text: Chapter 8
  PROTECTION
  8-211. As preparation activities continue, the commander’s situational understanding may change over the
  course of the area security operation, enemy actions may require revision of the security plan, or unforeseen
  opportunities may arise. Protection assessments made during planning may be proven true or false.
  Intelligence analysis from reconnaissance, surveillance,and security operationsmay confirm or deny enemy
  actions or show changed security conditions in the area of operations because of shaping operations. The
  status of friendly forces may change as the situation changes. In any of these cases, the commander identifies
  the changed conditions and assesses how the changes might affect upcoming area security missions.
  Significant new information requires commanders to make one of three assessments listed below regarding
  the area security plans:
  (cid:122) The new information validates the plan with no further changes.
  (cid:122) Thenew information requires adjustments to the plan.
  (cid:122) The new information invalidates the plan, requiring the commander to reframe and develop a new
  plan.
  8-212. Protecting information during preparation activities is a key factor in protecting BCT subordinate
  units and the overall BCT area security operation. The secure and uninterrupted flow of data and information
  allows the BCT to multiply its combat power and synchronize division and other unified action partner
  capabilities and activities. The need to be candid and responsive to requests for information balance the need
  to protect operational information, such as troop movements, security plans, and vulnerabilities identified
  during preparation (inspections and rehearsals). Working closely with all partners develops the EEFI to
  preclude inadvertent public disclosure of critical or sensitive information. Information protection includes
  cybersecurity, computer network defense, and electromagneticprotection (EP). All three are interrelated.
  SUSTAINMENT
  8-213. Resupplying, maintaining, and the issuing of supplies or equipment occur during temporary and
  long-term area security commitments. Repositioning of sustainment assets also occur. During preparation,
  sustainment planners take action to optimize means (force structure and resources) for supporting the
  commander’s area security plan. These actions include, but are not limited to, identifying and preparing bases,
  host-nation infrastructure and capabilities, contract support requirements, and lines of communications. They
  also include forecasting and building operational stocks as well as identifying endemic health and
  environmental factors. Integrating environmental considerations will sustain vital resources and help reduce
  the logistics footprint. Planners focus on identifying the resources currently available and ensuring access to
  them. During preparation, sustainment planning continues to support operational planning (branch and sequel
  development) and the targeting (lethal and nonlethal) process.
  8-214. Dependent on the mission variables of METT-TC, sustainment elements may support the BCT from
  within its area of operations or from echelon support areas located outside the area of operations. The threat
  within the assigned area of operations is generally the major consideration in determining the size and
  composition of forces (support and operational) arrayed during an area security operation. Support elements
  (and any other force) within the BCT’s area of operations must be able to defend themselves against a LevelI
  threat, a small enemy force that can be defeated by those units normally operating in the echelon support area
  or by the perimeter defenses established by friendly bases and base clusters. The BCT commander uses a
  response force to response to a Level II threat (see chapter 4). Host-nation security forces, when feasible,
  may be an effective means of reinforcing the security of sustainment elements supporting from within and
  external to the BCT’s area of operations because of their knowledge of the area, its language, and customs.
  (See chapter 9for additional information.)
  Notes. Base and base cluster defense is the cornerstone of successful area security and support
  area efforts. The commander achieves the application of effective area security for base and base
  clusters and their tenant and transient units by developing a comprehensive plan linked to site
  selection, layout, and facility design. (ATP 3-21.20, appendix I outlines the organization of forces,
  control measures, and considerations about planning, preparing, and executing base and base
  cluster operations.)