text: Chapter 4
  Korea) processes is critical to communicate and interoperate with allied forces. It is essential that these
  requirements and standards are incorporated into routine training and exercise planning at all echelons to
  build the required interoperable readiness needed in a time of crisis or conflict. (See FM 3-16 for more
  information on multinational operations and interoperability.)
  PROTECT FORWARD-STATIONED FORCES
  4-20. Peer threats possess reconnaissance and surveillance, fires; special operations forces; and other
  capabilities that can range forward-stationed Army forces and place them at risk. The protection of Army
  forces forward, under the assumption that deterrence is not guaranteed, is essential. Army forces implement
  procedures and conduct necessary activities to ensure they, and the elements of the joint or partner force they
  protect, can endure an initial attack with little early warning. This includes preparation for threat attacks from
  any domain that is informed by understanding what holds friendly forces at risk and how a threat may attack.
  An adversary could attack using capabilities from domains other than land, either to set conditions on the
  ground or as a means of escalation designed to limit friendly options. Preparation by Army forces therefore
  includes planning and integration with other elements of the joint force. Coordination for Army and joint
  capabilities that are able to protect friendly forces during armed conflict and enable them to endure until they
  can be supported is critical to establishing deterrence.
  4-21. The demonstrated ability of Army forces to withstand an adversary’s initial attack adds to the
  integrated deterrence effect on adversaries and may dissuade them from escalation. Host-nation capabilities
  may constitute a significant part of force protection and forward defense, so they must be integrated into
  theater protective efforts. Forward deployed forces that cannot be adequately protected or quickly
  repositioned during adversary escalation to armed conflict should be relocated to more defensible locations.
  PREPARE TO TRANSITION AND EXECUTE OPERATION PLANS
  4-22. Army forces at every echelon prepare to execute OPLANs that they are expected or likely to support.
  The foundation for this is active, continuous information collection and intelligence analysis. Higher
  echelons, such as the theater army and corps, identify initial targets and the required Army and joint
  capabilities needed to attack those targets in the initial stages of an armed conflict. They likewise consider
  whether general defense plans that provide guidance for subordinate unit immediate action during the early
  stages of a conflict initiated with few indications or warnings are necessary or prudent.
  4-23. Preparation to execute OPLANs must extend to all echelons and partners. Lower tactical echelons train
  tactical tasks related to the parts of an OPLAN they support or execute. Units conduct deployment rehearsals
  and emergency deployment readiness exercises to improve response times and validate plans. Rehearsals
  with unified action partners build mutual understanding and improve interoperability. Units conduct thorough
  reconnaissance of all lines of communications, infrastructure, avenues of approach, assembly areas, and
  potential firing points or battle positions. Leaders and Soldiers should walk the actual terrain that
  engagements and battles could be fought on and, when possible, they should use this terrain for rehearsals.
  A shared understanding of OPLANs, terrain, and adversaries down to the lowest tactical echelon will allow
  an effective transition to armed conflict.
  TRAIN AND DEVELOP LEADERS
  4-24. Leaders prepare themselves, their subordinates, and their organizations for operations in specific
  combatant command AORs. When developing expertise in specific regions, units become familiar with
  applicable OPLANS and coordinate with the theater army, the assigned military intelligence brigade-theater
  (MIB-T), and other theater army-assigned units as appropriate. This regionally specific readiness augments
  ongoing training and leader development activities conducted across the force. (See Chapter 8 for a detailed
  discussion on the role of leadership during operations.)
  RELATIVE ADVANTAGES DURING COMPETITION
  4-25. During competition, Army forces seek relative advantages at the theater strategic, operational, and
  tactical levels. Relative advantages are advantages that Army forces provide the joint force commander (JFC)
  in relation to a specific adversary, and they are always contextual. They are necessary to deter adversaries,