text: Stability Operations Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  Flexibility
  7-99. This principle states that units must adapt to changing conditions, take advantage of opportunities,
  and maximize effectiveness as part of their reconstruction and development program. Just as the conditions
  for offensive and defensive operations are often changing and uncertain, so are the relief
  and reconstruction tasks associated with stability operations. These conditions will often require
  commanders to change tactics to achieve desired objectives.
  Accountability
  7-100. Enforcing accountability, building transparency into systems, and emplacing effective checks
  and balances to guard against corruption are important components to any relief, reconstruction,
  or development program. Accountability in all actions, including the unit’s use of money, reinforces the
  legitimacy of the commander and his operations, as well as the legitimacy of the local government, in the
  eyes of the population.
  Small-Scale Building Projects
  7-101. Small-scale building projects encompass almost all construction, both permanent and temporary,
  that is limited in scale. Examples include schoolhouses, clinics, simple irrigation works, farm-to-market
  roads, or small police stations. These projects also try to provide immediate, short-term economic stimuli
  and long term benefits to a local area. The HN should have the highest possible profile and participation
  in all phases of these projects. Before construction begins, leader’s should understand the second and third
  order effects of the project, such as which group(s) will profit from the project or use the project and any
  conflicts of interest that arise from it. They should also consider the following:
  • The local population should need or want the project.
  • The project should support the Host Nation’s plan.
  • The project should support the unit’s COIN mission and long-range plans.
  • The project should support Host Nation civilian authority.
  • The counterinsurgent unit should develop a sustainability plan.
  Basic Technique Considerations
  7-102. The following outlines a basic process to conduct a small-scale building project:
  Concept Development
  7-103. Identify needs and potential projects to fill those needs. Soldiers and leaders at every level
  of responsibility should help in identifying potential projects that will further the unit’s and the Host
  Nation’s interests in an AO. Leaders identify potential projects through meetings with local officials
  and through interaction with the local populace, along with their own observations of their area
  of operations. Concurrently, possible locations are identified, surveyed, and discussed with the local
  population and leaders to ensure suitability.
  Project Planning
  7-104. Once the site has been selected and the project is ready to move forward, a plan for security
  is developed and implemented. Whenever possible, Host Nation police forces should be used. The
  counterinsurgent unit should also continually assess the security situation and adjust the security plan
  accordingly based on the changing threat. Consideration should also be given to sustaining the security
  forces for the duration of the project.
  • Create the design and obtain approval of design.
  • Determine resource requirements.
  (cid:131) Material.
  (cid:131) Equipment.
  (cid:131) Personnel—Labor (professional, skilled, and unskilled).