text: Stability Operations Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  Steps
  7-60. Several steps are common to negotiations and mediations, especially preplanned negotiations:
  Determine the Purpose
  7-61. Before contacting leaders of the belligerent parties to initiate the negotiation or mediation process,
  participants must know what they are trying to do, as well as the limits of their authority. Ensure that
  participants can recommend that their superiors ratify the agreement.
  Prepare
  7-62. Thorough preparation is needed to ensure the success of the negotiation or mediation process.
  Commanders must familiarize themselves with both the situation and the area in which their unit will
  operate. They should consider selecting one person who understands conflict dynamics and cross-cultural
  issues to observe a negotiation or mediation and give advice. This individual can watch for body language
  and other indicators of how the process is working. In turn, this person may be able to coach more effective
  techniques to the negotiators or mediators. Leaders should also develop an agenda for the meeting
  and consider the conduct, customs, and actions expected at the meeting
  Communicate
  7-63. Participants must establish an effective means of communicating with all parties. They should not
  assume that a certain leader or element is opposed to their efforts without careful investigation. Instead,
  they must ensure that facts are correct before forming any opinions. The commander must earn the trust
  and confidence of any opposing party. This includes establishing an atmosphere (and a physical setting)
  that participants will judge to be both fair and safe.
  Execute
  7-64. Always strive to maintain control of the session; be firm, yet even-handed, in leading the
  discussion. At the same time, be flexible, with a willingness to accept recommendations from the opposing
  parties and from assistants and advisors. Settle the easy issues first. Be prepared to precede issue-by-issue
  in a predetermined order. Actions can have different connotations to individuals of other cultures. Culture
  shapes how people reason, what they accept as fact, and what principles they apply to decision making.
  Also, nonverbal behavior, such as the symbolic rituals or protocols of the arrangement for a meeting,
  is important. If participants cannot reach agreement, they must keep the dialogue going. At a minimum,
  they must seek agreement on when the parties will meet again.
  Leader and Meeting Security
  7-65. Key leaders and important meetings, even in established nonviolent peaceful areas of the world,
  need security. This security allows leaders to focus on the meeting’s purpose without distractions. During a
  counterinsurgency, security becomes an absolute requirement as all key leaders and important meetings are
  potential targets for insurgents. Successful counterinsurgency operations require active interaction with the
  population. This interaction varies from formal meetings and negotiations to informal interactions with
  local citizens. Formal meetings and negotiations are significant mission events and should be thoroughly
  planned and properly resourced. Informal interactions happen with little or no planning but must still be
  prepared for thorough training and SOPs. In most situations, unit leaders, from team leaders up are the
  individuals who will be involved in regular interactions and meetings. These personnel are often placed
  in exposed positions as they execute their mission. At the tactical level, a personal security detachment, MP
  platoon, or squad will typically secure a leader, VIP, or meeting. Leaders and units consider several things
  when preparing for meetings or negotiations:
  Individual Soldier Interactions
  7-66. In a counterinsurgency environment, individual Soldiers interact daily with the local population.
  When doing so, they must maintain situational awareness and be prepared to react immediately to a range
  of situations. While one Soldier interacts, another should provide security for the other. This is easy if the
  buddy system is used.