text: Offensive Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  EXPLOITATION
  5-12. This rapidly follows a successful attack and disorganizes the enemy in depth (FM 3-0). Tactical
  commanders exploit successful offensive operations. In COIN, failure to exploit may allow the insurgent
  to egress, reposition, or disappear into the population. An example of a tactical unit conducting an
  exploitation in COIN would be sending a unit on a raid based on information and intelligence gathered on
  a cordon and search that occurred earlier in the day. Effective search procedures, tactical site exploitation,
  tactical questioning, and use of ISR assets are key to units being able to effectively conduct an exploitation.
  PURSUIT
  5-13. This is conducted to catch or cut off a hostile force attempting to escape with the aim
  of destroying it (FM 3-0). Pursuit operations begin when an insurgent forces attempts to conduct retrograde
  operations. Unlike conventional operations, where the enemy’s transition to retrograde operations leaves
  him vulnerable to loss of internal cohesion and complete destruction, the insurgent’s transition
  to retrograde operations may make it more difficult for tactical units to engage, capture, or kill him.
  Successful pursuit of the insurgent relies on maintaining contact through surveillance assets, patrols,
  and HN security forces.
  5-14. Tactical leaders must recognize the potential of the insurgent to conduct a baited ambush during
  retrograde operations. Critical to mitigating risk to friendly forces during a pursuit is maintaining one
  of the eight forms of contact (direct, indirect, nonhostile/civilian, obstacle, CBRN, aerial, visual, and
  electronic) and positioning of adjacent units such as aviation, HN security forces, surveillance assets, other
  ground forces, and quick reaction forces (QRF).
  OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN CLEAR, HOLD, BUILD OPERATIONS
  5-15. Offensive operations are the initial focus in clear, hold build, operations. These operations
  establish civil security and establish civil control. Both are pivotal in setting the conditions for balanced
  development across the seven COIN LOEs. Offensive operations will continue to be conducted in the hold
  and build phases. This keeps insurgents from reestablishing influence over an area and is based on a
  change in the insurgency’s organizational and operational patterns.
  MISSION VARIABLES IN COIN
  5-16. In counterinsurgency operations, tactical units face a unique set of considerations based on the
  mission variables. Specific considerations for types of offensive operations will be discussed later.
  However, some considerations for all offensive operations include—
  MISSION
  • Offensive operations should be based on the best intelligence available, while inflicting the
  minimal damage to the population, infrastructure, and local economy.
  • To further gather intelligence, units must be prepared to conduct SE.
  • Leaders should consider having a consequence management and a Perception Management
  plan, in case the offensive actions go poorly.
  ENEMY
  • Leaders must pay careful attention to insurgent escape routes, as most insurgents will seek
  to flee from most. Other enemy considerations include—
  (cid:131) The insurgent resistance in the direction of attack into the target area.
  (cid:131) Insurgent resistance in the objective area.
  (cid:131) Insurgent resistance at the target.
  (cid:131) Insurgent resistance departing the objective.