text: Chapter 8
  search, raid, and ambush) to eliminate the efficacy of internal defense threats. During the conduct of area
  security operations, the BCT commander and staff must understand the relationship with host-nation
  authorities and the civilian population. A clear understanding of the commander’s authority is essential in
  exercising that degree of control necessary to ensure security and safety to all military forces and the civilian
  population located within the BCT’s areaof operations.
  OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
  8-121. Area security operations protect friendly forces, installations, routes, and actions within an area of
  operations. During the conduct of stability-focused operations, area security operations establish and
  maintain the conditions for stability in an unstable area before or during hostilities, or enduring peace and
  stability after open hostilities cease. Area security operations are often an effective method of providing civil
  security and civil control and supporting security cooperation during operations focused on stability. For
  example, an area security operation may have to be designed around numerous political constraints. This
  may include aligning unit areas of operation with the host nation’s existing political boundaries. Security
  objectives, regardless of which element of decisive action (offense, defense, or stability) currently dominates,
  ensure freedom of action over a prolonged period in consonance with the BCT commander’s concepts of
  operations and intent. (See ATP 3-91 for additional information.)
  CIVIL CONSIDERATIONS
  8-122. Civil considerations reflect the influence of manmade infrastructure, civilian institutions, and
  attitudes and activities of the civilian leaders, populations, and organizations within the operational
  environment on the conduct of military operations. Commanders and staffs analyze civil considerations
  within thecharacteristicsof areas, structures, capabilities, organizations, people, and events(ASCOPE). (See
  ATP 2-01.3 for additional information on these characteristics.)
  8-123. Since civilians are normally present in operations with a dominant stability component, the BCT
  normally restrains its use of force when conducting area security operations. However, the commander
  remains responsible for protecting the force and considers this responsibility when considering rules of
  engagement. Restrictions on conducting operations and using force must be clearly explained and understood
  by everyone. Subordinate commanders and leaders, and Soldiers must understand that their actions, no matter
  how minor, may have far-reaching positive or negative effects. Subordinate commanders and leaders, and
  Soldiers must realize that media (either hostile or neutral) and adversaries can quickly exploit their actions,
  especially the way they treat the civilian population.
  AREA SECURITY
  8-124. Area security, a security operation conducted to protect friendly forces, installations, routes, and
  actions within a specific area, takes advantage of the local security measures performed by all units,
  regardless of their location in the area of operations. Local security includes any local measure taken by units
  against enemy actions. Local security, dependent upon the situation, may involve avoiding enemy detection
  or deceiving the enemy about friendly positions and intentions. Local security may include finding any enemy
  forces in the immediate vicinity and knowing as much about their positions and intentions as possible. Local
  security prevents a unit from being surprised and is an important part of maintaining the initiative during area
  security.
  8-125. The requirement for maintaining local security is an inherent part of any area security mission. Units
  use both passive and active measures to provide local security. Passive local security measures include using
  camouflage, movement control, noise and light discipline, operations security, and proper communications
  procedures. Measures also include employing available sensors, night-vision devices, and daylight sights to
  maintain surveillance over the area immediately around the unit. Active measures, dependent upon the
  situation, may include—
  (cid:122) Using observation posts, combat outposts, combat patrols, and reconnaissance and surveillance
  patrols.
  (cid:122) Establishing specific levels of alert based on the mission variables of METT-TC.