text: Chapter 2
  insurgency may use the time variable to its advantage, while the time variable usually works against an
  external counterinsurgent.
  2-44. Time can also play a role in the social variable. Ongoing conflicts tax societies. Populations can
  become less interested in the nuisance of a conflict and more interested in simple peace. As time passes, a
  population may be more interested in who is likely to win an insurgency than the motivation of either side
  of the conflict. Counterinsurgents may also see time as working for or against them. (See paragraphs 4-30
  through 4-45 for more information on insurgent strategies.)
  THE MISSION VARIABLES AND CIVIL CONSIDERATIONS
  2-45. Upon receipt of a mission, commanders filter information categorized by the operational variables
  into relevant information with respect to the mission. They use the mission variables, in combination with
  the operational variables, to refine their understanding of the situation and to visualize, describe, and direct
  operations. The mission variables are mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available,
  time available, and civil considerations. (See ADRP 5-0 for more information on the mission variables).
  Within the mission variables, civil considerations are of unique importance for counterinsurgency. Civil
  considerations are the influence of man-made infrastructure, civilian institutions, and activities of the
  civilian leaders, populations, and organizations within an area of operations on the conduct of military
  operations. Civil considerations comprise six characteristics, expressed in the memory aid ASCOPE: areas,
  structures, capabilities, organizations, people, and events. (See FM 2-01.3/MCRP 2-3A for information on
  the use of ASCOPE.)
  2-46. The commanders’ refinement of information for their mission and their particular area of operations
  is essential. ASCOPE can play an important role in the identification of structures or events that will have
  an effect in a unit’s area of operations. As such, ASCOPE is an important tool for the unit in determining
  important civil considerations in an insurgency. Units within an insurgency use ASCOPE to identify and
  continually refine their understanding of the area of operations over time. Commanders and staffs consider
  ASCOPE from the perspective of the population, the insurgent, and the counterinsurgent. This is
  particularly important for counterinsurgency operations. (See JP 3-57, FM 3-57, MCWP 3-33.1, and ADRP
  2-0 for detailed explanations of ASCOPE.)