text: Offense
  A pursuit includes a willingness to forego some synchronization to maintain contact and pressure on a fleeing
  enemy.
  6-213. A mobility advantage over the enemy is vital to the BCT’s effectiveness in pursuit. A combination
  of Armored or Stryker forces, combined with Infantry conducting air assaults, can be extremely effective
  when cutting off the enemy forcing them to either surrender or bedestroyed. The range,speed,and weapons
  load of attack reconnaissance aviation units makes them uniquely useful in an exploitation or pursuit to
  extend the ground commander’s reach. Dismounted movement over difficult terrain allows Infantry units to
  seize blocking positions. (SeeFM 3-90-1 for additional information.)
  SECTION VI – TRANSITIONS
  6-214. Decisive action involves more than simultaneous execution of all tasks. Decisive action requires the
  commander and staff to consider the BCT’s capabilities and capacities relative to each assigned task. The
  commander considers the mission,determines which tactics to use,and balances the tasks of decisive action
  while preparing the commander’s intent and concept of operations. The commander determines which tasks
  the force can accomplish simultaneously, if phasing is required, what additional resources the force may
  need,and how to transition from one task to another.
  6-215. Transitions between tasks of decisive action require careful assessment, prior planning, and unit
  preparation as the commander shifts the combination of offensive, defensive, and stability operations.
  Commanders first assess the situation to determine applicable tasks and the priority for each. When
  conditions change, commanders adjust the combination of tasks of decisive action in the concept of
  operations.
  6-216. A transition occurs when the commander makes an assessment that the unit must change its focus
  from one element of decisive action to another. A commander halts the offense when the offense results in
  complete victory and the end of hostilities reaches a culminating point,the BCT is approaching a culminating
  point due to operational reach (see chapter 9),or the commander receives a change in mission from a higher
  commander. This change in mission may be a result of the interrelationship of the other instruments of
  national power,such as a political decision.
  6-217. All offensive actions that do not achieve complete victory reach a culminating point when the
  balance of strength shifts from the attacking force to its opponent. Usually,offensive actions lose momentum
  when friendly forces encounter and cannot bypass heavily defended areas. Offensive actions also reach a
  culminating point when the resupply of fuel, ammunition, and other supplies fails to keep up with
  expenditures,Soldiers become physically exhausted,casualties and equipment losses mount,and repairs and
  replacements do not keep pace with losses. Offensive actions also stall when reserves are not available to
  continue the advance,the defender receives reinforcements,or the defender counterattacks with fresh troops.
  Several of these actions may combine to halt an offense. When the offensive action halts,the attacking unit
  can regain its momentum,but normally this only happens after difficult fighting or after an operational pause.
  6-218. The commander plans a pause to replenish combat power and phases the operation accordingly,if
  the commander cannot anticipate securing decisive objectives before subordinate forces reach their
  culminating points. Simultaneously, the commander attempts to prevent the enemy from knowing when
  friendly forces become overextended.
  TRANSITION TO THE CONDUCT OF DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS
  6-219. Once offensive actions begin,the attacking commander tries to sense when subordinate units reach,
  or are about to reach,their respective culminating points. The commander must transition to a focus on the
  defense (see chapter 7) before subordinate units reach this point. The commander has more freedom to choose
  where and when to halt the attack, if the commander can sense that subordinate forces are approaching
  culmination. The commander can plan future activities to aid the defense,minimize vulnerability to attack,
  and facilitate renewal of the offense as the force transitions to branches or sequels of the ongoing operation.
  For example, some subordinate units may move into battle positions before the entire unit terminates its
  offensive actions to start preparing for ensuing defensive operations. The commander can echelon
  sustainment assets forward to establish a new echelon support area.