense to
  operations focused on stability. The commander may plan on order transition to a stability-focusedmission
  when certain conditions are met. These conditions may include a sharp reduction of the enemy’s offensive
  capabilities or deterioration in civilian governance and security. These conditions may require the rapid
  occupation and security of civilian areas. The commander must make every attempt to begin transition
  operations as soon as subordinate units of the BCT arrive within an assigned area of operations.
  7-205. BCT subordinate units and Soldiers must be aware that during the transition to operations focused
  on stability,there may be events that escalate to combat. The BCT must always retain the ability to conduct
  offense and defense during transition. Preserving the ability to transition allows the commander to maintain
  initiative while providing security. The commander should consider planning an on-order offensive and