text: Chapter 4
  NONCOMBATANT EVACUATION OPERATIONS
  4-108. A transition to crisis or armed conflict may require a noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO).
  Army forces conduct NEOs under a wide range of conditions. They may be conducted under relatively stable
  conditions or under unstable conditions that involve enemy combatants. Ideally, leaders anticipate a NEO
  requirement and are able to execute it prior to crisis or armed conflict. Uncertain adversary intentions and the
  threat of violence often create desperation amongst evacuees and local populations and increase the
  complexity and risk for forces conducting NEOs.
  4-109. Once a NEO is requested, approved, and directed, the CCDR directs forces to conduct evacuation
  operations in support of the Department of State and Chief of Mission. NEOs, especially those of significant
  scale, will require Army forces that would otherwise be dedicated to other missions. (See JP 3-68 for more
  information on NEOs.)
  INITIAL EMPLOYMENT OF FORWARD-STATIONED FORCES
  4-110. A key strategic decision during competition or crisis is whether forward-stationed units will defend
  forward to hold terrain or displace to more advantageous positions. This decision should occur during
  competition unless a crisis unfolds in unanticipated ways and forces a decision point. During transition,
  forward-stationed Army forces have three courses of action. The JFC can integrate Army forces with
  host-nation land component forces as part of a mobile or area defense, assign U.S. Army forces a theater
  reserve role, or implement a plan that combines both courses of action. A theater reserve role allows the JFC
  to preserve Army combat power for future offensive operations. Army forces may be required to defend key
  terrain and infrastructure to allow for receiving deploying forces. Army leaders advise the JFC on the best
  ways to use forward-stationed forces based on current conditions in the AO.